Meet the new Principal of Preparatory School

New Principal of Preparatory School, Leigh Fowler, describes her first few months at St Andrew’s as energising and affirming.

“From day one, the warmth of the St Andrew’s culture was unmistakable,” she reflects. “Everyone from Rector, Mark Wilson, and the Senior Leadership Team, to the Preparatory School staff, and parents and whānau, have been equally welcoming, supportive, and encouraging.”

The former Principal of Te Rito Harakeke – Marshland School, which earned a strong reputation for inclusion, high-quality education, and a student-centred culture under Leigh’s leadership, says her passion for excellence drew her to St Andrew’s ‘world-class’ reputation.

“I’m energised by the opportunity to collaborate with the high-performing team of educators at the Preparatory School and beyond.”

Leigh, who has a background in educational psychology, says her leadership style blends relational warmth with strategic clarity, high expectations with genuine care, and collaboration with courage.

“I believe schools are built through people, through trust, connection, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for our ākonga,” she shares. “I am deeply connected to pedagogy and curriculum. I believe Principals of preparatory school-aged ākonga need to understand what’s happening in classrooms if they want meaningful development.”

She also believes a learning environment should be calm, structured, and relationship focused, with clear expectations and strong accountability for ākonga success.

I am passionate about building ākonga confidence and celebrating individuality. When children feel seen and valued, they are far more willing to challenge themselves.

Leigh enjoys working alongside the Preparatory School’s ‘incredibly committed, passionate, and capable’ teachers.

“My goal is to honour them by listening, supporting, and fostering a culture where strengths shine, well-being is protected, and professional joy is sustained. When teachers flourish, our ākonga flourish and that is always the ultimate goal.”

With her son, Willim in Year 11, Leigh has also experienced St Andrew’s as a parent, which has further strengthened her gratitude for the care and dedication staff show every day, she says.

“Being both a parent and a leader gives me a valuable perspective. It reinforces the question at the heart of great schooling, ‘Is this what we would want for our own children?’ When we care for every child as if they were ours, it guides decision making with integrity and clarity.”

Leigh resonates strongly with St Andrew’s values of Truth, Excellence, Faith, Creativity, and Inclusivity, along with the College’s rich history, Scottish heritage, and Presbyterian Christian foundations, which create a culture where ākonga feel inspired and connected to something bigger than themselves, she adds.

“Ultimately, I want to create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, challenge is embraced, and every ākonga feels a strong sense of belonging, a place where calm and creativity sit comfortably together.”