Director-General

Ms Julie Grantham
Director-General
Department of Education and Training

I was born in Goondiwindi, the second eldest of eight children (good Catholic family). I was educated at St Mary's Convent and Goondiwindi High School. Following Year 12, I went to Kelvin Grove Teachers College and trained to teach Secondary Business. I completed my teaching degree, later my Arts Degree and subsequently a Masters in Leadership and Management.

I commenced teaching at Beenleigh High School and I had the pleasure of serving at Shailer Park, Benowa, Nerang and Merrimac at various levels for the following 14 years.

In 1995, I was appointed foundation principal at Robina State High School, a school that grew to 1860 students in five years. I was asked to open another new school, Varsity College in 2001, a P-12 college that now has a student population of around 2500 students.

In October 2002 I was promoted to the position of Executive Director (Schools) where I supervised 36 principals. I was promoted again in 2005 to the position of Assistant Director-General, School Resourcing and Administration in Education Queensland. When I joined the Department of Justice and Attorney General (JAG) as the Deputy Director-General for Justice Administration in January of 2007, I never dreamed that in September of that same year I would be acting as the Director-General. I was appointed permanently to that position in May of 2008. My time at JAG was an incredible learning experience and I will be eternally grateful to the very talented Executive who made each day a great one.

My husband of 24 years, Neil, is a Physical Education Teacher at Helensvale High School.
We are the proud parents of two wonderful sons. Matthew has recently completed his training at Duntroon Royal Military College and in January was posted to Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane.

Our second son Lachlan is an apprentice carpenter employed by GE Constructions, where one of the managing partners is Lesley Englert, who recently retired from Education Queensland. He is due to complete his course in September of this year.

The skills that I learned as a school principal have held me in good stead as I have advanced through my career. I have a very strong work ethic that is founded on a belief that to be a public servant is to accept a service orientation. I believe strongly in building productive relationships based on ethical practice, truth, honesty and respect. I enjoy my work and look for challenges to stimulate thinking and constantly seek improvement in what we do and how we do it.

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