We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah King as our Head of Teaching and Learning (F-12), commencing on Monday 24 August 2026.
Sarah joins us from Frederick Bremer School in London, where she has spent the past eleven years in middle and senior leadership roles. She will be returning from the UK to Melbourne with her family, bringing deep experience in evidence-informed pedagogy, curriculum development, coaching, and school-wide improvement.
Sarah’s appointment comes at an important time for our School as momentum builds on our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan: Forward Together. At the heart of this plan is our purpose: to develop people who make a positive difference in the world. As Head of Teaching and Learning, Sarah will help bring this purpose to life by leading the next stage of our whole-school focus on high-quality learning and growth for every student. Building on our Instructional Learning Model launched earlier this year, she will work closely with staff to embed evidence-informed teaching practice, strengthen consistency across classrooms, and support improved student outcomes. This work will be grounded in our School’s philosophy of combining evidence-based teaching with strong relationships to maximise growth for all.
Sarah’s appointment comes at an important time for our School as momentum builds on our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan: Forward Together. At the heart of this plan is our purpose: to develop people who make a positive difference in the world.
As the Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning and Head Instructional Coach for the WalkThrus program at her school, Sarah led the whole-school Teaching and Learning strategy to improve pedagogy, student progress, and attainment. She also helped embed a culture of coaching by designing and leading a whole-school professional development program that strengthened teaching quality and staff confidence.
Sarah is also an experienced English and Humanities teacher and previously led the Humanities faculty. Through her leadership, students achieved results above national averages in History, Citizenship, and Sociology.
Sarah’s leadership also aligns strongly with Southern Cross Grammar’s values of Respect, Inclusivity, Excellence, and Resilience. During her tenure as Associate Senior Leader at Frederick Bremer School, she led the whole-school Personal Development program, including PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education), which supports students to stay healthy, safe, and prepared for life and work. Through this work, she also championed the Equalities Agenda, promoting inclusivity and a positive school culture.
Her work in championing and embedding PSHE and Equalities initiatives was recognised by School Governors for its transformative impact on school life and students.
Sarah is looking forward to joining Southern Cross Grammar, saying, “I am incredibly excited to be joining the Southern Cross Grammar community. I was drawn to the school’s strong sense of community, its commitment to high-quality teaching, and the value it places on every student as an individual.
“It was clear to me that Southern Cross Grammar is a place where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, develop confidence, and feel genuinely supported.”
When speaking of Sarah’s appointment, Deputy Principal Emma Kannar said, “Sarah brings an exceptional combination of expertise and proven success. While her experience leading evidence-informed teaching and whole-school improvement is outstanding, what stood out most throughout the selection process was her warm and personable manner, her genuine love of teaching, and her passion for collaborating with others. Sarah will be a wonderful addition to our community.”
As Head of Teaching and Learning, Sarah is looking forward to immersing herself in our community and forming strong relationships with staff, students, and families. A key focus of her role will be to continue embedding our Instructional Learning Model and pedagogical playbook across the School, leading aligned whole-school professional learning, and implementing a structured coaching model to strengthen staff confidence, capability, and clarity in classroom practice.
Sarah said, “I am passionate about creating the conditions for great teaching and learning, and I am excited to become part of such a welcoming and forward-thinking community. It is a privilege to be joining Southern Cross Grammar, and I look forward to contributing to the School’s continued success.”
We look forward to welcoming Sarah to Southern Cross Grammar next month and to the positive impact she will make to our school community.
