Stuart Marquardt
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School

Authentic leadership, unwavering support for staff, and a clear vision for Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School became quickly evident to the school community when Stuart Marquardt commenced as principal in Term 2, 2016. His previous leadership experience brought more than a sense of much-needed stability – principal Marquardt brought about real change with his drive to instil a high-performing culture.

One of his first actions was to undertake a full cultural audit of Lindisfarne and share it “warts and all”, and in the five years he’s been at the helm, Lindisfarne’s transformation has been remarkable. It’s now more outwardly focused; the Senior Leadership Team and School Council have been renewed; and, most importantly, student achievement and opportunity have improved across all areas. There’s been an extensive curriculum and co-curricular refresh, which includes technology as a standard learning tool, enhanced pedagogy and professional learning, higher expectations of student behaviour, enhanced facilities, and detailed strategic and master plans to drive and inform the future.

Operating with a clear vision aligned with the school values – Compassion, Wisdom and Respect – and cultural drivers where standards and collaboration are key, the school’s annual student turnover of 15% has subsided and interest in Lindisfarne as a ‘school of choice’ has tripled. Throughout COVID-19, principal Marquardt demonstrated compassion and adaptability, and the school saw its class of 2020 finish in the top 200 schools in NSW.

Principal Marquardt’s contributions don’t stop at the walls of Lindisfarne. He is the North Coast Independent Schools Sporting Association president, a member of the Advisory Council for the NSW Independent Schools Centre of Excellence and of the Regional Heads NSW Advisory Council, and is involved with professional associations such as AHISA and HICES.

Demonstrating his dedication to and passion for education at every level, he is a fierce advocate not just of Lindisfarne but of all regional students, their families, and the future of learning in southern Gold Coast, Tweed Coast and northern NSW.