Profile
Michael Hornby commenced as headmaster and CEO of Ormiston College in January 2025 following an extensive search for a leader who combined academic excellence with a deep alignment to the college’s values. Widely recognised as an innovative and visionary educator, he leads with integrity, clarity and a strong ethical foundation.
Since his appointment, Hornby has driven significant organisational renewal, including strategic investment in staffing, expanded leadership structures and the introduction of specialist roles aligned to contemporary priorities such as wellbeing, the arts and high-performance sport. He has led a full organisational review, co-constructed college norms that foster psychological safety and collaboration and established weekly leadership development sessions to grow future leaders.
Hornby has strengthened distributed leadership through an expanded senior executive team and the creation of an extended executive, ensuring broad voice and shared accountability across the college. His inclusive approach to strategic planning has engaged staff at every level, shaping a clear and future-focused direction.
A visible and values-driven leader, Hornby prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth, recognising these as essential to student success. His leadership continues to inspire a culture of excellence, purpose and belonging within Ormiston College and beyond.
18100 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612
+61 7 3821 8999
headmaster@ormiston.qld.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/michael-hornby-b5116636
ormistoncollege.com.au
Michael Hornby
Headmaster and Chief Executive Officer
Ormiston College
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Bio
Milestones
2005–2010
2011–2015
2015–2022
2022–2024
2025–present
2009–2010: Foundation Head of Department
2008: Teacher – English, Humanities, Health and Physical Education
2005–2007: Teacher of English
2005–2010
Deputy Principal of Ipswich State High School
2011–2015
2015–2022: Principal of Mabel Park State High School
2017: Queensland Premier’s Individual Award for Multiculturalism
2020: Harvard Club of Australia Principal Leadership Scholarship
2015–2022
2021: Queensland College of Teachers Award for Leadership Excellence in Teaching and Learning
2022: Australian Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellowship
2022–2024: Executive Principal of Indooroopilly State High School
2023: Completed the Achieving Excellence in Principalship program at Harvard University
2022–2024
Headmaster and CEO of Ormiston College
2025–present
Milestones
“By focusing on doing the best possible job for every client, they naturally tell their friends and family. That organic growth has been very rewarding”
Alan Borthwick,
DUX Financial Services
“Our goal is not to speed up transactions but to slow down where it matters, taking the time to truly understand each client’s situation and deliver thoughtful, personalised guidance”
Alan Borthwick,
DUX Financial Services
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