## Overview
St Andrew's Anglican College is an independent, co-educational Anglican day school on the Sunshine Coast, offering a comprehensive program from early years through to Year 12. The college is a medium-sized, community-focused campus that emphasises character development alongside strong academic achievement. Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, supporting approachable teaching and personalised attention. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, with a clear emphasis on faith-inspired values, service, and well-rounded development through sport, arts and leadership opportunities.
The school fosters a community culture that blends academic rigor with compassion, collaboration, and resilience. Students are encouraged to pursue excellence in a supportive environment that values diversity, inclusion, and high standards of conduct.
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## Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: strong emphasis on STEM,English and leadership, with particular attention to communication, problem-solving and creative thinking. Languages and humanities are well-supported as part of a balanced curriculum.
- Special programs: gifted and talented pathways, accelerated learning options, and Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) / university pathways to support diverse learner aims.
- NAPLAN trends: consistent performance with positive trends in writing and numeracy across cohorts over recent years, indicating steady improvement and strong foundational skills.
- Student-teacher ratios: typically around 1:12–1:15, allowing for relatively small class sizes and targeted feedback.
- Support for diverse learners: dedicated EAL and SEN support, specialised learning support staff, and mechanisms to assist students who need extra help or extension.
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## Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: rugby, football (soccer), cricket, netball, basketball, swimming, athletics, tennis and cross-country are commonly available, with pathways for development across age groups.
- Strong teams or achievements: active participation in regional inter-school competitions, with many teams progressing to finals or achieving poles in local or regional circuits.
- Music, arts, drama programs: robust performing arts scene including choirs, instrumental programs, theatre productions and musical ensembles.
- Clubs: robotics, chess, coding, debating and other academic/tech clubs to complement classroom learning.
- Partnerships: connections with local sport academies and arts organizations, plus participation in inter-school tournaments and festivals to broaden experience.
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## Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: clear policies with ongoing education, reporting channels and a supportive culture to promote respect and safety.
- House system: a house-based framework to foster belonging, leadership opportunities and friendly competition.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: dedicated pastoral care staff and wellbeing professionals available to students and families.
- Transition support for new students: structured onboarding, buddy programs and early-year support to ease transitions.
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## Facilities
- Sports grounds: extensive playing fields and courts for a range of sports.
- Libraries: well-resourced library spaces with digital access and study areas.
- Science labs: modern laboratories to support hands-on science learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: dedicated spaces for ensembles, theatre and performance.
- Tech/innovation labs: makerspaces and computer labs supporting coding, robotics and design thinking.
- Cafeteria: on-site dining options with healthy choices.
- Updated playgrounds: contemporary outdoor play and recreation areas.
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## School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: faith-based education with emphasis on respect, responsibility, service, and academic and personal excellence.
- Leadership style: collaborative and service-oriented leadership across staff and student groups.
- Behaviour expectations: clear codes of conduct aligned with Anglican ethos, promoting integrity, courtesy and accountability.
- Community reputation: known for a welcoming, inclusive culture and strong family involvement.
- Diversity & inclusion: commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and supporting equitable access to opportunities.
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## School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: typical school day follows standard daylight hours with start and finish times aligned to year level schedules.
- Before/after school care: available or coordinated through the school to provide extended care options.
- Uniform requirements: formal school uniform throughout the junior, middle and senior years, with specified dress expectations for events and sport.
- Transport: access to school-provided bus routes and public transport options; proximity to local communities supports easy commuting.
- Canteen availability: on-site or supervised canteen/café options offering healthy meal and snack choices.
- Fees: fees fall in the mid-to-high range for private independent schools; exact amounts vary by year level and programs chosen.
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## Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Generally, families start with an expression of interest or application, followed by submission of required documents and an application fee. This is followed by an interview and any required assessments, with offers made subject to space and eligibility. The timeline can span several months, so early planning is advised.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists are common when places are limited. Priority may be given to siblings and in-catchment applicants, with offers issued as spaces become available.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically involves an interview and may include assessments related to literacy, numeracy or a student's fit with the program. EAL considerations and prior academic records are also reviewed as part of the process.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfer options are often possible if space is available and the applicant meets entry requirements. Timing and availability depend on current year levels and cohort numbers.
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## Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based independent education that combines strong academics with character development, supportive wellbeing, and broad co-curricular opportunities.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who are motivated, curious and collaborative, who value community, service, and balanced development across academics, sport, arts and leadership.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Advanced or accelerated learning options, leadership programs, diverse clubs (robotics, coding, debating), regional sport teams, performing arts productions and music ensembles.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates via newsletters, parent portals, calendars, and scheduled information evenings; open lines to teachers and pastoral staff when needed.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A blend of traditional curriculum with contemporary, student-centered approaches, emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration and real-world application.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Dedicated learning support, targeted interventions, EAL/SEN assistance and access to classroom accommodations or enrichment as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Early diagnostic screening, individualised support plans, tutoring options and ongoing teacher collaboration to monitor progress.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (duplicate)
- See above: multiple channels including portals, emails, newsletters and parent events.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Classes typically run in the low-to-mid 20s, with opportunities for teachers to provide targeted feedback and small-group support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad range of sports, music, drama, and clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating), with pathways to regional and inter-school competitions.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities including sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, and modern tech/innovation labs.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated use of digital tools to support learning, collaboration and skills like coding, design and media production.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- School-provided transport options and access to local public transport, with consideration given to accessibility and ease of travel for families.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-to-high range for private independent schools and can vary by year level and program; families should consult the school for current detailed fees.
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## Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Values-based, supportive environment with strong Anglican ethos
- Balanced focus on academics, wellbeing, and co-curriculars
- Medium-sized community with opportunities for leadership and participation
- Broad facilities supporting science, arts, technology and sport
- Clear pathways for student development and university entry
- Cons
- Fees are higher than public options and may be a consideration for some families
- Class sizes, while manageable, are not as small as some specialist private schools
- Availability of some year-level spaces can be limited, leading to potential waiting lists
- Travel time may be a factor for families living further away from Peregian Springs
