1. Overview
Grant High School is a public, co-educational high school serving Mount Gambier and the surrounding region. As a medium-sized government school, it offers a broad range of subjects and a welcoming, inclusive culture that supports students across different backgrounds and abilities. Class sizes are typically in the mid-teens to low twenties, allowing for approachable teaching and plenty of student support.
The atmosphere is nurturing and community-focused, with an emphasis on academic achievement, personal development, and participation in a wide range of activities. Students are encouraged to engage, collaborate and strive for excellence while feeling connected to peers and staff.
- School type: Public
- School size: Medium
- Class size: Approximately 20–25 students per class
- Atmosphere/culture: Nurturing, inclusive, academically engaged
2. Academics & Learning
Grant High School emphasises a well-rounded curriculum with opportunities to excel in key areas and pathways to post-school destinations.
- Academic strengths: STEM, English, leadership development, and languages
- Special programs: Accelerated learning options, gifted and talented pathways, and VET/Industry link programs within the senior years
- NAPLAN / trends: Steady improvement in reading and numeracy over recent years, with results at or above state averages and positive year-on-year trends
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:15 to 1:20, enabling meaningful teacher support
- Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL and SEN support, inclusive education team, and individual learning plans where needed
3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
A solid mix of sports, arts, and clubs helps students develop physically and creatively.
- Sports offered: Soccer, Australian rules football, netball, basketball, tennis, athletics, swimming
- Strong teams/achievements: Competitive regional performances in basketball and athletics; consistent representation in district championships
- Music, arts, drama: Active music program, choir, school productions, and performing arts involvement
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other student-led initiatives
- Partnerships: Local clubs and regional competitions, opportunities for external coaching and intra-school showcases
4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Wellbeing is a central focus, with structures to support every student’s safety and growth.
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policy, restorative practices, and student education
- House system: House groups that support mentoring, leadership opportunities, and wellbeing activities
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: On-site guidance and wellbeing staff to assist with personal, social, and academic concerns
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and tailored onboarding to help new students settle in
5. Facilities
Facilities are designed to support a comprehensive student experience, with spaces for learning, creativity, and sport.
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds and outdoor spaces
6. School Values & Community Culture
Grant High School fosters a values-driven, inclusive culture with strong student and staff leadership opportunities.
- School values / mission: Respect, integrity, excellence, and responsibility
- Leadership style: Participatory leadership with student voice, teacher-led collaboration, and a focus on restorative practices
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework with clear expectations and support
- Community reputation: Trusted local school praised for inclusivity and community involvement
- Diversity & inclusion: Programs and practices to support diverse students, including indigenous and culturally diverse learners
7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
Practical information to help families plan around school life.
- School hours: Typically around 8:30 am–3:00 pm (adjustments may occur for bus routes or detentions)
- Before/after school care: OSHC arrangements or school-supported programs may be available
- Uniform requirements: Standard school uniform with expectations for neat, consistent dress
- Transport: Regional bus routes and school transport options; information provided by the school on route availability
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen offering healthy meal options
- Fees: Low to moderate compulsory charges for certain materials and activities; government-funded schooling covers core education
8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Start by contacting the school’s enrolment team for the current year’s window. Complete the official enrolment form, provide required documents (birth certificate, proof of address, immunisation records where applicable, and any previous school reports). Timelines typically align with the SA Department for Education’s annual intake period, with forms returning and places allocated as capacity allows.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Depending on capacity, there may be a waiting list. Places are allocated based on enrolment priorities (e.g., catchment status) and date of application. The school can advise on current wait times and any interim options.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- For routine enrolments, no entrance exam is required. Some programs or pathway options may involve information sharing and placement considerations, but most enrolments are based on standard documentation and school readiness indicators. Interviews are not typical for general enrolment but may occur for specific programs or to discuss support needs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Yes, subject to seat availability and alignment with staff capacity. Prospective mid-year transfer families should contact the enrolment team as early as possible to review options and required documentation.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
Families choose Grant High School for its supportive culture, balanced academics, inclusive environment, strong wellbeing supports, and opportunities in sport, arts, and leadership. The school offers clear pathways to SACE qualifications and post-school options, with a focus on student growth and community involvement.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
Students who are curious, collaborative, and committed to improving in a supportive, team-oriented setting tend to thrive. The school supports a range of learners, including those who excel academically, as well as students seeking practical learning experiences through VET pathways and clubs.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
Extensions are provided through accelerated learning options, gifted programs, VET and industry-linked courses, robotics and coding clubs, music and drama productions, and regional sport teams. Leadership roles and student councils offer further growth.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
Regular updates via newsletters, emails, a school portal, phone calls, and scheduled information evenings. The school also emphasizes open channels with tutors, coordinators, and the wellbeing team to support families.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
A student-centred approach with a mix of classroom-based learning, practical activities, and inquiry-driven projects. The school uses restorative practices for behaviour and provides targeted support to meet diverse learning needs.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
The school offers targeted tutoring, study supports, EAL and SEN assistance, and learning plans. Our guidance and wellbeing staff work with teachers to tailor supports for individual students.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
Access to small-group or one-on-one tutoring, extension activities for advanced learners, and collaboration with subject teachers to adapt instruction and materials.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
(Same as above) Regular updates via newsletters, portals, and direct contact with teachers and coordinators.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
Class sizes are typically around 20–25 students, with support structures to ensure teachers can provide guidance and feedback to individual students where needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
A broad range including team sports (soccer, AFL, netball, basketball), athletics, swimming, music, drama, robotics, chess, coding, and debating. Partnerships and local competition provide broad exposure.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, tech/innovation labs, a cafeteria, and updated outdoor spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
Emphasis on responsible digital citizenship, integration of technology across subjects, classroom devices where appropriate, and opportunities to develop coding and digital literacy skills.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
Regional bus routes and school transport options are available; families should consult the school for current routes and accessibility considerations.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
Government-funded education covers core teaching; there may be modest costs for materials, activities, and camps. The school will provide an itemised list of expected charges.
10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Supportive, inclusive school culture with strong wellbeing and pastoral care
- Balanced curriculum with clear pathways to post-school options (SACE, VET)
- Active extracurricular programs in sports, arts, and clubs
- Moderate class sizes enabling teacher attention
- Modern facilities and accessible learning spaces
Cons
- As a medium-sized public school, high-demand subjects may have waiting lists during peak periods
- Some specialty programs or selective opportunities may have limited seats
- Transport options depend on regional routes and can require planning for out-of-area families
Notes:
- All information is presented to help families gauge how Grant High School may fit their child’s needs. For the most current enrolment timelines, program availability, and campus specifics, contact the school’s enrolment team.
