Profile
“Knowing that the work we do today can positively shape the future of a school community is incredibly rewarding”
Chrissy Gamble, Kingswood College
Shaping the next 50 years, mentoring tomorrow’s leaders
Generations of students will learn at Kingswood College in Box Hill, Victoria, long after principal Chrissy Gamble’s tenure ends, and she is planning for them now. Gamble led the refresh of the college’s vision alongside a five-year strategic plan and a 50-year master plan.
“Knowing that the work we do today can positively shape the future of a school community is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Planning beyond a tenure
Gamble says every decision starts with how best to support students to flourish, both now and in the future. “Our strategic planning processes are not simply about the next few years; they are about preparing students for a world that will continue to evolve,” she says.
The balance is not easy when schools are also navigating artificial intelligence, rising wellbeing needs and growing demand for personalised learning. She makes time to listen, build relationships and set aside space for strategic thinking, so the college shapes its future rather than only responding to change.
Across the sector, Gamble sees educators focusing on character, adaptability and critical thinking alongside academic excellence, and she believes independent schools are well placed to lead this work through innovation, agility and strong community partnerships.
355 Station St, Box Hill South, Vic 3128
03 9896 1700
gamble.c@kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/chrissy-gamble-4689b2149
kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
Chrissy Gamble
Principal Kingswood College
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Milestones
“The long-term strength of our sector depends on developing courageous, thoughtful and values-driven leaders who can navigate complexity while remaining focused on student outcomes”
Chrissy Gamble, Kingswood College
2009–2013
2013–2017
2017–2018
2019–2023
2023–Present
Head of Junior School at Scotch College
2009–2013
Deputy Head of School (P–12) and Head of Junior School (P–6) at Cranbrook School
2013–2017
Principal at Christ Church Grammar School
2017–2018
Deputy Executive Director at Independent Schools Tasmania
2019–2023
Principal at Kingswood College
2023–
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Lifting others up
Gamble’s focus over the past year has been on mentoring and supporting emerging school leaders, helping them develop confidence, authenticity and clarity. “I have never viewed influence as something that belongs to an individual. Rather, influence is the responsibility to support others, share knowledge and create opportunities for future leaders,” she says.
Seeing emerging leaders step into senior roles has been among the most fulfilling parts of Gamble’s career. “The long-term strength of our sector depends on developing courageous, thoughtful and values-driven leaders who can navigate complexity while remaining focused on student outcomes,” she adds.
She knew from a young age that she wanted to be an educator and describes leadership as a continuous learning journey shaped by mentors, colleagues and students. Careers, Gamble says, are built by staying open to growth and having the courage to lead when opportunities arise.
Leading by example
Gamble describes her strongest quality as courageous, values-driven leadership, including the willingness to challenge established thinking when it will create better outcomes for students.
“Building trust, fostering strong relationships and creating a culture where individuals feel supported and empowered are central to everything I do,” she explains. “If we expect courage, curiosity, integrity and compassion from our students, then we must model those qualities ourselves.”
Gamble wants cultures where people feel capable of contributing, taking risks and learning from mistakes, and she remains optimistic about the opportunities ahead. Students remain her greatest motivation, along with a profound sense of responsibility for what schools can do to shape lives and strengthen communities.
Being named to The Educator’s Hot List 2026 has not changed where she looks for reward. “The recognition is humbling, but the true reward is seeing students flourish and communities strengthened through education,” Gamble says.