Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) has announced Christopher Mountford as its incoming CEO, replacing David Robertson, who retires in July.
Mountford, who is currently Executive Director at the Property Council of Australia (Queensland Division), is an alumnus of an independent school, holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) and a Bachelor of Economics and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
He is also a volunteer Parent Ambassador for Act for Kids; an Australian charity focused on treating and preventing child abuse.
In an interview with The Educator, outgoing ISQ CEO David Robertson said he is proud to have worked in and served the independent schooling sector for more than 30 years.
“Over this period, I have witnessed strong growth in independent school numbers, student enrolments and the teaching workforce as well as greater sophistication of school operations and offerings in response to ongoing community demand and community expectation,” Robertson told The Educator.
“The legacy of the independent sector as a schooling choice for Queensland families for more than 150 years speaks volumes about its value and the significant contribution it makes to the education futures of children, local communities and the state as a whole”.
Robertson said that ISQ has responded to this by growing in staff numbers and programs “to support the sector’s commitment to education excellence and school choice and diversity”.
“It has been a privilege to have worked alongside and in support of the sector’s inspiring, hardworking and committed principals, teachers, staff and boards,” he said.
“Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the sector has experienced some of its strongest enrolment growth in years, cementing the regard in which it is held by the community and its vital role in Queensland’s education system”.
Robertson said the COVID-19 home learning period provided an “excellent example” of how independent schools were able to pivot their education delivery quickly to successfully maintain student learning and student connection with their teachers and friends.
“I look forward to handing over the reins to Mr Mountford and supporting his transition into the role”.