Dr John Vallance

Dr John Taber Vallance, born in Sydney in 1958, is a distinguished Australian classical scholar and educational leader known for his deep contributions to academia, the arts, and public library services. He studied at the University of Sydney and later at St John's College, Cambridge, where he excelled in both classics and music. His academic work led him to a fellowship at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where he lectured in ancient science and philosophy. In 1990, he published The Lost Theory of Asclepiades of Bithynia, an influential work on the history of ancient medicine.

Returning to Australia in the early 1990s, Dr Vallance joined Sydney Grammar School as Head of Classics and was later appointed Headmaster in 1999. Over nearly two decades, he became a respected figure in Australian education. He championed a liberal arts curriculum, placing emphasis on critical thinking and traditional methods of learning. He gained national attention for his policy limiting the use of laptops in classrooms up to Year 10, believing that handwriting and personal interaction were more beneficial to student development.

In 2017, Dr Vallance was appointed State Librarian and Chief Executive of the State Library of New South Wales. His leadership focused on accessibility, public engagement, and the preservation of cultural heritage. He led the restoration of the Mitchell Reading Room and expanded the library’s public programming. He also briefly served as interim head of Museums of History NSW during a key transitional period.

Dr Vallance was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2024 Australia Day Honours, recognising his contributions to education, libraries, and the arts. Beyond his professional life, he is an accomplished sculptor and musician, reflecting a lifelong dedication to culture and creativity.