Broadbeach State School: Stephen Josey to replace Bruce Langes as principal from Term 2, 2025

A veteran educator, hailed as “passionate and goal-driven”, has been named as the new principal of one of the Gold Coast’s best primary schools. FIND OUT MORE

Veteran educator Stephen Josey has been named as the new principal of one of the Gold Coast’s best primary schools.

Mr Josey will take up the leadership post at Broadbeach State School in April at the beginning of term 2.

He will replace long-time incumbent Bruce Langes, who announced in December 2024 that he would step down and retire.

Mr Langes, in a letter to staff and students, praised his successor, who has been principal of Labrador State School since 2018.

“During his tenure at Labrador, Stephen has developed a dedicated team focused on high quality outcomes for students,” Mr Langes wrote.

Councillor Joe Wilkinson with Labrador State School principal Stephen Josey who is becoming the principal at Broadbeach State School.

“His impact has been substantial and his current community will be disappointed to see him

move on. While his departure from Labrador will be tinged with sadness, he is very excited about leading the team at Broadbeach and building on our established foundations.

“I have known Stephen since his arrival at Labrador from Burrowes State School and have worked alongside him in our respective roles in the Gold Coast South branch of the Queensland Association of State School Principals.

“He is a relational leader and a passionate, goal-driven educator.

“Our unrelenting focus on the pursuit of excellence for all matches well with his philosophy.”

Broadbeach State School is one of the Gold Coast’s busiest government-run campuses, with more than 1170 students.

The changeover will be the second at a prominent Gold Coast school in as many months, following the appointment of Matthew Corbett as the headmaster of All Saints Anglican School in January.

Broadbeach State School principal Bruce Langes is retiring at the end of Term 1. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Langes is serving out his final weeks at the school he has led since 2017 before retiring to spend more time with his wife Linda.

He served in the leadership role after a long teaching career which also saw him serve as principal of Gilston State School.

He led the school through the difficulties of the pandemic years and oversaw its strong NAPLAN results.

Both Langes and Mr Josey announced the move simultaneously at the end of last week.

Mr Langes said the leadership transition would begin immediately, with plans already afoot for Mr Josey to visit the campus in coming weeks before he officially becomes principal.

“I am grateful for the lead time the early announcement of Stephen’s appointment affords me. “We will be deliberate in facilitating his transition to ensure we maintain equilibrium across our school.

“Stephen has accepted my invitation to send you a letter of introduction next week so you can look forward to hearing directly from the man himself.”