Oxley College chairman of the board of governors Frank Conroy, announced that Jenny Ethell has been appointed the new head of college at Oxley College.

Mrs Ethell will replace Michael Parker, who will become the headmaster of Newington College in Sydney.

Mr Conroy said Oxley College was fortunate to have attracted Mrs Ethell to the position of head of college.

“The governors believe Mrs Ethell has all the attributes they were seeking throughout what has been an extensive and highly competitive search,” he said.

“She has had a very successful period at Perth College, which has prospered during her tenure.”

Mrs Ethell was educated at Curtin University in Perth where she graduated with a bachelor of business (agriculture) and a diploma of education.

She has taught and occupied senior leadership positions at government, independent and Catholic schools in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. 

Appointed in her 30s, Mrs Ethell has been principal of Perth College since 2003.

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She was dean of students and staff/deputy principal from 1998 to 2002 and in 2003 she was acting principal at Methodist Ladies College in Perth.

Mrs Ethell also studied at Harvard University, the University of Melbourne and the Institute of Company Directors.

She has presented at and participated in a range of education conferences in Australia and overseas. 

Her longstanding experience and role as principal has befitted the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Australia (AHISA) where she is chair of AHISA’s Western Australia branch and director of the national brand.

She has also served on many other educational bodies over recent years.

Mrs Ethell said she looked forward to joining Oxley College and meeting with students, parents and staff.

“It is an exciting opportunity to lead the college in supporting each student’s aspirations and building on the college’s reputation as a leader in the Southern Highlands,” she said.

“I am committed to building strong relationships within the community and continuing to provide opportunities for every student to excel.”

She will commence her appointment in early 2019. She was appointed to the position in June.