Following a comprehensive recruitment process and the stepping down of Founder and Principal/CEO Dr Lyn Bishop OAM after more than 25 years establishing, leading and developing the College, Sheldon College has appointed its next Principal.   

The Sheldon College Board, which was advised by an expert recruitment committee comprising directors of the Board and independent external advisors, has announced the appointment of Ms Kate Mortimer, who will commence as Principal of Sheldon College from 1 January 2022.

Ms Mortimer joins Sheldon College from St Peter’s Girls’ School in Adelaide where she excelled as Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School for the last four and a half years.

Sheldon College Board Chair Mr Chris Wigan said Ms Mortimer exemplified the College’s Vision, Mission and Values, and was confident in her ability to nurture the rich culture Dr Bishop and her team have worked hard to establish and maintain. 

“The College Board welcomes the appointment of Ms Mortimer and we look forward to working with her to continue to advance the College for current and future generations,” Mr Wigan said. 

“We received an outstanding response to the Principal role, with many exceptional candidates across Australia and internationally.

“The calibre of applicants truly reflects the College’s reputation and we are pleased to have identified a leader who is passionate, disciplined, motivated and importantly, an advocate of academic rigour. 

“Ms Mortimer will be expected to build on the momentum of the College’s success to date by continuing to champion our strategic direction and drive positive student outcomes. She is deeply motivated to create the most productive learning and development environment for all staff and students.”

With more than 18 years’ experience in prior positions in both single sex and co-educational environments, spanning all age groups, Ms Mortimer is passionate about empowering academic leaders to develop strategic learning and teaching frameworks that foster continuous improvement and growth. 

Ms Mortimer’s areas of priority will focus on pedagogical innovation, bringing new and additional measures of support to student’s work through ATAR, long-term sustainability and the advancement of key partnerships to ensure students have every opportunity to be ‘future ready’. 

Mr Wigan also recognised Dr Bishop’s significant personal and professional commitment to Sheldon College over the last 25 years.

“The College Board would also like to acknowledge Dr Lyn Bishop OAM as the Founder of Sheldon College, and thank her along with family, friends and close associates who helped create this extraordinary, progressive educational community,” he said. 

“The College Board and Dr Bishop are now focused on preparing a thorough and successful handover to enable a smooth transition for all members of the College community.”