BDO Centre for Education

Providing innovation, collaboration and insights to develop solutions for the education sector

BDO values education and we believe that education is central to the success of Australia's future. A strong education system is associated with many benefits to individuals and society, including, but not limited to, improved social mobility opportunities, increased social tolerance through a better understanding of others, and greater productivity and economic growth.

Our belief in the value of education resulted in BDO founding the BDO Centre for Education in 2024. The Centre is dedicated to advancing education in Australia by fostering collaboration among experts, stakeholders, and sectors within the field. The Centre’s mission is to promote excellence and equity, enabling all Australians to become confident and creative individuals, successful learners, and active and informed community members.

Through critical analysis, evidence-based solutions, and informed advocacy, we strive to address the challenges facing education in the 2020s as outlined in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (2019).

Our commitment to knowledge dissemination, outreach and inclusivity drives us to shape public opinion and advocate for evidence-based education policies, creating a stronger, more inclusive educational landscape for future generations.

The BDO Centre for Education convenes quarterly, with expert members available for consultation at any time to offer advice to BDO.

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Our vision

Education in Australia faces a myriad of challenges, some new and some old. The BDO Centre for Education provides a platform to address these challenges holistically across multiple stakeholders and sectors. It encourages the sharing of insights, engages in critical discussions, and develops evidence-based policies to drive positive change and improve education outcomes on a national scale. 

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BDO Centre for Education members

John Ryan
John Ryan OAM 
Principal Consultant, BDO and Chair of BDO Centre for Education

John led landmark reform in teacher regulation in Queensland during the early 2000s. His expertise includes providing strategic and operational advice on standards, regulation, initial teacher education, teaching, and leadership. He was awarded an OAM for his services to education in 2023. He currently works for BDO as an Education Sector Specialist and is the inaugural Chair of the BDO Centre for Education.

Andrew
Andrew Pierpoint 
Former national leader and Principal

Andrew was president of the Australian Secondary Principal Association for approximately seven years. His special interests include leadership that effect change, principal health and well-being and principal development.

Deb
Debra Dunstone
Educational researcher and experienced system leader

Deb is a highly accomplished and dedicated leader in the field of education, with a focus on strategic leadership development for early childhood and school settings. She is a proud recipient of an Australia Day Medal for her work in education in rural and remote Queensland.

Stephen
Dr Stephen Brown 
Managing Director of an Educational Consulting Organisation

Stephen is a highly credible and exceptional educational leader possessing a clear and positive vision. He is recognised internationally for his work in educational leadership. He has an outstanding reputation in producing real and sustainable change in a variety of organisational settings

Claire
Professor Claire Wyatt-Smith
Educational researcher and Institute Director

Claire Wyatt-Smith is a Professor of Educational Assessment and Literacy and Institute Director of the Learning Sciences Institute Australia. Her research focuses on professional judgment, standards and moderation, with an aligned focus on curriculum and literacy education. Her publications address teachers’ assessment identities; large-scale standardised testing and its impact on learning; assessment adaptations for students with disabilities and assessment and new technologies.

Ali
Ali Kadri
Current CEO of a large educational campus

Ali is the CEO of one of the largest independent schools in Queensland, where he has successfully implemented technology-driven solutions to enhance learning, administration, and student engagement. With a strong background in education leadership, vocational training, and digital transformation, he has played a key role in modernising educational practices and improving operational efficiency. His expertise extends to change management and governance, focusing on strategic improvements, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Ray Johnston
Ray Johnston  
Former Principal and system leader

Ray has extensive experience as a school principal and system leader. He has a wide range of expertise and skills in areas such as School Reviews, Coaching, Mentoring, Classroom Observation and Feedback and School-industry Partnerships. He has a passion for young people learning and leadership.

Ros
Ros Curtis AM
Current leader of a large Girls’ School

Ros has a proven track record in leading large independent girl schools. Her special interests include school leadership structures, governance, school philanthropy and change management. Ros has received several state and national awards including a Member of the Order Medal (2024) for her contribution to education.

Fahim
Professor Fahim Khondaker 
Partner, BDO and Professor of Practice, UNSW

Fahim leads BDO’s Data and AI service offering and is a Professor of Practice at the University of New South Wales Business School. He has over 15 years of experience across the areas of operational and commercial analysis, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. He is passionate about education and its impact on society.

Maryanne
Maryanne Gosling
National Director of Education at a leading special needs education provider

Maryanne is a distinguished leader in transformational learning, dedicated to inclusive education and impactful learning outcomes for students. A former school principal with extensive experience in remote communities, she has led gifted education programs and major organisational transformation projects. With an MBA and expertise across jurisdictions, she drives innovative strategies that integrate education and allied health supports to meet the diverse needs of students on the autism spectrum.

Paul
Professor Paul Andon
Senior Deputy Dean (Education and Student Experience) at a leading university

Paul has more than 25 years of experience in leading a range of initiatives in program innovation, curriculum development, and whole-of-discipline educational strategy. Paul has been recognised for his innovative approach to teaching, empowering students to apply their knowledge to understanding and running successful businesses.

We know the education sector and have lived education sector experience

BDO works with clients across the Australian school education sector. We have worked with government departments, policy makers, employers, principals, unions, regulatory authorities, and teachers across all states and territories.

We have extensive experience in the early childhood and schooling sectors. We understand the strategic drivers that contribute to the success of an education institution and the current environmental challenges that are having a significant system-wide impact on the broader sector.

Our team helps you to optimise the key external and internal drivers and success factors that are required for continued success in current and future conditions.

Our BDO advisers

Contact us

Contact our team to discuss your needs using the request for service form. Alternatively, call us on 1300 138 991 to speak with an adviser in your nearest BDO office.