Andrew Scott Bell, who attended Mosman Primary School as a child, has been appointed Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, the nation’s highest civil honour.
The current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales received the recognition for eminent service to the judiciary and law, legal education and training, and the arts as an administrator and benefactor. Chief Justice Andrew Bell grew up on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, attending Balmoral Infants before moving to Mosman Primary School.
He is the son of economist Harold Bell and art historian Pamela Bell, who raised their family in the North Shore area during his formative years.Mosman-Educated Andrew Scott Bell Receives Australia’s Highest Honour
From North Shore Schools to Chief Justice
The educational journey of Chief Justice Andrew Bell began locally at Balmoral Infants and Mosman Primary before continuing at Neutral Bay Opportunity Class and Sydney Grammar School. This North Shore foundation preceded an outstanding academic career at the University of Sydney, where he won University Medals in both Arts and Law.
As a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, he completed a doctorate before returning to Australia to build a distinguished legal career. Before his appointment to the bench, he worked as a leading Senior Counsel at Eleven Wentworth chambers, specialising in complex commercial and constitutional law. He served as President of the NSW Court of Appeal from 2019 to 2022 before becoming the 18th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, making him the state’s highest-ranking judicial officer.
Multiple Leadership Roles Beyond the Bench
Beyond his duties as Chief Justice, Andrew Bell holds the position of Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales and serves as President of the Judicial Commission of NSW. His involvement extends significantly into the arts, notably as the long-time Chairman of Sculpture by the Sea.
The Companion of the Order of Australia citation specifically recognises him as an arts administrator and benefactor. This reflects a life-long commitment to the cultural sector, likely influenced by his parents’ backgrounds in economics and art history.
What This Honour Means for Mosman
For Mosman residents, the appointment of Chief Justice Andrew Scott Bell to Companion of the Order of Australia highlights how local schools have shaped leaders at the summit of Australian public life. His early education at Mosman Primary School formed the first steps of a trajectory leading to the state’s highest judicial office.
Chief Justice Andrew Scott Bell stands as a primary example for local families of how a North Shore education can provide the foundation for significant national contribution. His journey from Balmoral Infants to Chief Justice demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities available to young people educated in the Mosman community.
Published 29-January-2026.