Tuesday 31 March 2026
Dear Members of the Melbourne Grammar Community
I am writing to inform you of Mr Philip Grutzner’s intention to retire from his role at Melbourne Grammar School at the end of 2027 after what will be an extraordinary 31 years dedicated to school leadership.
Philip’s impact as Headmaster will resonate for years to come. Under his stewardship, Melbourne Grammar has flourished in academic excellence, enhanced its facilities, and fostered deeper community engagement. He has overseen an ambitious capital works program across all campuses including masterplan reviews at South Yarra, Grimwade and Camp Dowd. Above all, Philip has championed the importance of a holistic education and the enduring values of service and gratitude.
In his initial years as Headmaster, Philip guided our School through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with calmness, experience and compassion. His leadership ensured stability and continuity in a time of uncertainty.
Philip, with the support of the School Council and Whole School Executive, refreshed the Vision, Mission and Values for Melbourne Grammar and developed the Strategic Plan Towards 2030, which has guided us towards the future. This process engaged the whole School community, including students, staff, parents, Old Melburnians and volunteers. Central to this work is our shared purpose: to develop independent and creative thinkers who have the confidence and capacity to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
Philip and I look forward to opening the Centre for Humanities in mid-Term III this year, further demonstrating our commitment to holistic education and fostering independent, critical thinking.
In recent years, Philip has guided the School’s carefully managed, gradual increase in enrolments at the South Yarra campus. This has opened opportunities for a broader range of talented students to gain access to the School, facilitated the establishment of Brookes House and led to reduced class sizes at Wadhurst.
Philip’s commitment to the broader educational landscape has been evident with his involvement as the Deputy Chair of the Board of Independent Schools Victoria, where he has served as a Board Member since 2011, and as the Chair of the Board of The Associated Public Schools (APS). Over the years, he has represented Victoria on the Board of Independent Schools Australia and previously led both Ecumenical Schools Australia and the G30 Schools Group as Chair.
Philip has consistently nurtured a culture of service and gratitude within the Melbourne Grammar community. As the first Old Melburnian to serve as Headmaster, he will retire with a deep appreciation and a commitment to continue supporting our School’s future.
Philip also acknowledges what a pleasure it is to work with dedicated School Council members, executives, teaching and professional staff, and is grateful for the ongoing support from our families and the opportunity to engage with our enthusiastic, intelligent, creative and friendly students on a daily basis.
Philip will ensure a smooth leadership transition through to the end of next year. The School Council will undertake a careful selection process for his successor, and we are confident Melbourne Grammar’s reputation will attract outstanding candidates. We thank Philip for his thoughtful planning and look forward to honouring his exceptional contribution as we formally farewell him at the end of 2027.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Michelmore AO
Chair of Council
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