Principals swap jobs in major shake up at elite Melbourne schools

Leaders at some of Melbourne’s top schools are trading places, with some now on track to pocket more pay than the premier.

New principals and deputies have been announced for several elite Melbourne schools.

More private school principal appointments can be revealed, as leaders swap jobs at some of Victoria’s top schools.

In doing so, some will enjoy salaries higher than the premier, fee discounts, generous travel allowances and bonuses such as babysitters and on-campus residences.

Caulfield Grammar

Meg Adem will take up a job at Caulfield Grammar after roles at some of Melbourne’s other top schools, including Scotch College and Brighton Grammar. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Meg Adem

One of the big winners of the takeover of Shelford Girls’ Grammar by Caulfield Grammar next year is Meg Adem, who will take up a new role as deputy principal and head of the co-ed school’s Caulfield campus.

Meg Adem will take over as the deputy principal of the Caulfield Campus.

Ms Adem was previously the deputy principal and head of senior school at Mentone Girls’ Grammar.

Formerly of Scotch College and Brighton Grammar, Ms Adem has worked extensively with the VCAA as an Exam Panel Member for VCE Psychology.

Ms Adem ruffled some feathers for her strong “take-no-prisoners” leadership style while at Mentone Girls’ Grammar, which has seen a decline in numbers in recent years.

Mentone Girls’ Grammar

Lauren Perfect

Ms Perfect, the current deputy principal and head of senior school at Ruyton Girls’ School, is replacing Natalie Charles as principal of Mentone Girls’ Grammar.

Ms Charles’ position at Mentone Girls has come under some criticism amid concerns the school’s leaders ignored concerns about the sexual misconduct of a senior male staff member.

Ms Charles is leaving next year to take up a position at Scotch College.

Ms Perfect has been a popular leader at Ruyton, which continues to post strong student numbers and good academic results.

She has been described by her new employers as “an inspiring and passionate educator and bayside local, who presented Council with a clear and compelling vision for our school”.

She has worked at Haileybury College and has a Master of Education.

Ruyton Girls’ School

Kim Bence

The current principal of Ruyton, Linda Douglas, will step down next year, ending her 14-year stint leading the Kew girls’ school.

Her replacement has been announced as Kim Bence, who is currently head of Wesley College’s St Kilda campus.

Ms Bence has also held senior roles at Ravenswood School for Girls in Sydney, Loreto Mandeville Hall and Kilbreda College.

Ms Bence was praised for her support of female students who came forward to tell harrowing stories about their treatment by male peers amid the Chanel Contos revelations in 2021.

Presbyterian Ladies’ College

Emma Burgess

The principal of Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Cheryl Penberthy, is stepping down in term three 2025 and will be replaced by Emma Burgess.

Dr Burgess is currently the principal of Danebank Anglican School for Girls in Sydney, and has an extensive background in leadership roles in girls’ private schools.

Emma Burgess has been appointed the new principal of Presbyterian Ladies' College.

Staff are hoping Dr Burgess will help modernise the prestigious girls’ school, which recently committed to spending $85m on a new aquatic complex. PLC continues to have strong links to the Presbyterian Church, which has five of the 17 members on the school’s council. The church, which recently opposed school student leaders being openly gay, has approval rights over another seven members of the council.

Other high-profile jobs on offer:

• Deputy principal of learning and innovation at Lauriston Girls’ School

• Head of junior school at St Catherine’s School

• Director of learning and innovation of Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar