All Saints Anglican School: Matthew Corbett to replace Patrick Wallas as Merrimac school’s principal

A leading educator with significant international experience has been named as the new headmaster of one of the Gold Coast’s most exclusive private schools. WHY HE WAS PICKED

A leading educator with significant international experience has been named as the new headmaster of one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious schools.

Matthew Corbett will take up the reins as principal of All Saints Anglican School in 2025 following the retirement of the long-serving Patrick Wallas who will depart at the end of the year.

Mr Corbett will be only the third person to head the Merrimac-based school in its near-40-year-history.

“I am honoured to have been chosen as the next principal of All Saints Anglican School,” he said.

“I feel privileged and humbled to serve a community that is so passionate about their school. I look forward to working closely with the staff, students, parents, and the broader community to build upon the school’s vision to nurture the hearts, minds and spirits of young people, while helping every student joyfully reach their full potential.”

Matt Corbett has been named as the new Headmaster of All Saints Anglican School and will replace Patrick Wallas in 2025. Picture: Supplied

Mr Corbett has decades of experience in the education sector, having previously worked in Malaysia and Hong Kong, as well as principal at Melbourne’s Caulfield Grammar School’s Wheelers Hill Campus

School council chairman John Fradgley said Mr Corbett had been hired because his “global perspective” aligned with plans for the future.

“We are delighted to welcome Mr Corbett to the All Saints community,” he said.

“His passion for education, innovative approach to learning, and commitment to inclusivity make him the ideal candidate to lead our school into its next chapter.

“I am confident that Mr Corbett’s leadership will further enhance the educational experience for our students and continue to strengthen the bonds within our school community.”

Long-serving All Saints Anglican School headmaster Patrick Wallas pictured with students over the years. He will retire at the end of the 2024 school year. Picture: Supplied

Mr Corbett will work closely with Mr Wallas, who was appointed in 2001 to replace the school’s founder Len Nairn, during the transition.

Mr Wallas announced in September 2023 he would retire at the end of the 2024 school year.

His time at the helm has included some of the most tumultuous events in living memory.

He was appointed in the aftermath of the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks and saw the school community through dramatic changes to the education sector as well as the trauma of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Founding headmaster, Rev Len Nairn with students in the 1990s. Picture: Supplied

“By the end of (2024) it will be time for someone with fresh ideas to come in and take the school forward with dynamism, optimism and I think it will be a very exciting time,” he said when announcing his retirement.

“There is sadness and a little bit of fear at leaving this behind but excitement at what may lay ahead but a deep, deep sense of gratitude to have lived out a role which has given me nothing but reassurance that the youth are going to solve the problem which are currently facing with love and determination.”

Mr Fradgley said the school planned to “honour and celebrate the remarkable culture and legacy cultivated by Mr Wallas” through his final months as principal.