In this edition of The Educator, we sat down with Dr. Adrian Camm, Principal at Westbourne Grammar School, who was recently named an Excellence Awardee for School Principal of the Year (Non-Government) at the 2024 Australian Education Awards. This recognition celebrates Camm’s innovative leadership and his efforts to drive educational excellence through a culture of empowerment and innovation.
Camm believes that a great principal must balance vision with adaptability. “You have to have a vision for what could be, not just what is,” he shared. “Leadership requires agility, authenticity, and the ability to make decisions in uncertain circumstances. It’s about constantly improving self-awareness and adapting to the needs of the moment.”
Under Camm’s guidance, Westbourne has introduced groundbreaking initiatives, including accelerator networks that promote innovation across the school. “These networks work alongside the traditional hierarchy, giving everyone a voice and enabling rapid strategic decisions,” Camm explained. “We’ve fostered a culture where ideas can come from anywhere and are developed collaboratively, ensuring sustainable and impactful innovation.”
Westbourne’s achievements under Camm include the establishment of an AI Academy where students create their own machine learning applications and the integration of advanced AI technologies into school operations. “We’re preparing students not just to navigate a tech-driven world, but to shape it,” he said.
Camm also emphasized the importance of staff development, highlighting programs that support postgraduate studies, international fellowships, and even on-campus access to allied health services. “We’ve created an environment where everyone is supported to grow, resulting in a workplace people want to be part of,” he noted.
Beyond staff and innovation, student engagement remains central to Camm’s leadership. From personalized birthday cards to opportunities for students to participate in decision-making committees, Camm prioritizes building strong connections. “We’re not just preparing students for the future—we’re empowering them to contribute meaningfully today.”
As one of Australia’s leading principals, Camm continues to inspire educational transformation.
To learn more about Dr. Adrian Camm’s award-winning approach, click here to watch the full interview.