New headmaster to focus on values, welcome fresh ideas

With a new leader at the helm, Melbourne Grammar School starts this decade with resolve to lead in education, build a strong boarding community, and keep traditions alive.

Melbourne Grammar School campus in the city's centre.

MELBOURNE Grammar School’s 15th headmaster takes the reins this month, and is the first school alumni to hold the position in the school’s 162-year history.

After serving as headmaster at Braemar College in Woodend, St Peter’s College, Adelaide, and Carey Baptist Grammar School, Old Melburnian Philip Grutzner said he was delighted to return to his alma mater.

Melbourne Grammar School’s 15th headmaster, Philip Grutzner, starts in the position this month.

“It is here where I learnt the lesson of valuing excellence in all pursuits,” said Mr Grutzner, whose career in education spans more than 30 years.

“Melbourne Grammar is in great shape. But we cannot afford to be complacent. My focus will be on ensuring we deliver a truly broad, liberal and excellent education, which is appropriately underpinned by care, strong values and our Anglican ethos and traditions.”

Part of that pursuit will be offering talented students, regardless of social or financial circumstances, access to a Melbourne Grammar education through its scholarships program.

“Scholarship recipients bring new ideas, cultures and perspectives to the student body,” Mr Grutzner said.

The school offers academic and music scholarships, as well as dedicated scholarships for boarding students and indigenous students.

“Many of these are generously funded by Old Melburnians who are keen to support students in need as well as the increasing diversity of Melbourne Grammar School,” Mr Grutzner said.

In addition to offering boarding scholarships, the boys’ school supports rural and regional students by making their transition to boarding as smooth as possible and encouraging them to maintain strong links with their homes.

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“Many boys call home every day and, perhaps in typical adolescent fashion, some parents report that they spend more time talking with their boys when they are at the school than when they are home for weekends and holidays,” Mr Grutzner said.

“When selecting scholarship recipients, we look for academic aptitude or potential. Sometimes we also look for talent within a particular field of endeavour, such as music. We are well known as a school that nurtures sporting prowess across multiple domains.

“We try to identify boys who are motivated and who want to do well. Pleasingly, our head of admissions is often contacted by a young boy who has done his own research and is seeking a place at Melbourne Grammar.

“We always look very closely at these applications.”

Formal scholarship applications for students entering Year 7 or Year 9 in 2021 close on January 31.

Boarding and indigenous scholarship application deadlines are flexible and scholarship opportunities can arise during the year.

To find out more, visit mgs.vic.edu.au.