He will start in the role in January 2024, taking over the role from departing principal Ross Preece.
Ashburton College board residing member Jen Muir said in a statement to the school community Coleman’s appointment was confirmed after an extensive selection process of referee checking, shortlisting and interviews.
The interviews were held in mid-September.
"Simon brings a wealth of experience to this role. He is currently principal at Geraldine High School, where he has been for the past nine years," Muir said.
Coleman’s experience includes teaching at five high schools, including St Peter’s College, a co-educational year 7-13 school in Gore, with an attached boarding house.
He has been involved in the visual arts specialising in design, lectured for the Otago University’s College of Education secondary teaching programme.
"I have been involved with vocational pathways, and have recently been appointed to the National Education Review Team tasked with identifying refinements for senior curriculum programmes in schools," Coleman said.
He spent his early teaching career at Mount Hutt College and Mountainview High School.
Muir said the college board thanked all families and students who responded to the school survey asking what key attributes they wanted in a future principal.
"Responses from our various stakeholder groups helped to inform the process in a valuable way," she said.
"The board acknowledges all who applied for this position. Ashburton College was most fortunate to have a strong field of applicants."
