Matthew Corbett: New All Saints Anglican School Principal reveals plans for the future
Taking over as the head of one of the Gold Coast’s most elite schools is a daunting task but this new principal says he’s ready for the challenge – he’s got “skin in the game”. FIND OUT WHY
Education
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Taking over as the head of one of the Gold Coast’s most elite schools is a daunting task but Matthew Corbett says he’s ready for the challenge – he’s got “skin in the game”.
The 43-year-old is two-weeks into his stint as headmaster of Merrimac’s All Saints Anglican School where he leads more than 1500 students, including his own two children.
Mr Corbett said he wanted to maintain traditions while going in a new direction.
“I have inherited a wonderful culture, a place with a huge heart, a caring community and as impressive a group of young people as I’ve ever met, so it will be a careful balance of tradition and innovation,” he said.
“I’ve got two kids here at the school in grades three and five, so I’ve got skin in the game and that’s important.
“I’m spending time learning what makes All Saints tick, what are the sacred cows, while at the same time understanding what works for our young people because they need to be able to adapt and be ready for the future.
“You can get carried away with fads in education but the core elements of what makes education and teaching great still exist.”
Mr Corbett was appointed principal of the prestigious private school in April 2024 and is only the third person to hold that role since the school’s opening in 1986.
He replaced long-time incumbent Patrick Wallas who retired at the end of 2024.
Mr Corbett, a married father of two, arrived on January 6 and has spent the first weeks of February getting to know his student body and staff.
He said it was humbling to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors.
“(Founder) Len Nairn had an incredible vision which is as important now as it was back then, while Patrick was a master communicator and incredible with relationships.
“I’m 43 and can still connect to the young people though some things are a bit harder – I was out on the field trying to play touch rugby in a suit and tie the other day and the kids thought it was funny but my body didn’t think it was so good.”
Mr Corbett was born in Melbourne but grew up in New Zealand’s Arrowtown where he trained to become a teacher, beginning his career in Auckland, focusing on physical education and English.
Seeking adventure, he travelled overseas and spent seven years teaching in international schools in Hong Kong and Malaysia before returning to Australia.
The educator revealed he had longstanding ties to the Gold Coast, with both his grandparents and father living here.
“The stars aligned and it feels like I’m home,” he said.
Despite being keen to maintain traditions, Mr Corbett said the students of the 2020s needed to be ready for a changing world.
“The building blocks of great teaching still stand today but we need to produce great people who will contribute to the world,” he said.
“If you only focus on great grades and academics, you miss the trick of producing great people and if our kids feel a sense of belonging, the learning flourishes and comes along with them
“Our kids are known for their character, skill and confidence and we will continue with this.”
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