Mr Turner will start in his new role on October 6.

Mr Turner is currently the principal of Blackfriars Priory School in Adelaide, but he is originally from Echuca and has previously taught in schools in Shepparton and Swan Hill.

He said he was looking forward to returning to central Victoria with his wife and four children.

"My family are absolutely excited and delighted to head back to Bendigo," he said, adding that his wife was from the city.

"It's an outstanding school and familiar territory so there's lots of appeal," he said.

He said that CCB was an excellent school due to its teaching and learning program, its pastoral care and its community spirit.

He said he was looking forward to working for the Mercy Sisters, the religious order of which the school is part.

"I've grown up as a Catholic and have always been dedicated to the faith of the church," he said.

Mercy Education board chairman John Shannon said Mr Turner was passionate about educating young people. 

"He not only talks the talk but walks the walk. We feel confident that we've made the right decision," Mr Shannon said.

Mr Shannon said the board had spoken to referees other than the ones Mr Turner had nominated and they were impressed with how highly Mr Turner's colleagues and superiors regarded him.

"His knowledge of contemporary education is incredible," Mr Shannon said. "He has worked with a lot of religious orders, which was a bonus."

Catholic College Bendigo's present principal Michael Chalkley will return to his former role of deputy principal.

Mr Chalkley was appointed principal after Darren McGregor accepted the lead role at the new Marist College at Maiden Gully.

Mr Chalkley had always indicated he did not want the principal position long-term.

Mr Shannon said Mr Chalkley had done an excellent job as principal.

"One reason we didn't make an appointment last year is because we knew we had a highly regarded back-stop in Michael," he said.