# 1. Overview
Canberra Grammar School is an independent, co-educational Anglican school serving students from early learning through to Year 12. It offers a sizeable, well-established community with a broad range of academic and co-curricular opportunities. Class sizes are typically in the moderate range, supporting individual attention while sustaining a lively, collaborative learning environment. The school fosters a nurturing yet academically rigorous culture, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, sport, and the arts.
# 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: STEM disciplines, English, languages, and leadership development are core to the curriculum, with a focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills.
- Special programs: IB Diploma Programme is offered as an alternative pathway for senior students, along with accelerated learning options and gifted/talented programs.
- NAPLAN trends: The school has demonstrated consistently strong NAPLAN performance with upward trends in reading and numeracy, reflecting solid literacy and mathematical foundations.
- Student-teacher ratios: Approximately 1:10 to 1:12, supporting meaningful teacher contact and targeted feedback.
- Support for diverse learners: Comprehensive support for diverse learners, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEN (Special Educational Needs) services, plus targeted learning support where needed.
# 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Rugby, soccer, cricket, basketball, hockey, athletics, swimming, tennis, and other team and individual sports.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular involvement and success in inter-school competitions across multiple sports; strong program depth with opportunities for development at different levels.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, theatre and drama productions, and a robust performing arts calendar integrated into the student experience.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and a range of academic and hobby clubs to suit varied interests.
- Partnerships: Participation in local and national competitions, partnerships with external academies and organisations to extend opportunities in sport, STEM, and the arts.
# 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs to promote respectful, inclusive behaviours and a safe school environment.
- House system: A house-based framework that nurtures community, mentorship, and healthy competition across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated wellbeing staff and counsellors to support student mental health, resilience, and social-emotional development.
- Transition support for new students: Structured orientation, buddy programs, and transition support to help new students integrate smoothly.
# 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Extensive playing fields and courts supporting a wide range of sports.
- Libraries: Well-equipped libraries with study spaces and digital resources.
- Science labs: Modern science laboratories that support hands-on experiments across disciplines.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music ensembles, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Contemporary classrooms and maker/innovation spaces to support technology and design learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site catering facilities offering healthy meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: Well-maintained outdoor spaces for play and recreation.
# 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A mission centered on excellence, integrity, respect, inclusion, and service, anchored in the school’s Anglican tradition.
- Leadership style: Distributed and participatory leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear conduct expectations aligned with the school’s values, promoting responsible and respectful behaviour.
- Community reputation: Strong standing in the Canberra community, with active parent involvement and a positive reputation for academic and co-curricular excellence.
- Diversity & inclusion: Committed to a diverse and inclusive community that supports students from different backgrounds and with different abilities.
# 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs through the standard school timetable with start and finish times aligned to year level schedules; after-school activities are available.
- Before/after school care: Available to support families with early drop-off and after-school care options.
- Uniform requirements: Formal uniform policy with consistent expectations across year levels.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to public transport options and school-organised or partner bus routes where available.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or approved food services offering meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Given it is an independent/private school, fees are in the higher range relative to primary/secondary public options; financial assistance and payment plans may be available.
# 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Inquiry and information session, followed by an application.
- Campus tour or information evening, then formal assessments/interviews as required.
- Offers and enrolment confirmation, with deposits and orientation details provided after acceptance.
- Timelines vary by year level and intake, but many families begin the process well in advance (often 6–12+ months).
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, there can be a waiting list for popular year levels. Applications are placed on the list, and spaces become available as families move or as new places arise. The school will typically provide an estimated wait time and keep families updated.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry usually involves submission of academic records, an interview (and sometimes a short assessment or auditions for arts), and may require documentation related to EAL or SEN needs if applicable.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to space and alignment with year-level intake requirements. Prospective families should contact the admissions team as early as possible to discuss available opportunities.
# 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Parents value a strong academic program, well-rounded co-curriculars, supportive wellbeing systems, and an inclusive, community-focused culture.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated across academics, sports, arts, and leadership, who respond well to a balanced and structured environment with opportunities to participate in multiple spheres.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- A broad range of extensions including the IB Diploma Programme, accelerated learning options, advanced STEM and languages, competitive sport, performing arts productions, robotics andcoding clubs, and debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent portals, and parent-teacher/student conferences; proactive communications about events and student progress.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A student-centered approach that emphasises inquiry, critical thinking, collaborative learning, and the development of 21st-century skills, with targeted support where needed.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Structured learning support, EAL and SEN services, targeted intervention programs, and access to mentors and counsellors.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Diagnostic assessments, personalised learning plans, tutoring or small-group sessions, and ongoing progress reviews with teachers and specialists.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate)
- See above.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically in the mid-teens to low-twenties, with a student-teacher ratio around 1:10–1:12 to support individual feedback and guidance.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range of sports (team and individual), music and arts programs, robotics, chess, coding, debating, and various clubs and competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts venues, tech/innovation spaces, and on-site canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Emphasis on modern learning tools, digital literacy, and integrated technology across curricula to prepare students for 21st-century challenges.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Access to public transport and school-supported transport options where available, plus convenient campus facilities for accessibility.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the higher range typical of private independent schools; there may be additional costs for uniforms, activities, trips, and specific programs. Families should check current fee schedules and available financial assistance options.
# 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Independent/private school with a broad, rigorous curriculum and strong senior pathways (including IB).
- Balanced emphasis on academics, sport, arts, and leadership opportunities.
- Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care; inclusive and welcoming culture.
- Modern facilities and a wide range of co-curricular options.
- Active involvement in the local community and partnerships for extended opportunities.
- Cons
- Higher tuition fees compared with public schools.
- Competitive environment may not suit every student.
- Availability of places can be limited at certain year levels, leading to waiting lists.
