Having attended seven different schools as a student in three very different countries, Dr Parsons is very aware of the benefits of the stability and strong sense of belonging and inclusion that comes with a Newcastle Grammar School education. This is balanced by the personal growth and development of students at NGS who have an exposure to global opportunities.
An educator with over forty years’ experience working with young adolescent people, Dr Parsons holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with specialisation in Mathematics along with Diplomas in Teaching and Theology. He holds postgraduate qualifications specialising in adolescent self-efficacy and identity development, and education including a Master’s Degree in Educational Studies (with Distinction) from the University of Newcastle and a Doctor of Education from Griffith University. In 2013, Dr Parsons had the opportunity to attend Harvard University and completed the Improving Schools – the Art of Leadership (AOL) course through Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
In 2014, Dr Parsons was admitted as a Fellow to the Royal Society for the Arts (FRSA) and in 2015 he was a finalist in the Queensland College of Teachers’ Professor Betty Watts OBE Memorial Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching. This recognised his work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying on scholarships in boarding schools.
Following ten years as Deputy Headmaster at The Southport School in Queensland, Dr Parsons moved to Newcastle in 2016 to take on the position of Deputy Head of School at Newcastle Grammar School with a special responsibility for Student Wellbeing. Dr Parsons has a clear understanding that there can be no separation between student wellbeing and academic outcomes and success. He continues to work with an outstanding team of educators to ensure that the social-emotional and academic wellbeing of students at NGS are supported through the application of the evidence-based findings of wellbeing science. Dr Parsons will be acting as Head of School for Semester 1 of 2023.
"With over 100 years providing unrivalled educational outcomes in our region, we know that academic excellence extends far beyond outstanding school results. Woven through every student’s journey at NGS are our values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence. It is how our students consistently graduate as individuals who are adaptable and confidently prepared to take on an evolving global landscape. Our School strives to offer students outstanding opportunities through challenging classroom environments, a dynamic co-curricular programme and a structured approach to student wellbeing.
Newcastle Grammar School is a wonderful place for young people to learn and grow. It is indeed a privilege to lead the School and work with staff and students to provide a quality holistic learning environment."