My Grammar

Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School including Ipswich Junior Grammar School (IGGS and IJGS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Marie Perry to the position of Principal, commencing in January 2023.

A highly regarded educator with more than 30 years of experience, Dr Perry is currently the Principal and CEO of Methodist Ladies’ College, Perth. Dr Perry will replace Dr Peter Britton, who has served as the School’s Principal for 12 years.

Head of the Board of Trustees, Mr James Sturges said Dr Perry’s appointment came after a rigorous recruitment process which attracted a number of exceptional candidates from around Australia. “Dr Perry will be a great addition to our school community. Our next generation of leaders will be
inspired by her professional accomplishments and personal success,” Mr Sturges said.

Throughout her career, Dr Perry has worked in several quality independent schools of varying compositions, including early learning to Year 12, all-girl, all-boy, and co-educational institutions, and is experienced with boarding. This makes her well placed to understand the needs of the School community, which includes a diverse group of students across Kindergarten to Year 12, and their families.

A keen advocate for student outcomes, Dr Perry has an extensive background in curriculum transformation, and reform in teaching and learning approaches. “One of the many aspects that attracted me to Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School including Ipswich Junior Grammar School is the strategic drive to ensure academic excellence,” Dr Perry said. “I am first and foremost an educator and truly believe in the power of a great education, so that each graduate will leave with as many doors open to them as possible and that they achieve their best, whatever that may be.”

Dr Perry is committed to developing students who are confident, capable, resilient and motivated learners. Mr Sturges said this aligns with the School’s vision of nurturing confident, well-educated young women, girls and boys.

“The School enjoyed tremendous growth in academic and wellbeing programs under the leadership of current Principal Dr Britton. The Board is confident Dr Perry will continue this growth into our next exciting phase, as the school builds in line with growth in south-east Queensland and the Ipswich area in particular,” Mr Sturges said.

Complementing her classroom experience, Dr Perry is a recently retired Board Member of the Association of Independent Schools Western Australia (AISWA) and current Board Member of the Alliance of Girls Schools Australasia (AGSA).

Having successfully implemented large-scale strategic projects in consultation with a range of stakeholders and business partners, Dr Perry brings to her new role a strategic management and leadership focus.

“We are currently working on the next stage of our strategic plan and master plan. With Dr Perry’s expertise in this area, the Board anticipates she will excel in delivering the Board’s future vision for the School,” Mr Sturges said.

Dr Perry’s appointment will be a homecoming for her and her partner Shane, who will be returning to family and friends in Queensland. “IGGS and IJGS has always been a proud developer of confident and well-educated young people. My goal as the 12th Principal is to work alongside the exceptional team to develop the next generation of amazing young people who will go on to live purposeful and successful lives — continuing the wonderful traditions of the School and leading the way as our society continues to change and advance. I am truly delighted and honoured to be joining the School community,” Dr Perry said.

In announcing Dr Perry’s appointment, Mr Sturges thanked Dr Britton for his service. “Dr Britton has led a period of transformation for our School, and has left us in a strong position, with consistently exceptional academic results from our students as well as a dynamic range of sporting and performing arts opportunities,” Mr Sturges said. “We warmly welcome Dr Perry to Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School including Ipswich Junior Grammar
School community. Under Dr Perry’s leadership, we look forward to strengthening our position as a leading educational institution inspiring future leaders.”