Rangitoto College was seeking an accomplished educational leader with a strong record of evidence‑informed leadership, deep understanding of the New Zealand curriculum (including NCEA and the International Baccalaureate), and a demonstrated commitment to student achievement, wellbeing, staff development and inclusive education.

The successful candidate was expected to provide clear strategic direction, uphold the College’s values, and strengthen engagement with its diverse community to ensure continued academic, cultural and sporting excellence.

Greg Thornton is a highly experienced secondary education leader whose career has come full circle at Rangitoto College, where he was a student and later began his teaching career as a mathematics teacher and Head of Faculty. He has since held senior leadership roles at Takapuna Grammar School, Manurewa High School and as Deputy Principal of Mount Aspiring College, before spending nearly six years in Hong Kong as Vice Principal at Sha Tin International College. Since 2019, he has served as Principal of Cambridge High School, leading the school through roll growth, curriculum change and the Covid 19 period, and contributing to strategic planning and major facilities development. Beyond his school leadership roles, Greg has played a broader national role as an Executive member of the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ), contributing to sector advocacy, peer support and governance advice for secondary principals across New Zealand.

Rangitoto College is New Zealand’s largest secondary school, educating more than 4,000 students and recognised for its strong academic outcomes, vibrant cultural life and excellence in sport. Located on Auckland’s North Shore, the College offers both NCEA and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, providing a broad range of academic and vocational pathways.

Rangitoto College is known for its inclusive, high‑expectations learning environment and its commitment to student wellbeing, innovation and continuous improvement. Its values of Respect, Integrity, Courage, Excellence and Pride underpin a collegial staff culture and strong partnerships with students, families and the wider community.

Many thanks to the Account team who worked on this placement – Nicola Morris, Barbara Taylor, Salma Malik and Maddie Willis