Dr Cousins Joins Education Leaders at AHISA Conference

25 September 2023 

Principal, Dr Andrew Cousins has joined over 250 of Australia’s leading school Heads and Principals at the AHISA (Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia) Conference on the Gold Coast to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing schools and educators.

The AHISA Conference brings together Heads and Principals from independent schools and provides a platform for professional exchange between peers who aspire to and are recognised for excellence in autonomous school leadership.

The 2023 Conference theme of ‘What Now? What Next?’ captures the importance of the current educational landscape following the end of the pandemic, technological innovation, and evolving social and political landscapes. These changes have necessitated rapid adaptations in the way students are educated, challenging educational leaders to explore new approaches.

As Clayfield College is successfully transitioning to a fully co-educational school using the Parallel Learning Model, Dr Cousins was invited to join a panel of speakers at the ‘Bold School Brand’ Masterclass hosted by school marketing professionals, imageseven. Drawing on the last two years of Clayfield College’s journey, Dr Cousins reflected on the importance of establishing clear positioning in the minds of prospective parents and the impact having a truly unique offering can create.

“Since the introduction of the distinctive Parallel Learning Model, the College – traditionally a co-educational Primary School and all-girls Secondary School – has seen a dramatic increase in enrolment enquiries and attendance at College tours is at an all-time high,” said Dr Cousins. “Our enrolment growth is a sign that Clayfield’s innovative approach to student wellbeing and academic success is resonating with families, delivering the best of both worlds.”

“We have created a clear market distinction for the College – a first in Queensland – by providing single-sex learning when it matters most for students, with all the social advantages of a co-educational campus. Our positioning now describes very clearly how Clayfield is different from our competitors, and how we support students to let their light shine.”

Having been apart nationally for almost four years, the AHISA Conference has renewed the tradition of meeting in person and connecting with peers in a spirit of collegiality, sharing ideas, achievements and challenges.