A Committed Team Driving Exceptional Student Success

Our expert educators, teaching assistants, and school leaders are united by a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional learning experience for every student. We challenge and support all learners to become the best version of themselves—both in the classroom and beyond.

ACG Parnell teachers are of the highest calibre. They set high expectations, build strong relationships with students, and take the time to understand each child’s unique learning needs and goals. This approach ensures every student receives the guidance they need to thrive.

Thanks to outstanding teaching, meticulous preparation, and a culture of academic excellence, our students consistently achieve extraordinary examination results and gain admission to leading universities around the world.

 

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Specialist Teachers

Outstanding teachers are the foundation of meaningful learning and long-term academic success. At our school, we carefully select educators with deep subject expertise, a passion for teaching, and a strong understanding of evidence-based, modern teaching practices.

From Early Learning through to Year 13, students are taught by qualified subject specialists who adapt their approach to suit different learning styles and abilities. This ensures that even complex concepts are accessible, engaging, and academically rigorous.

The benefits of specialist teaching extend beyond individual subjects. Students develop critical thinking skills, learn to connect ideas across disciplines, and gain confidence in their ability to tackle challenging material. This strong foundation supports them as they progress through school and beyond.

Discover Our Senior Leadership Team

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Damian Watson

Principal

BA (Hons) English

An educator for over 25 years, Damian joined ACG Parnell after a five-year tenure as Associate Headmaster at Auckland Grammar School, where he was the driving force behind all academic strategies, processes, and operations for Years 9–13.

Prior to this, Damian served as Deputy Principal at Shirley Boys' High School in Christchurch for six years, leading and managing student engagement, wellbeing, and pastoral support. He taught at Shirley Boys' from 2002 to 2014, held several senior leadership roles, and co-led the school's eight-month relocation following the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with First Class Honours from the University of Canterbury. Damian’s educational philosophy—challenging students to achieve outstanding academic results within a holistic and supportive environment—closely aligns with that of ACG Parnell.
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Julie Kerr

Deputy Principal

MA (Hons) English, GradDipTchg

Julie joined ACG Parnell in 2017 as Deputy Principal, bringing with her 20 years of experience from King's College, where she served as Associate Head of English. At King's, she also held roles as Housemaster of Taylor House, Head of Girls' Education and Teacher Review.

A seasoned educator, Julie has taught across a range of curricula and examination boards both in New Zealand and abroad. She currently chairs Women in Educational Leadership New Zealand (WIEL)—an Auckland-based network supporting women in and aspiring to educational leadership roles.

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Edmund Coup

Associate Principal

BSc (Chemistry), GradDipTchg

With experience in state, integrated, and international schools—as well as lecturing in Chemistry Education at university—Edmund brings a wealth of knowledge to ACG Parnell. He has also taught Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

Edmund joined ACG Parnell in 2008 as Curriculum Coordinator of Senior Science. In 2010, he became Deputy Principal at ACG International School, Vietnam (now AIS), before returning to ACG Parnell in 2012 as Associate Principal.

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Jenny Qi

Early Learning School Centre Manager

GradDipTchg (ECE)

Jenny has worked in the Early Childhood sector since 2016 and joined ACG Parnell in 2022 after gaining extensive experience in various roles and classroom settings. She is a firm believer that every child is unique and deserves a tailored approach to learning, supported by her deep understanding of child development and educational practices.

Having moved to New Zealand at 18, Jenny’s diverse cultural background enables her to celebrate and incorporate the richness of different cultures into the centre’s daily practices. She values fostering respect, inclusion, and a love of learning within a multicultural environment.

Contact Us Today

Discover the difference our experienced team can make in your child’s development and success.

Enquire Now