To Parents | From the Chair

Dear Parents,

As we approach the close of another rewarding year at Somerset College, I want to thank you for the trust and partnership you show in allowing us to educate your children. Our college continues to thrive academically, culturally, and socially, and that success is shared between students, staff, and families alike.

This year’s community survey reminded us of what truly sets Somerset apart: a community that listens, learns, and leads together. Nearly seventy per cent of families took part, an extraordinary level of engagement, and the insights you provided have guided our strategic planning and affirmed the College’s direction for the decade ahead.

Balancing Excellence and Sustainability

Each year the Board undertakes a rigorous and independent review of Somerset’s financial position and strategic priorities. Our role is to safeguard the College’s long-term sustainability while ensuring the affordability of the education we provide.

Costs across the education sector remain under pressure. Staff and labour expenses, the largest part of our budget, have risen by about 6.5%, along with higher insurance, energy, and compliance costs. At the same time, our portion of government funding has been reduced, as new national funding rules now expect our families to contribute more towards school fees.

Following careful management of our finance throughout the whole year and a thorough review, the Board has approved a 6 per cent tuition fee adjustment for 2026. This considered decision ensures the College remains well-positioned to uphold the standards of excellence, opportunity, and care that define a Somerset education, while staying aligned with broader trends across the independent school sector.

We are mindful of the trust parents place in us, and we do not take this decision lightly. It represents a balance between prudence and ambition, ensuring Somerset remains strong, independent, and positioned to deliver excellence across every dimension of school life.

Investing in People and Possibility

Every dollar of your school fees is an investment in people, the teachers who inspire, the mentors who guide, and the students whose potential we nurture.

As we look ahead, our priorities are clear.

We are continuing to invest in exceptional educators and giving them the time, tools, and professional support to deliver outstanding learning. Great teachers change lives, and retaining and developing the very best talent remains fundamental to our mission.

We are also introducing a dedicated numeracy coach in the Junior School to strengthen confidence and capability in those foundational years. This role will work alongside teachers and students to set strong habits early, ensuring every child is positioned for success as they move through to Senior School.

We will further deepen and develop our wellbeing and pastoral care, through strengthened frameworks led by Mrs Foster and Ms Collie, ensuring every student feels known and supported.

We will continue to make strategic investment in facilities and resources that enhance both learning and community connection.

These are deliberate, people-first investment, enabling Somerset to keep evolving while holding firm to the values that have guided it for more than forty years.

Values that Endure

Somerset’s foundation in Christian values continues to shape the way we educate and the way we relate. Those values, integrity, service, and respect remain the quiet constant in an increasingly complex world.

The College’s culture of care, so strongly affirmed in this year’s survey results, reflects those same principles in action: classrooms where curiosity is encouraged, relationships built on kindness, and an enduring belief that education is about shaping character as much as capability.

Our Leadership

The Board of Directors of Somerset College Limited is entrusted with the long-term stewardship of the College. I want to thank my fellow Directors for the expertise and care they bring to this work. As a voluntary Board, we are united by a shared commitment to ensuring every Somerset student has the opportunity to grow, achieve, and thrive within a values-led environment.

This has been a significant year, with the Board helping shape the next strategic plan and overseeing a full review of College policies to ensure they remain contemporary and aligned with Somerset’s aspirations.

A central responsibility of the Board is the appointment and support of the Headmaster. Mr Ivey has more than justified the confidence placed in him. His leadership is purposeful, values-driven, and unwaveringly focused on students and their wellbeing. The College is fortunate to have him at the helm.

I also want to acknowledge the College Leadership Team and Finance Manager, Kylie Sherrington, who work alongside Mr Ivey to deliver the educational, pastoral, operational, and community programmes that shape daily life at Somerset:

• David Thornton – Chief Operating Officer
• Allison Foster – Deputy Head of College, Pastoral
• Michele Sauer – Deputy Head of College, Studies
• Rebecca Collie – Head of Junior School
• Fiona Smith – Director of Human Resources
• Lisa Thomson – Dean of Information Technologies
• Dane Robinson – Dean of Activities
• Troy Zernike – Dean of Community Engagement

On behalf of the Board, I thank this team for the professionalism and care they bring to their roles each day. Their leadership continues to strengthen the College and support every student’s journey.

Ongoing Dialogue and Partnership

We recognise that any fee adjustment affects families, and we remain committed to open, transparent, respectful communication. The Board and College Executive will continue to work closely under Mr Chris Ivey’s leadership to deliver on our mission, Personal Success | Global Outlook, and to keep the community informed as we advance the next strategic plan early in the new year.

Somerset’s story has always been one of shared purpose and forward momentum. Together, we will continue to honour the College’s heritage while equipping our students to meet the future with confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

Thank you for your continued trust, support, and engagement in the life of Somerset College.

I wish all members of the Somerset family, a relaxing, peaceful, safe and happy holiday season.