Jenny Allum


1996 – 2025

Background

Ms Jenny Allum started her career as a Mathematics Teacher in 1980, teaching at both Abbotsleigh and Pymble Ladies College. She was then appointed as the Director of Studies at Central Coast Grammar School, before moving to the NSW Board of Studies (the predecessor of NESA) in 1991. In this role, she was Manager of the Curriculum Branch where she was responsible for all school curriculum in NSW from K-12 and the registration of Independent Schools.


Career at SCEGGS

Ms Jenny Allum was appointed the fifth Head of School in January 1996. Respected for her insightful understanding of educational issues, wellbeing, and the development of the individual, she regularly contributed to educational debate within professional teaching circles and the wider media.

For 30 years, Jenny Allum was the custodian of SCEGGS values which she describes as: “Caring deeply for people, striving for personal excellence, valuing community and service to others, and doing so with lightness and joy”.

Achieving personal excellence for students means investing in staff, allowing teachers to focus first and foremost on their work with the students, advocating for working conditions such as planning time and in protecting teachers’ time from unhelpful bureaucracy. Jenny publicly attributed the success of the School in her time directly to the staff. In turn, the staff described Jenny as a mentor who empowered them to reflect and grow in the profession, whilst still being themselves. She supported their growth by establishing programs such as the Staff Professional Learning Scholarships. Jenny’s genuine respect for staff, and for always listening to and considering other points of view, shaped a culture of excellence and care inside the Green Gate.

During her time at SCEGGS, Jenny developed and strengthened the curriculum, broadened opportunities for co-curricular involvement, and worked to provide a dynamic and invigorating teaching and learning environment for both students and staff. She appointed a School Chaplain to join the staff of the School and expanded global learning opportunities through an increase in study tours, exchanges, and immersive experiences. And she introduced a new school uniform (including pants).
 

Like her predecessors, Jenny engendered a flourishing community across students, staff, parents and Old Girls. “JAllum” (as she came to be known by the girls) worked tirelessly to ensure SCEGGS remained a place where intellectual curiosity and diversity thrived side by side. This commitment was reflected in the growth of the Scholarship Program, supported by her collaboration with the SCEGGS Trust, the Old Girls’ Union, the P&F Association, and the School Board. The SCEGGS Professional Alumni Network (SPAN) was also introduced to strengthen connections between current and past students.

A strong commitment to Reconciliation was another hallmark of Jenny’s leadership. She launched Indigenous Scholarships, developed the School’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), established staff and student RAP Committees, and built partnerships with local Indigenous organisations.

Jenny’s strategic vision for the infrastructure in the School saw the growth and major redevelopment of the Barbara Chisholm Primary School, the Diana Bowman Performing Arts Centre as well as the Joan Freeman Science, Art and Technology Centre. She also oversaw the refurbishment of the Great Hall, the Old Girls’ Building, and the redevelopment of Wilkinson House.

In 2011 she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of NSW for her “eminent service to the community” through her extensive work in, and passionate commitment to, education. Jenny was Chair of the NSW/ACT Branch of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools from 2004 – 2005 and was chair and co-chair of AHISA’s Academic Committee on several occasions. She was also made a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators.

 

A curated selection of articles by Ms Allum, offering insight into the values of SCEGGS.

"I want our girls to be strong, independent, resilient young women. It is important that they know themselves; that they know how to celebrate their strengths.”

Jenny Allum