Westminster School has appointed leading South Australian educator Brad Snell as its seventh Principal, following an extensive international search.
Mr Snell is currently Acting Principal of Wilderness School, an all-girls private school in South Australia, where he has worked for almost 14 years. He will commence as Westminster Principal in January 2027.
Westminster School Council Chair Craig Need said the search attracted an exceptional field of high-calibre candidates, with Mr Snell standing out for his educational leadership, strategic capability and progressive approach to teaching and learning.
“Throughout the process, Council was focused on finding a leader who could build on the School’s considerable strengths while ensuring Westminster continues to evolve in a rapidly changing educational landscape,” Mr Need said.
“Brad brings an exceptional understanding of how education is evolving and what schools need to be thinking about now to prepare students for the future.”
Mr Snell has held a number of senior leadership positions at Wilderness, including Head of Curriculum, Director of Learning and Teaching and Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching, before being appointed Acting Principal in July 2026.
He also brings more than 15 years of experience with the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). He currently serves as a SACE Board Member and Chair of its Accreditation, Recognition and Certification Standing Committee.
Mr Need said Mr Snell’s track record in innovation and developing new learning pathways, as well as his commitment to supporting teachers and staff, were significant factors in his appointment.
“He shares our ambition for Adventurous Education and brings a strong track record of innovation, developing new learning pathways and improving outcomes for students,” Mr Need said.
“Importantly, Brad understands that exceptional teachers and support staff are at the heart of an exceptional education.”
Mr Snell said he was honoured to have been appointed Westminster’s seventh Principal and that the School’s commitment to Adventurous Education aligned with his own philosophy.
“Westminster is a School with an exciting future and I feel enormously privileged to have the opportunity to lead its next chapter,” Mr Snell said.
“I believe young people learn and grow when they are challenged, supported by outstanding teachers and given the confidence to explore what is possible.”
Mr Snell holds a Bachelor of Education from Flinders University and a Master of Education from the University of Melbourne. He is currently completing an Executive MBA at Adelaide University.
Mr Need also acknowledged Acting Principal Andrew Whiteman for his leadership throughout 2026. Mr Whiteman will remain Acting Principal until the end of the year before continuing as Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School when Mr Snell commences in January 2027.