Southern Cross Grammar Appoints Leaders to Shape Student Success

Leigh Radbourne: Head of Teaching and Learning

A passionate educator and influential curriculum leader, Leigh Radbourne brings extensive experience as a senior literacy specialist with a strong record of driving academic excellence through evidence-based teaching. Her leadership has led to significant improvements in student outcomes including improving upper band VCE Study Scores at Melton Secondary College. As Head of English at Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Leigh redeveloped and delivered a new English curriculum and designed a Year 12 extension English program that achieved outstanding results. She joins us from Ballarat Clarendon College where she currently works as a Senior English Teacher.

Leigh has mentored teachers across varying levels of experience and led professional development across Victoria. Her leadership has spanned working as the VCE Community of Practice Leader (Melton and Surrounds) with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) to design and deliver targeted professional development to VCE English teachers, and producing lectures on English curriculum and pedagogy as a Seminar Facilitator at the annual Victorian Association of Teachers of English (VATE)’s annual State Conference.

Laura Wrigglesworth: Head of Inclusive Education

Laura Wrigglesworth is a respected leader in inclusive education, with decades of experience in supporting students with diverse learning needs across schools in Australia and the UK. She has held key roles such as the Director of Learning Development at Aitken College and, most recently, the Head of Individual Needs at Ivanhoe Grammar School. In those roles she led whole-school programs to support students with disabilities, developed innovative systems for Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and trained staff in evidence-based practices.

Her expertise in Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) and inclusive curriculum design has seen her partner with Independent Schools Victoria to guide Principals and school leaders in improving student outcomes. On a national level, Laura has contributed to national policy through her involvement with the National School Resourcing Board (NSRB) advisory committee in relation to NCCD adjustments and funding.

Supporting students to reach their full potential

In speaking of Leigh and Laura’s appointment, Deputy Principal Emma Kannar said:

“At Southern Cross Grammar, we are deeply committed to helping every student become a healthy, high-performing, and independent learner, equipped for success in their bright future beyond school.

“Leigh and Laura’s appointments reflect that commitment. Both bring exceptional expertise and a genuine passion for supporting students and teachers to achieve their best.

“Their leadership and experience will strengthen our focus on high-quality teaching and inclusive education, ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential.”

Leigh and Laura are looking forward to joining Southern Cross Grammar and working with staff, students, and families to strengthen the school’s commitment to high-performance and fostering dynamic and personalised learning environments where everyone is empowered to succeed.

“I am thrilled to be joining Southern Cross Grammar as the Head of Teaching and Learning in 2026,” Leigh said. “I am particularly looking forward to building strong relationships with staff, students and families, and I know that when we work together we can achieve limitless success for our students.”

Laura said, “I am excited to join Southern Cross Grammar. It is my belief that every student has the right to be given the opportunity to become the best they can be. I’m looking forward to supporting our students, their teachers, and families to ensure their success.”

We look forward to welcoming Leigh and Laura to Southern Cross Grammar next year and to the positive impact they will make at our school.