Head's Welcome
Mr William Doherty – Head of Stonyhurst
William commenced as Head of Stonyhurst on 1st of May 2026, his second headship, with over 30 years’ experience in leading independent schools and 15 years of service and leadership within Jesuit education.
An Australian, William began his career at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview in Sydney, holding a range of pastoral, boarding and co-curricular roles. He later gained international experience at the Australian International School, Singapore, where he was Head of History and MYP (IB) Coordinator, alongside coaching at national level.
William went on to hold senior leadership positions across leading Australian schools, including Deputy Headmaster at St Kevin’s College, before serving as Principal of Xavier College, a leading Jesuit day and boarding boys’ school.
William holds a Master’s of Educational Leadership from the Australian Catholic University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, with majors in History, Geography and Town Planning. He is joined by his wife, Terina, along with Simba and Charlie, their German Shepherd and Border Collie.
We educate young people who can, in the words of St Ignatius, ‘go forth and set the world on fire.’
- William Doherty, Head of Stonyhurst