Meet our new Head of School, Dr Anne Johnstone
BA LLB (Hons), MAPP (UPenn), MACE, CF, PhD (UMelb)
Cranbrook School is delighted to welcome Dr Anne Johnstone as Cranbrook’s ninth Head of School.
Commencing the role this term, Anne brings her visionary leadership and a proven commitment to academic excellence, including co-curricular and the wellbeing of students, to our School. Her vision to empower young people to fulfill their potential and flourish in all areas of their lives aligns with Cranbrook’s values and ambitious mission as we build on the legacy of the School with the transition to coeducation from 2026.
Prior to joining Cranbrook, Dr Johnstone was Principal at Ravenswood School For Girls. Under her leadership, Ravenswood implemented innovative education and wellbeing programmes, achieving record enrolment demand and recognition for outstanding academic excellence.
Anne’s academic qualifications and achievements reflect her commitment to academic excellence. A former English and History teacher, Anne was awarded the Australian School Principal of the Year (2024) and received the prestigious Phyllis Evans Medal (2022) from The Teachers’ Guild of NSW, recognised as a “distinguished educator of great standing.”
Anne currently chairs the Excellence in Leadership and Teaching Council for the Association of Independent Schools NSW. She recently completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Education (University of Melbourne) focused on youth wellbeing mindsets, holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (University of Pennsylvania), and Bachelor of Arts/Laws (Honours) from Macquarie University.
A global pioneer in Positive Education and wellbeing, Dr Johnstone is a Founding Director of PESA (the Positive Education Schools Association) and is currently the Global Chair of IPEN (the International Positive Education Network.)
As the School transitions into its next chapter as coeducational, Dr Johnstone will collaborate with our community to champion our School’s values and foster Positive Education, blending educational excellence with wellbeing to enable our students to thrive academically while developing the resilience and integrity for a successful future.
“Cranbrook is entering a new era and I am deeply honoured to be leading this great School forward,” says Head of School, Dr Anne Johnstone. “I am inspired by the School’s legacy and, as we welcome our first girls in 2026, I am passionate about upholding the esteemed values of our School while creating a future that is harmonious, inclusive, and uplifting for everyone.”
Reflecting on Dr Anne Johnstone’s appointment as Head of School, Cranbrook Council President, Mr Geoff Lovell, says “As the Cranbrook legacy grows and evolves, we are delighted to have Dr Johnstone in this pivotal role, leading us into a bright future worthy of our remarkable School.”