Top SA private school nabs new principal from rival
One of the state’s most prestigious private schools has a new boss after the sudden departure of its long-term principal earlier this year.
Westminster School has appointed leading educator Brad Snell as its seventh principal following an extensive three-month international search.
Snell’s appointment follows the sudden departure of former principal Simon Shepherd in May this year after more than eight years in the top job.
The new principal will begin his role at Westminster, which is among the most expensive in Adelaide with tuition fees in excess of $20,000 for Year 12 students, in January next year.
Westminster is one of SA’s top schools, with notable alumni including Australian singer, actor, and former Australian Idol television judge Mark Holden and Thomas Foods International chief executive Darren Thomas.
Snell previously spent close to 14 years at all-girl’s private school Wilderness where he held senior leadership roles including head of curriculum and deputy principal before he was appointed acting principal in July 2026.
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He is currently a board member for the South Australian Certificate of Education and was formerly a sport coordinator at Mary Mackillop College in Kensington.
“Westminster is a School with an exciting future and I feel enormously privileged to have the opportunity to lead its next chapter,” 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.
“I am looking forward to getting to know Westminster’s students, staff and families and working alongside them to build on the school’s considerable strengths.”
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Outside of his education experience, Snell spent one season as head coach for the Norwood Redlegs senior women’s team and was an AFLW Academy assistant coach.
Westminster chair Craig Need said the search for the top position attracted many high-calibre candidates, with Snell standing out for his educational leadership and progressive approach to teaching and learning.
“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,” Need said.
“His commitment to empowering and supporting staff to innovate, grow and deliver outstanding learning experiences was a significant factor in his appointment.”
Acting Westminster principal Andrew Whiteman was thanked for his “exceptional leadership” throughout 2026 following Shepherd’s resignation.
“His leadership has provided stability and direction while ensuring Westminster has continued to progress and build for the future,” Need said.
Whiteman will continue his role as acting principal until the end of 2026 before recommencing as deputy principal and head of senior school in January 2027 when Snell joins as principal.
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