## 1. Overview
Macquarie Anglican Grammar School is an independent Anglican day school in Dubbo, NSW, offering a co-educational environment from junior years through to senior years. The school combines a values-driven, faith-informed ethos with a focus on academic preparation and well-rounded development, helping students grow as responsible, compassionate young people.
The school is mid-sized for the region, with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s, supporting small-group learning and individual attention. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, balancing academic rigour with opportunities in sport, arts, and community involvement to help students thrive.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English, STEM, leadership development, and language programs are emphasised to build strong literacy, numeracy, and communication skills.
- Special programs: There are opportunities for extension and accelerated learning, gifted and talented pathways, and senior study options designed to prepare students for Australian tertiary entry.
- NAPLAN trends: Consistent improvement and outcomes that sit above state averages in recent years, with ongoing focus on supporting students across all year levels.
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:12 to 1:18, depending on year level and class composition, allowing for attentive teaching and differentiated support.
- Support for diverse learners: A range of EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEN (Special Educational Needs) supports are available, including targeted intervention and resource staff to assist individual learners.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Football codes (e.g., rugby/soccer), cricket, basketball, netball, tennis, athletics, swimming, and other local-school offerings are available.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive inter-school participation with opportunities for regional representation and recognition in various sports.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, drama productions, and performance opportunities are part of the co-curricular range.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest clubs support student curiosity and skill-building.
- Partnerships: Involvement with local clubs, academies, and regional competitions enhances opportunities beyond the classroom.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: A proactive, respectful-relationships framework supports a positive and safe school culture.
- House system: A house-based structure provides pastoral care, cohesion, and healthy competition across cohorts.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Qualified staff support student wellbeing, with accessible counselling and wellbeing programs.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, buddy systems, and transition plans help new students integrate smoothly.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Multiple playing fields and courts support a broad range of sports.
- Libraries: A well-resourced library with print and digital collections.
- Science labs: Well-equipped science facilities to support practical learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music ensembles and drama.
- Tech/innovation labs: Modern spaces for technology, coding, and project-based learning.
- Cafeteria: On-site canteen or cafeteria offering daily meal options.
- Updated playgrounds: Safe, improved outdoor spaces for recreation and activity.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A faith-informed ethos focused on integrity, respect, service, and resilience in daily learning and conduct.
- Leadership style: Collaborative, student-inclusive leadership with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around respect, responsibility, and personal achievement.
- Community reputation: A welcoming, family-friendly community with active parent involvement and strong community partnerships.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds and supports all learners.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs from the morning start through to mid-afternoon, with after-school activities offered.
- Before/after school care: Available to families needing extended care outside normal school hours.
- Uniform requirements: School uniform is required, with established guidelines for daily wear and special occasions.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Bus routes and transport options are available to accommodate regional travel; parents may use school-run services where offered.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or meal facilities with day-to-day options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): The school operates as an independent/private school with fees in the mid-to-high range for NSW comparable institutions.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
### 11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Step 1: Submit an expression of interest or initial inquiry.
- Step 2: Complete the application form and provide required documentation (e.g., birth certificate, immunisation records, prior school reports).
- Step 3: Participate in any required assessments or interviews (academic and/or pastoral).
- Step 4: Attend an enrolment interview with families.
- Step 5: Receive a provisional or confirmed offer, followed by enrolment paperwork and acceptance.
- Step 6: Orientation and transition activities before the start date.
- Timeline varies by year level and intake; early applications often help secure a place due to limited numbers.
### 12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Yes, there is a waiting list when year-level intake is full. Positions on the list are typically allocated by application date, with priority given to siblings and other school-specific considerations. Families on the waitlist are contacted when a place becomes available. A deposit or formal hold may be required to secure a position off the waitlist.
### 13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry requirements often include an interview and may include academic or pastoral discussions. Some year levels may require an assessment or testing to determine appropriate placement. For international or EAL applicants, an English language assessment may be requested. Alignment with the school’s ethos and values is commonly considered.
### 14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered where places are available. The transfer process typically involves transcript submission, a short transition assessment, and a plan to support the student’s continuity of study and social integration. Availability depends on current enrolments and term dates.
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## 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A combination of strong academics, faith-based values, supportive pastoral care, active co-curriculars, and a welcoming community.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Motivated, curious, collaborative learners who value both academics and community involvement, and who respond well to a nurturing yet rigorous environment.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Extension pathways in senior years, leadership opportunities, competitive sports teams, music ensembles, drama productions, robotics, debating, and other clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, a parent portal, parent-teacher conferences, email updates, and social media channels as appropriate.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered learning with differentiation, a mix of teacher-led instruction and inquiry-based activities, integration of technology, and ongoing progress feedback.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted learning support, EAL/SEN services, small-group interventions, and individualized plans as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to tutors, mentoring, assessment accommodations where appropriate, and close collaboration with families and support staff.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- (See above) Regular and multi-channel communication through portals, emails, and meetings.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are typically small-to-medium (roughly 20–24 students per class), enabling differentiated instruction and regular teacher feedback.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, arts, and clubs including robotics, chess, coding, debating, music ensembles, drama, and sporting teams.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, technology and innovation labs, cafeteria, and updated outdoor areas.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated technology across the curriculum, use of digital learning tools, potential one-to-one devices in senior years, and emphasis on digital citizenship.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and transport options within the region, with accessibility considerations and parking arrangements as appropriate.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-to-high range for NSW independent schools, with additional costs for uniforms, trips, and levies; exact figures are provided by the admissions team.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Independent Anglican schooling with a values-based approach
- Moderate class sizes enabling personalised attention
- Strong emphasis on academics, wellbeing, and co-curricular balance
- Broad range of facilities and supportive pastoral care
- Cons
- Fees are higher than public options (typical for independent schools)
- Limited places in certain year levels; potential waitlists
- After-hours programs may be necessary for some families to fit busy schedules
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