.webp)
Pittwater House, a leading non-denominational Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 school on the Northern Beaches, will soon welcome one of the country’s most celebrated educators as its next Principal and CEO.
Dr Steven Middleton will officially take up the role in January 2026.
In November 2025, Dr Middleton was named on The Educator’s Hot List 2025, recognising him as one of Australia’s 50 most influential educators. The award honours visionary leadership in the K–12 sector, with Dr Middleton selected for his commitment to academic excellence, relational leadership, and evidence-based innovation across a career spanning nearly 30 years in elite independent schools.
Currently Associate Principal at Melbourne’s St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, Dr Middleton brings direct experience in a structure that closely mirrors Pittwater House, blending single-gender education within a co-educational environment, with a strong focus on personalised learning and pastoral care.
Dr Middleton has made several visits to Pittwater House since his appointment, spending time with staff, students and school leaders. His two-day visit during Term 4 included keynote addresses at both the Junior School Sports Assembly and Senior School Assembly, where he spoke passionately about schools as places of belonging, excellence, and safety, where “connection, learning and transformation” take place every day.
He quoted John F. Kennedy’s words, “A rising tide lifts all boats”, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of education to elevate not just individuals, but entire communities.
Pittwater House’s Chairman of the Board, Todd Alexis SC, described Dr Middleton as “the unanimous choice” of the Board following a national search. “Steven’s passion for student wellbeing, academic growth and the HEROIC values of our school made him the perfect fit,” he said.
That leadership is arriving at a time of exciting momentum. In the 2025 NAPLAN results, Pittwater House placed second behind Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Selective and among all secondary schools on the Northern Beaches – a strong endorsement of its academic direction and the work of outgoing Principal, Dr Nancy Hillier, who will retire at the end of 2025.
As the school approaches its 65th anniversary, Dr Middleton brings a clear vision for its future: one that honours tradition while leaning confidently into what lies ahead. With a leadership style described as “relational, future-focused, and student-centred,” it’s clear that Pittwater House is poised for its next great chapter.
70 South Creek Road, Collaroy 2097 | (02) 9972 5789 | enrolments@tphs.nsw.edu.au | www.pittwaterhouse.com.au
CRICOS No. 00897J | @pittwaterhouse | Pittwater House
Share this!
