2026 Excellence Awardees!
Principal Ashleigh Martin (School Principal of the Year) & Susan Grover (Primary School Teacher of the Year)
We are thrilled to announce that Principal Ashleigh Martin and Malvern Campus educator Susan Grover have been selected as Excellence Awardees for The Australian Education Awards, which recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of the country’s top-performing schools, principals, department heads and teachers.
Ashleigh Martin – School Principal of the Year (non government)
https://educatorawards.com
Ashleigh Martin – School Principal of the Year (non-government)
Ashleigh Martin is a principal who believes great schools develop great people. In 2025 his leadership of Caulfield Grammar School delivered the School’s strongest VCE results in more than a decade, while guiding a community of more than 3,700 students and 1200 staff and achieving record enrolment demand across multiple year levels.
Under Ashleigh’s leadership, the School has entered one of the most successful periods in its history. Anchoring the School’s direction around the principles of Character, Clarity and Connection, he has ensured every strategic decision reinforces the long-term development of young people.
In 2025 Ashleigh led the launch of the School’s Community Values and Behaviours framework, establishing a shared language for how students, staff and families live the School’s values every day. The initiative strengthened culture, expectations and alignment across the entire community.
The impact of this leadership is evident. Alongside exceptional academic outcomes, strong financial results have enabled continued investment in teaching, facilities and student experiences.
Ashleigh led the development of our new professional learning program, ensuring reflection, feedback and goal‑setting directly support improved student outcomes. By championing the Ready to Lead program and fostering a collaborative culture of inquiry, coaching and professional dialogue, he has strengthened the capability and confidence of educators across the school.
Participation in immersive learning programs also reached record levels, with more than 440 students attending each of the Yarra Junction (Education Outdoors) program and Year 9 Kakadu programs in the Northern Territory, while over 430 students participated in the Year 10 Odyssey program across the country.
Through clear vision and authentic leadership, Ashleigh Martin is shaping a school where young people develop the character, confidence and capability to thrive in life beyond the classroom.
Susan Grover: Primary School Teacher of the Year (non-government)
Susan is an exceptional educator whose influence extends far beyond the library walls. She has transformed the library into a vibrant hub of School life; an inspiring blend of learning space, creative studio, research centre and community gathering place.
A dedicated mentor, leader and lifelong learner, she collaborates with teachers to embed information literacy across the curriculum and creates immersive experiences that ignite curiosity and foster a genuine love of reading.
Her commitment to students, colleagues and the wider community is unparalleled. Through her innovation, generosity and unwavering professionalism, Susan exemplifies the very highest standards of teaching and educational leadership.
