Dr Kate Hadwen

(PhD, MEd, MNTCW, BTeach, MAICD)
PRINCIPAL

Dr Kate Hadwen is the ninth Principal of Pymble Ladies’ College and commenced in Semester 2 2019 following her tenure as Principal at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Perth. 

With more than 25 years’ experience in educational leadership across the breadth of schooling from Kindergarten to Year 12, she has held roles in schools in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia from Principal and Head of Senior School to Head of Boarding and Primary Teacher.

For a period, she worked as a Senior Research Fellow at The Child Health Promotion Research Centre while also working as a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety Law at Edith Cowan University. Dr Hadwen was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research in 2011 and remains an Adjunct Research Fellow. She has authored a number of policies and curriculum resources related to technology, wellbeing and anti-bullying.

Dr Hadwen’s doctorate was on transitioning challenges faced by boarding students and families, and she has since written a handbook and co-authored book chapters for parents on boarding, international students, cyberbullying and supporting young people transitioning to Middle School. She has an ongoing book contract with Hawker Brownlow Education.

She is currently a Non-Executive Director with the Australian Youth Orchestra, an Honorary Fellow of the Telethon Kids’ Institute and the Child Health Promotion Research Centre and an Ambassador for Australia’s Biggest Mental Health Check-in. Dr Hadwen is also a member of the Independent Girls’ School Association (IGSA) Sport Standing Committee and the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) Advisory Council.

Dr Hadwen believes in collaborative leadership, is passionate about evidence-based and data-driven personalised education and is a strong advocate for academic excellence. She has always championed student voice and leads with her personal philosophy which centres on the girls’ development and success.