Dr Andrew Bell was appointed as Principal of Snowy Mountains Grammar School in January 2012. Earlier, Dr Bell established himself in the senior executive leadership roles of Deputy Principal, Dean of College and Head of Campus in other independent schools on the Gold Coast. Responsibilities among his prior leadership portfolios have focused on wellbeing, curriculum, day-to-day operations, sport, outdoor education and activities, amassing nearly thirty years in leadership roles and all within leading Kindergarten to Year 12, co-educational independent schools.

Dr Bell is proud to have continued to build on the rich history of Snowy Mountains Grammar School and the role it plays within the wider Snowy Mountains region as the leading choice in education providers. Over time the growth of enrolments has more than doubled, new updated modern student learning programs have been refreshed to meet the needs of students into the future, excellent Higher School Certificate results have continued to improve and substantial new buildings and physical resources have enabled new opportunities for past, current and future students and staff.

Among these has been the completion of the new Curiosity Centre, a 4000 m² state-of-the art learning facility for general and specialist programs, the acquisition of Gidgillys as the leading Early Childhood Centre in Jindabyne, the purchase of a three-storey motel adjacent to the School as well as onsite boarding facilities expanding into new accommodation offerings, the completion of the Junior School precinct at an earlier stage, new multipurpose courts and oval, and now an exceptional onsite commercial fitness gymnasium. With more growth yet to come in the School’s Masterplan, Dr Bell is excited for how these facilities complement outstanding and unique learning programs and the academic rigour provided for students every day.

Over recent years, the School has been awarded The Educator’s Innovative School of the Year for several consecutive years and has been the winner of Boarding School of the Year as well as a National Finalist and Excellence Awardee for Regional School of the Year, Primary School of the Year – Non-Government and Best Use of Technology and Best Co-curricular Programs at the Australian Education Awards. Dr Bell sees this success as a reflection of the cohesive teamwork achieved by Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s dedicated staff members who consistently strive to exceed the expectations of students and families, and the additional outstanding contributions of students and families, all united.

The School is now again embarking on a new refreshed Strategic Plan to serve the learning community with excellence in the years ahead. This will ensure the opportunities for students and staff remain at the forefront of education locally, nationally and globally.

A strong advocate for lifelong learning, Dr Bell completed his Doctorate in Education at the University of New England while serving as Principal of Snowy Mountains Grammar School. Keen to understand more deeply how and why the very best educators were highly effective for a diverse range of benefits for all, his research focused on the attributes of expert teachers in independent schools. He remains a member of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia and served on the Principal Executive committee on the Heads of Independent Co-Educational Schools (HICES) association for nearly five years.

Dr Bell is dedicated to ensuring that all students at Snowy Mountains Grammar School have unimaginable opportunities in a wide range of areas. His leadership inspires the confidence of all staff to work together with an aligned vision for Snowy Mountains Grammar School as a remarkable school that exceeds the needs of both local students and boarders. Dr Bell is committed to continually enhancing all aspects of the educational experience so that all members of the school community thrive.