Principal, Mr Ray Pearson
Welcome to The Armidale School website and our school, fondly known as TAS.
For more than 130 years, TAS has been a place where young people are known, challenged and inspired to grow into kind, capable and confident graduates. As the only regional member of the Athletic Association of Great Public Schools (AAGPSNSW), we offer a breadth of academic, co‑curricular and boarding opportunities that reflect both our proud traditions and the advantages of our New England setting. Boarding remains central to who we are, and our community is grounded in the values of courage, commitment and connection. These values shape how we learn, live and lead together.
I am proud to serve as the 16th Principal of TAS, having joined the School in 2022 and stepped into this role in 2024. My career has taken me from Townsville Grammar School to Toowoomba Grammar School and later to St Peter’s College in Adelaide, where I held senior leadership roles across boarding, pastoral care and the senior school. I grew up on a small cattle property in south‑east Queensland, and later studied at the University of Southern Queensland where I completed my Bachelor of Education and Master of Education (Leadership and Management).
My upbringing and career have shaped my belief and the School community belief about the importance of supporting students who can excel in all parts of life and what we call ‘character education’, where we support students so that they are ready to take on the challenges of life, beyond just academics.
I have seen time and again how adventure, service and meaningful responsibility help young people discover who they are and what they can contribute. It’s one of the many reasons TAS feels like the right place for me and my family. My wife, Ashlee, and I have our three children at TAS, all of whom are all proud students and are firmly part of this community.
As Principal, I am committed to honouring the legacy of those who have shaped TAS over the past 130 years while ensuring our students are supported, stretched and encouraged to pursue their limitless potential. Our vision: ‘Excellence inspired by character, built through challenge. Developing graduates who are kind and capable.’ captures the heart of what we strive for every day.
Please explore our website to learn more about the truly special TAS education we provide. I also warmly welcome you to visit us to experience our wonderful school in the heart of the New England.
Mr Ray Pearson, Principal
Deputy Principal, Ms Bronwyn File
I am proud to serve as Deputy Principal of The Armidale School. From my first days on campus, it was immediately clear that TAS is a community shaped by character, challenge and genuine care; a place where students are known, supported and encouraged to grow into kind, capable and confident young people.
My professional journey has been grounded in pastoral care and student wellbeing alongside a commitment to academic excellence. I have been fortunate to lead strategic initiatives across both domains, supported by my qualifications: a Bachelor of Physical Education, a Master of Educational Studies, a Master of Education (Wellbeing) and a Graduate Diploma in Sports Management. I am currently completing a Diploma of Human Resources Management, reflecting my belief in lifelong learning and in supporting the people who sustain a thriving school community.
Throughout my career, I have taught across Geography, History, PDHPE, English, Religion and Mathematics, working with students from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12. These diverse experiences have reinforced a core conviction: strong relationships, high expectations and genuine belonging are the foundation of student growth and flourishing.
What drew me to TAS, and what continues to energise my work here, is the breadth of opportunity our students experience; through service, adventure, cadets and co-curricular life. These experiences matter profoundly. They allow us to know our students deeply, to understand their strengths and aspirations, and to support them in becoming not just academically capable, but resilient, purposeful and kind.
The move to the New England region has been a natural fit. Working alongside Principal Ray Pearson and the Executive team, I am committed to fostering a school culture where every young person is supported, challenged and inspired to discover their best. Our values of courage, commitment and connection are not simply ideals; they are lived every day, in how we teach, care for one another and lead together.
The Armidale region, and TAS within it, has become home. I look forward to continuing to serve this remarkable community and to upholding the traditions and values that make TAS such a special place.