
About Us
Leadership
Strategic Leadership Team
Our Strategic Leadership Team brings together skilled and dedicated leaders who are committed to shaping an environment where students thrive. With a deep respect for our School’s heritage and a vision for the future, this team drives initiatives that enhance learning, strengthen our community and uphold our core values. Working collaboratively, they guide Guildford Grammar’s path forward, ensuring that our School remains a place where tradition and innovation come together to inspire every student’s journey.

Principal
Mr Peter Allen
BEd, BA, MEdL
Peter is committed to enhancing the wellbeing and academic educational experience for students while developing active, vibrant and aligned communities.
Peter has over 20 years’ experience in education ranging from co-educational and single sex, day and boarding, independent, state and international settings. He previously held the roles of Vice Principal of All Saints’ College, Director of Teaching and Learning at Scotch College in Perth and Dean of Teaching and Learning at Penrhos College.
Peter is a current member of CEOs for Gender Equity and has previously served as a Chair of the Board of Bicton Primary School, a board member of the Murdoch School of Education Advisory Board and the Association for Learning Environments, Western Australia.

Deputy Principal, Student Experience
Mrs Julia McGibbon-Briggs
BA, MEd
Julia is a dynamic educator with a commitment to student wellbeing and a holistic education.
With more than 20 years’ experience in pastoral and academic leadership, including as Head of Middle School at St Mark’s Anglican Community School, she has a proven track record of fostering inclusive, high-performing school cultures.
Julia is passionate about evidence-based wellbeing frameworks and shaping an environment where every student has the opportunity to be seen, valued and inspired to thrive.

Deputy Principal, Operations
Dr Holly Miller
BEd, MEdL, EdD, MBA
Holly has more than 10 years’ experience in senior leadership roles within independent schools with a record of leading innovation and change to support students to embrace a mindset of curiosity and inquiry.
She is committed to developing an inclusive school community where students are inspired to achieve excellence through a diverse range of experiences and opportunities.
Holly was awarded the 2017 Fogarty Foundation Success Through Educational Excellence Prize for the best piece of research in the Doctor of Education.

Head of Preparatory School
Ms Katie Petchell
BEd, GradDipEd
Katie has more than 20 years’ experience in local, national and international educational contexts. Prior to joining Guildford Grammar School, she held the role of Director of Junior School at Perth College.
Katie is dedicated to supporting each student to be curious, creative and connected, with a deep desire to learn and reach their potential.
She has been recognised for Leadership Excellence by ACEL and was an Excellence Awardee at the 2023 Australian Education Awards.

Director of Boarding
Mr Matthew Weston
BA, GradDipEd, MA Ed
Matt has 20 years’ experience as an educator and has been a member of the Guildford Grammar School community for 13 years, with the past eight as Director of Boarding. Matt is also the Western Australian Director for the Australian Boarding Schools Association.
Matt is the co-founder of Guildford Grammar School’s Boarding VI Wellbeing Program which won the Australian Boarding Schools Association ‘Most Innovative Idea in a Boarding School’ in 2023. Matt is committed to building values-driven and purposeful communities.

Director of Human Resources
Mr Gareth Spence
BSc, MSc, PGDip Human Resource Management
Gareth is responsible for the School’s human resources function and ensuring our staff are engaged, supported and developed to reach their full potential and provide the best possible outcomes for our students.
Prior to joining Guildford Grammar, Gareth worked extensively in both corporate and not for profit organisations in Australasia and the UK before entering the education sector in 2016 as Director of Human Resources and Staffing at Scotch College.

Director of Community and Sustainability
Mrs Laura Kendall
BCom (Marketing Management), BA, Cert IV (Design)
Laura brings over 17 years’ experience in marketing, communications and community relations in the education and not-for-profit sectors. Her previous leadership roles include Director of Marketing at Emmanuel Catholic College, Community Relations and Development at Iona Presentation College, and WA Manager for the McGrath Foundation. Laura has also led community relations teams within local government.
As President of the WA Chapter of Educate Plus, Laura supports professionals working in admissions, alumni, community relations, fundraising, marketing, communications, people and culture, and leadership within educational institutions. She also serves on the Educate Plus Board, which spans Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Director of Technology
Mr Bradley Tyrrell
BSEd, MEdL
With more than 15 years in education technology leadership, Bradley oversees the strategic integration of technology and ensures that digital resources, library services and print operations support students, staff and parents in a seamless and innovative learning environment.
Bradley works closely with educators to implement digital learning platforms, interactive teaching resources, and blended learning models that cater to diverse learning needs.
Beyond the classroom, he plays a crucial role in maintaining Guildford Grammar’s digital infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, network reliability and data management.

Chief Financial Officer
Mrs Amanda Macnamara
BBus, CA, CMA, MAICD
Amanda is a Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years’ experience, with a focus on corporate governance, both in ASX listed companies and more recently, in the aged care and education sectors.
Amanda was previously the Director of Corporate Services at La Salle College, overseeing all non-teaching departments with a focus on strategic plan implementation and capital development. She was also a member of a nationally awarded Collaborative Leadership Group in Aged Care.

Director of Teaching & Learning
Mr Mark Williamson
BSc, BEc, GradDipEd, GradCertEd(Leadership), BEdProfHons(Leadership)
Mark has more than 13 years’ teaching experience. His diverse background as Assistant Head of Mathematics and Assistant Head of Boarding at Hale School, equips him with a unique perspective and skill set for leading learning.
Mark strives to support students and teachers in achieving personal excellence through prioritising positive relationships and a servant leadership approach.

Committed to our Community
Strong leadership shapes a future-focused education while honouring our rich heritage. Our Strategic Leadership Team is committed to creating an environment where students thrive academically, socially and personally.
Discover our approach first-hand.