## 1. Overview
Ipswich Grammar School is an independent Anglican day school for boys in Ipswich, Queensland. It offers a comprehensive education from preparatory year through to Year 12, with an emphasis on academic achievement, leadership development, and character building within a supportive, traditional yet contemporary culture. The school is medium-sized, creating a close-knit community where students receive personal attention and ample opportunities to explore their interests.
Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, allowing for meaningful teacher-student engagement. The atmosphere combines high academic expectations with a nurturing, inclusive environment and a strong focus on sport, the arts, and community involvement.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong emphasis on STEM and English literacy, with leadership development and opportunities to study languages.
- Special programs: gifted and talented pathways and accelerated learning options, plus leadership and service activities integrated into the curriculum.
- NAPLAN trends: historical trends show steady improvement or consistently strong performance in literacy and numeracy across year levels, reflecting effective teaching and targeted support.
- Student-teacher ratios: typically small-to-mid sized classes with favourable student-teacher ratios, enabling more individualized attention.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEN (Special Educational Needs) support, inclusive education practices, and targeted learning assistance where needed.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: rugby union, cricket, football (soccer), tennis, athletics, swimming, and other traditional school sports.
- Strong teams or achievements: participation in inter-school competitions with regularly competitive teams and notable performance across year groups.
- Music, arts, drama programs: robust music ensembles, choir, and performing arts productions; supportive environment for creative pursuits.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest-based groups to complement classroom learning.
- Partnerships: connections with local sporting and arts academies and participation in regional inter-school events and competitions.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: clear policies, reporting channels, and proactive education to foster a respectful school culture.
- House system: a traditional house framework that supports belonging, friendly competition, mentoring, and pastoral care.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: dedicated staff focused on student wellbeing, mental health awareness, and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted transition activities to help students settle in smoothly.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: well-maintained playing fields and courts to support physical education and games.
- Libraries: well-stocked libraries with digital resources and study spaces.
- Science labs: modern, well-equipped laboratories for hands-on experimentation.
- Music/performing arts centers: dedicated spaces for rehearsals, performances, and productions.
- Tech/innovation labs: design & technology spaces and digital learning environments.
- Cafeteria: on-site canteen providing healthy meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: modern, safe outdoor spaces for younger students and recess activities.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: a focus on excellence, integrity, respect, and service, with an emphasis on leadership and character development.
- Leadership style: collaborative and student-centered, with opportunities for student voice and responsibility through councils and projects.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct, consistent expectations across year levels, and a culture of accountability and respect.
- Community reputation: recognised for academic rigor, a supportive environment, and a strong sense of tradition combined with modern learning.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to creating an inclusive community that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and supports their success.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical day starts in the morning and finishes in the early afternoon, with after-school activities available.
- Before/after school care: options for supervision and activities outside normal school hours.
- Uniform requirements: formal school uniform with appropriate seasonal adjustments; guidelines for non-uniform days and sporting uniforms.
- Transport: bus services and local transport options available to assist families; discussion with the school about routes and schedules.
- Canteen availability: on-site canteen or cafeteria services for students.
- Fees: middle-to-high range for independent schooling, with additional costs for uniforms, activities, trips, and incidental fees.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an application with necessary supporting documents (academic records, references, and any required disclosures). The school typically outlines key intake points and a timeline for applications, assessments, and interviews.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists can apply, with length varying by year level and intake. Priority may be given to siblings and returning families, with space allocated as openings arise.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Expect an entry assessment or invitation for an interview, along with a review of academic records and possibly a reference. Some years may include language or ability-based tasks as part of the process.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be possible if space and time allow, subject to the usual assessments and meeting enrolment requirements.
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## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
A balance of strong academics, supportive pastoral care, a traditional yet progressive culture, and opportunities in sport, arts, and leadership.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
Students who are motivated, enjoy a structured environment, value academics, and participate in sports or creative pursuits tend to thrive.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
A broad program including advanced learning options, leadership opportunities, competitive sports, music ensembles, drama productions, robotics, debating, and other clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
Regular newsletters, parent portals or apps, staff communications, parent-teacher interviews, and targeted updates for wellbeing and events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
A combination of high expectations, inquiry-based learning, differentiated instruction, and a curriculum aligned to the Australian/Queensland standards, with emphasis on critical thinking and real-world applications.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
Dedicated learning support staff, targeted tutoring or intervention programs, and individualized plans to assist students needing additional help.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
Small class sizes, access to learning support, study skills coaching, and mentorship programs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
See above; multiple touchpoints including digital platforms, events, and direct contacts with teachers and pastoral staff.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, with favourable student-teacher ratios that support increased individual attention.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
A wide range of sports (rugby, cricket, football, tennis, athletics, swimming), plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, theatre, and more.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, technology/innovation spaces, and dining/canteen facilities.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
Integration of digital learning tools, computer/tech labs, and responsible use guidelines to prepare students for a technology-rich world.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
Local bus services and transport options are available to support families; accessibility features and campus access are designed with student safety in mind.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
Fees are in the mid-to-high range for independent schooling, with additional costs for uniforms, trips, and elective activities.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Strong academic program with a clear pathway for leadership and character development
- Supportive pastoral care and a sense of community within a medium-sized school
- Broad extracurriculars across sports, arts, and clubs
- Positive student-teacher ratios enabling more individualized attention
- Rich tradition balanced with contemporary learning approaches
Cons
- As an independent/private school, tuition costs are higher than many public options
- Single-sex environment may not suit every family or preference
- Transport may require daily commuting for some families depending on location
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