Sunshine Coast Grammar School proudly announces that Principal Mrs Anna Owen has been recognised as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators by The Educator, acknowledging her exceptional leadership, innovation and impact on education.
Mrs Owen’s inclusion reflects her sustained contribution to advancing contemporary education, both within Sunshine Coast Grammar School and across the broader national and international education landscape.
Under her leadership, the school has undergone a significant period of transformation, strengthening its reputation as a high-performing regional school renowned for outstanding academic outcomes, exceptional co-curricular programs and world-class facilities. Her strategic vision has delivered both measurable student success and a future-focused model of education grounded in innovation, sustainability and personalised learning.
A defining aspect of Mrs Owen’s leadership has been the integration of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals across all aspects of school life. Situated within a UNESCO-designated biosphere, sustainability is embedded throughout the school, equipping students to be globally aware, ethically minded and prepared for the challenges of the future. This work was recognised in 2025 with the school being named a 5-Star Sustainable School by The Educator.
Central to Mrs Owen’s influence is a deep commitment to personalised, high-impact learning. By designing flexible pathways that enable students to pursue their individual strengths and aspirations, she has fostered a culture of excellence and belonging. This approach has contributed to outstanding academic achievement, including in 2024 when 19.2% of graduating students received QCE Awards — the highest proportion in the region—and in 2025 when Sunshine Coast Grammar was the only school in the region to have a student receive a perfect ATAR of 99.95.
Mrs Owen’s impact extends far beyond the Sunshine Coast. She has represented Australia at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and contributes to global educational dialogue through the UN Principals Network. Nationally, she holds key governance roles with Independent Schools Queensland, the ISQ Finance and Risk Committee, the Australian Independent Schools Board, and the Buderim Foundation. Her ongoing inclusion on The Educator’s Hot List (2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025), alongside being named Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Professional Business Woman of the Year in 2023, further underscores her sustained influence and excellence.
Commenting on the recognition, Mrs Owen said: “It is an honour to be recognised alongside such inspiring educators. This acknowledgement reflects the collective effort of our staff, students and community, who are committed to creating meaningful learning experiences and preparing young people to lead with purpose and integrity.”
Mrs Owen’s leadership exemplifies a modern, values-driven approach to education — one that is collaborative, innovative and globally connected. Her work in recent years continues to shape educational practice, strengthen student outcomes, and contribute to the future direction of schooling in Australia and beyond.
