Stephen Gniel has formally been appointed the new CEO of The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, taking over from David de Carvalho, who led the organisation for nearly five years.
Prior to his appointment as acting CEO, Gniel was a member of the ACARA Board and served as the CEO of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority VCAA, as well other senior positions within the Victorian and ACT Education Departments. He was also the National President and Board Chair of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders between 2016 and 2022.
The appointment of Gniel – who has been acting CEO since 20 November 2023 – follows what ACARA described as “a competitive selection process” overseen by a selection panel comprising ACARA Board members and a representative from the Australian Government Department of Education.
“I am delighted at the opportunity to lead ACARA at this very important time for education in Australia,” Gniel said in a statement this morning.
“As a passionate and a committed educational leader, having started my career as a primary school teacher and principal before moving into senior education system leadership roles, I’m honoured to lead the talented team at ACARA.”
Gniel said ACARA’s “relentless focus” will continue to be on ensuring it supports Australia’s teachers and inspires improvement in the learning of all young Australians through world-class curriculum, assessment and reporting.
In a statement this morning, Federal Education Minister, Jason Clare, congratulated Gniel on his appointment, saying he brings a wealth of experience across early childhood education, schools, and tertiary portfolios in the education sector.
“Mr Gniel will lead ACARA in providing guidance and reporting on school curriculum and assessments, including NAPLAN,” Minister Clare said.
“I congratulate Mr Gniel on his appointment and look forward to continuing to work with him to build a better and fairer education system. I also thank Mr David de Carvalho, former CEO of ACARA, for his valuable contribution to schooling in Australia.”