OUR HISTORY
Since our inception, the Kambala community has been firmly dedicated to the holistic education of girls. We draw on our rich history and embrace forward-thinking approaches to nurture and challenge each girl to achieve personal and academic excellence.
Founded by Miss Louisa Gurney in 1887 with just 12 students in Woollahra’s Fernbank terrace house, Kambala’s journey began. The school relocated to Bellevue Hill in 1891 under the leadership of Mademoiselle Augustine Soubeiran, to accommodate its growing student body.
In 1913, Kambala found its permanent home at New South Head Road in Rose Bay, known as Tivoli, under Principals including Miss Clara and Miss Minnie Roseby, Mrs Flora Stewart, Miss Fifi Hawthorne, Miss Joyce Gibbons and Mrs Barbara Monk, each contributing to its growth and enrichment.
Under the leadership of Mr Peter Moxham, the school underwent a period of curriculum consolidation and extensive infrastructure development from 1988 to 1999. During Margaret White’s tenure from 2000 to 2013, the construction of Hampshire House commenced, and the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was introduced. Ms Debra Kelliher led the school from 2014 to 2017, followed by Mr Shane Hogan, who emphasised educational advancement and student wellbeing.
Now led by Ms Jane Danvers, Kambala remains fully committed to its tradition of academic excellence while fostering individual growth. Ms Danvers is a passionate advocate for the value of an all girls’ education in preparing our students for the challenges and choices they will face as women and citizens of the future. Under her leadership Kambala continues to excel in teaching, nurturing the values and attitudes necessary to thrive and guiding every girl towards her full potential.
Rooted in its rich heritage, Kambala cherishes its founders’ vision of holistic education. By drawing on past lessons and embracing forward-thinking approaches, we remain steadfast in our approach to nurturing and challenging each girl to achieve personal and academic excellence.