The Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) Board are pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Samantha Jensen as Principal of Somerville House, commencing on 4 January 2027. Ms Jensen is a highly respected and accomplished school leader with extensive experience in girls’ education and a strong record of leading sustained improvement across learning, culture, enrolment and strategic development. She currently serves as Principal of Mount Alvernia College, where she has led the school for five years through a period of significant academic growth, strategic renewal and campus development.
Under Ms Jensen’s leadership, Mount Alvernia College has achieved its strongest academic results in the school’s history, strengthened wellbeing and pastoral frameworks, and delivered innovative learning programs that support the formation of confident, ethical and outward-looking young women. Enrolments and community engagement have increased strongly, reflecting both the academic performance and the quality of the student experience.
Prior to her appointment at Mount Alvernia College, Ms Jensen held senior leadership roles over a decade at Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, one of Australia’s leading independent girls’ schools, including eight years as Deputy Principal (Studies). Her professional experience spans Queensland, Victoria and international contexts, and includes leadership across curriculum, staff development, governance, capital works and strategic planning.
Ms Jensen is widely recognised for her commitment to girls’ education, her values-driven approach to leadership, and her capacity to build cultures of both high care and high performance. She currently serves on national and international education bodies, including the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, and was named in the Top 50 Australian Educator Leaders in 2025.
We look forward to welcoming Ms Jensen to Somerville House and to working with her to build on the School’s proud legacy. Her appointment marks an exciting next chapter as we continue to advance Somerville House’s strategic intent and ensure the School remains a place where young women flourish, lead and contribute with confidence and purpose.
Further opportunities to formally welcome Ms Jensen to the School community will be shared in due course.
Yours sincerely
Wayne Knapp
Chair
PMSA Board