The Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) is an independent statutory body established under the
Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2017 (Qld). It regulates the accreditation of non-state schools in Queensland, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
Our board consists of 7 members appointed by Queensland’s Governor in Council, serving terms of up to 4 years with the option for reappointment. While supported by a secretariat within the Department of Education, NSSAB operates independently in its decision-making.
NSSAB assesses schools' eligibility for funding to ensure the fair and efficient use of government resources. It collaborates with stakeholders, meets monthly, and engages directly with school leaders, including visits to regional areas.
Our team consists of authorised persons who are appointed by NSSAB and the secretariat which includes professionals with expertise in education, law, compliance and policy management.
Board chairperson
Patrea Walton
Nominee of the Minister, reappointed 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2030
Patrea Walton has had an outstanding career in education, holding leadership roles such as deputy principal and principal of 2 Brisbane high schools, Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Studies Authority and Deputy Director-General of State Schooling (2013–2018). She has contributed to national committees and boards, including the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority; Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority; and Loreto College Coorparoo.
A Fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL), Patrea received its 2021 ACEL Gold Medal for her exceptional contributions to educational administration and leadership. Other honours include the QUT Education Outstanding Alumni Award (2018), the Australian Council of Deans of Education Outstanding Contribution to Education Award (2018), and the Public Service Medal (2017). In 2016 she earned the Australian Human Resources Institute National CEO Diversity Champion award, and in 2023 Griffith University awarded her an honorary doctorate.
Board members
Christine Clarke
Deputy Chairperson, nominee of the Minister, reappointed 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2030
Christine Clarke holds a Master of Educational Leadership (Australian Catholic University), a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, and a Diploma in Education (all from the University of New England), as well as a Certificate IV in Theology (Institute of Faith Education).
After nearly 40 years as a teacher and educational leader in Queensland secondary schools, Christine recently retired. She began her career in Toowoomba and moved to Brisbane in 2011, gaining experience in both rural and urban schools, as well as co-educational and girls' schools of various sizes. Over the years, she has held key leadership roles, including college principal, deputy principal, assistant principal, curriculum leader, and pastoral leader.
Ms Clarke has also contributed to the profession as an AITSL Initial Teacher Education Panellist and is a recognised Fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders.
Allan Blagaich
Nominee of Catholic Education Queensland Ltd, reappointed 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2030
Allan Blagaich was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Education Queensland Limited (formerly Queensland Catholic Education Commission) in June 2023. Before this, he was the Executive Director of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority in Western Australia (2011–2023), working closely with independent, Catholic and public education sectors in WA.
Previously, he held senior roles in the WA Department of Education, including Executive Director of Statewide Planning and Delivery (2010–2011) and Executive Director of Metropolitan Schools (2008–2009). He was also a principal of a senior secondary school (2002–2008) and deputy principal at three rural and metropolitan schools.
Allan chaired the Australasian Curriculum Assessment and Certification Authorities (ACACA) in 2012–2013 and its Vocational Education and Training Committee (2011–2023). He served on the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) board for 6 years and was a foundation Director of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership and was a co-writer of the Australian Professional Standard for Principals. In 2008, he completed a Churchill Fellowship, studying education systems and interventions to support schools in challenging circumstances.
Christopher (Chris) Mountford
Nominee of Independent Schools Queensland, reappointed 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2030
Christopher (Chris) Mountford holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
In June 2021, he became the CEO of Independent Schools Queensland. Before this, he served as the Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia. With more than 20 years of experience in member-based advocacy organisations and government relations, Chris has developed strong expertise in policy, government advocacy, and commercial activities. He also has a deep understanding of government regulation and has played a key role on various state and local government advisory boards.
Brian Short
Nominee of the Minister, reappointed 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2030
Brian Short holds a Master of Arts (San José State University), a Master of Literary Studies, a Bachelor of Educational Studies, a Diploma of Education and a Bachelor of Arts (all from the University of Queensland).
After a 40-year career in secondary education, Brian retired as Headmaster of Brisbane Grammar School in 2013. Throughout his career, he held key leadership roles, including Head of Department, Dean of Studies and Deputy Headmaster–Curriculum. He also shared his expertise as a university lecturer in educational leadership and Australian national government. From 2014‒2022, he was Chair of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and from 2013‒2025, contributed to Queensland education as Director, Deputy Chair and ultimately Chair of Independent Schools Queensland’s Block Grant Authority.
Brian is a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators and the Australian Institute of Management and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Grant Webb
Nominee of the Director-General of the Department of Education, appointed 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2030
Over the past 40 years Grant Webb has undertaken a number of teaching and leadership roles across a variety of educational contexts, both nationally and internationally. While working for the Department of Education in Queensland he has been a classroom teacher, learning support teacher, educational consultant, Director, Executive Director, Assistant Director-General and school Principal.
Grant is currently an independent educational consultant. He has extensive experience working in both primary and secondary schools as well as in the tertiary sector.
Tsae Wong
Nominee of the Minister for Education, appointed 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2030
Tsae Wong has a PhD (Curtin University), Master of Education (Queensland University of Technology), Bachelor of Science (National University of Singapore), Diploma of Education (National University of Singapore), and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (FAIM) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors (GAICD).
Tsae retired as Principal of Trinity Lutheran College at the end of 2025 concluding her 40-year service to education in Singapore, Canberra, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. She has close to 3 decades of leadership experience as a Head of Department, Director of Teaching and Learning, Acting Head of Senior School, Deputy Principal and Principal. Her experience in the non-state school sector includes Grammar, Anglican, Lutheran and independent schools which were both all girls and co-educational. Tsae has served on the Independent Schools Queensland Education Committee.
Our team
The team that supports board members is made up of authorised persons and the secretariat.
Authorised persons
Authorised persons are appointed by NSSAB and bring expertise in areas such as governance, risk-management, finance, and school and curriculum leadership across primary, secondary, special education, and special assistance schools.
They may contact, or travel across Queensland to work directly with, schools for various purposes, including to:
- assess new schools or new sites
- monitor and investigate compliance with legislation
- supporting schools and governing bodies to achieve compliance
- audit census data.
Secretariat
The secretariat, operating as part of the Department of Education, provides regulatory functions, and administrative and operational support to NSSAB. For compliments, feedback, or to make a complaint,
contact us.
Working with us
Job opportunities for secretariat staff, including regulatory officers, are advertised on the Queensland Government's
Smart Jobs website. Look for departmental roles that have 'regulatory' or 'regulation' in the title (e.g. 'Senior Regulatory Officer' or 'Manager, Regulation'). To stay informed: