wHO WE ARE
By building trusting professional relationships, we support you with the best advice.
Our Beliefs
At Excellent Schools we believe that learning lies at the heart of school excellence. We are passionate about every school fulfilling its potential to improve outcomes for all learners. This is possible with time, the best support and advice, and the right leadership approach from everybody!
With that aim in mind, we bring over 50 years of educational leadership experience in a range of Australian primary and secondary schools, as well as International schools with various curricular and accreditation requirements to our work. Our approach reflects global best practice.
We fundamentally believe in the importance of honest and trusting professional relationships. We understand the importance of deep listening, asking the right questions and co-constructing solutions.
The most successful school improvement initiatives arise when the greatest number of stakeholders feel they are part of the processes and can celebrate their contribution!
Our mentoring and coaching approaches are grounded in honest and trusting professional relationships. Such relationships arise by people working alongside each other with a clear intent. We understand the importance of deep listening, asking the right questions to tease out key issues and co-constructing solutions.
Personalised Mentoring
Professional Coaching
Enhance your leadership skills and attributes with our team who specialise in educational innovation, strategic development and achieving high standards.
These mentoring and coaching approaches use personalised, context specific strategies that focus on measurable outcomes. By integrating innovative methods with evidence-based practices, we help leaders to enhance teaching, strengthen the leadership of others, and improve student outcomes. Whether working with Australian or International schools, we are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions.
That is why we reject “one-off” activities that result in shallow learning and rarely have impact. Over time, we learn with you about the challenges and opportunities for your school, we help you design the improvement strategies most appropriate to your context, and we guide you to enact those strategies with your teams for best effect.
Meet Our Team
Dr Brendyn Semmens
Lead Advisor
After over 30 years of leadership experience, and having coached over 120 primary and secondary school principals, I am delighted to work with the Excellent Schools team in supporting the transformation of a wide range of schools!
I believe that with time, support and the right leadership approach, every school can be an excellent school for their community. I enjoy working alongside school leaders at all stages of their careers to help shape their practice and sharpen the impact of their work, particularly in the interests of all children and young people. This has guided my energies as a senior educational leader in many contexts.
I also have an extensive background in co-constructing various models and tools related to school improvement at individual school, network, and sytems levels. I am highly experienced in implementing these for the greatest impact on learner achievement. My academic work has provided me with a clear insight into the nature of contemporary school leadership.
John Burns
International Consultant
After more than 25 years of experience as a Director / Head of School across seven diverse countries, I am delighted to be associated with the Excellent Schools team, supporting school improvement.
I enjoy being part of schools with a dynamic vision, inspiring values and a clear improvement plan. I also enjoy diverse school communities where students are proud of their school, their personal development and taking action in the world around them.
In Adelaide, Australia, I have made a significant impact with schools and principals as an executive coach and mentor. I bring a strong background in developing dynamic school visions, comprehensive strategic plans, and robust improvement systems. All aimed at enhancing learning, teaching, and overall school effectiveness, both in the classroom and at the systems level.
With extensive expertise in international curricula and accreditation processes, I have a proven track record guiding future-focused school planning and driving improvements in student achievement.
Anne Fromholtz
With over 35 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to teaching in primary education and serving in various leadership roles across both international and Australian school settings. Guiding and shaping young minds has been the pinnacle of my professional journey, allowing me to encourage growth, innovation, and excellence in the classroom and beyond.
Throughout my leadership tenure, I have held positions such as acting Principal, Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning leader, where I have led strategic initiatives to enhance teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and student engagement. My leadership philosophy is centered on collaboration, mentorship, and fostering professional development among educators to cultivate dynamic learning environments. I have led teams through major educational reforms, implemented innovative programs to drive student success, and championed inclusivity and diversity within school communities.
Beyond administration, I support and mentor emerging educators, providing them with the tools and confidence to thrive in their careers. My commitment to educational leadership is driven by a vision of empowering both teachers and students to reach their fullest potential.