The Board of Anglican Schools Corporation and the School Council of Danebank have announced the appointment of Dr Michele Benn to take up the position of Principal of Danebank from Monday 14 July 2025.
Following a thorough selection process, Dr Benn was selected to lead Danebank into its next phase of growth and development. Both the School Council and the Board have affirmed their full confidence in Dr Benn’s leadership of Danebank into the future.
Dr Benn will succeed Dr Emma Burgess, who departs Danebank on 4 July 2025. Dr Burgess has led the school with true vision, great love, compassion and a beautiful Christian faith for over five years. She leaves our school well placed for a wonderful future. For this, the Board and the School Council thank her most sincerely.
Dr Benn comes to Danebank as a brilliant thinker and an outstanding leader in girls education. In her career of more than 30 years in education, she has held numerous senior positions, including (currently) Head of Teaching and Learning (Meriden School), Head of Junior School (Meriden School) and Deputy Head of School (St Peter’s Anglican Grammar).
Dr Benn brings a deep commitment to empowering young women through a holistic education underpinned by an authentic Christian foundation. In fact, it is Dr Benn’s strong faith and recognition that Danebank’s strategies, programs and activities are shaped by the gospel, that lie at the heart of her desire to serve as the school’s Principal.
Dr Benn believes in the transformative impact of education, saying: “Danebank offers a powerful environment where young women can build their confidence, resilience and leadership skills. The school’s approach to keeping Danebank’s girls at the heart of decisions strongly resonates with me.”
The past five years at Danebank have seen impressive strategic momentum and growth, from the development of the school’s physical environment to furthering the commitment to contemporary learning approaches that nurture academic achievement and personal character. Dr Benn admires the strategic vision and momentum Danebank has cultivated as a school that honours its traditions, while continuing to evolve, ensuring that students are equipped for the future.
“I intend to continue and build on this outstanding momentum through the next phase of Danebank’s journey,” Dr Benn says.
Dr Benn and her husband, Patrick, are well known in their community where they attend the local Anglican church. Together, they have six children.
