St Brendan's College

1. Overview

St Brendan’s College Yeppoon is a Catholic secondary school for boys, serving Year 7–12, located on the Capricorn Coast in Yeppoon, Queensland. As a Catholic school in the Rockhampton Diocese, the college emphasises faith formation alongside a broad curriculum. The school aims to balance academics, sport and community involvement within a supportive, values-driven culture. Class sizes are typically in the low-to-mid 20s, which supports approachable teaching and active student participation. The atmosphere is generally described as respectful and nurturing, with a strong focus on developing character, leadership and teamwork alongside academic achievement.

Yeppoon’s St Brendan’s College offers a sense of tradition and community, with opportunities for students to engage in faith formation, service activities and school life beyond the classroom. The college emphasises inclusive, supportive learning and preparing boys to contribute positively to their local community and beyond.

1. Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: Strong emphasis on English and Maths, with solid programs across Science and Religious Education. The college also focuses on developing literacy and numeracy skills, critical thinking and effective communication. Leadership development and civic responsibility are integrated into the learning experience.

• Special programs: Leadership development and opportunities for extended learning are typically highlighted. Vocational Education and Training (VET) options and curriculum pathways are commonly available to prepare students for post-school study or work.

• Support for diverse learners: School-based support for diverse learners, including assistance for EAL (English as an Additional Language) students and SEN (Special Education Needs) support, with learning support staff and personalised plans where appropriate.

1. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: Rugby league and rugby union, cricket, soccer, Australian rules football, basketball, athletics, swimming, tennis and other school-based sport programs. The college supports participation in regional competitions and intra-school fixtures.

• Strong teams or achievements: Active involvement in local and regional competitions with a history of school-level achievements and ongoing development of athletic teams.

• Music, arts, drama programs: Co-curricular programs in music and drama, including ensembles, choir and school productions, with opportunities to perform and develop performing arts skills.

• Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding and debating are commonly available clubs, encouraging STEM, strategic thinking and public speaking.

• Partnerships: Partnerships and participation in local and regional competitions and events, with opportunities to engage with community clubs and organisations for extra-curricular development.

1. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies and a culture of respect, supported by pastoral care staff and student-led initiatives. Programs promote digital citizenship and positive behaviour online and offline.

• House system: A house-based structure (with inter-house events and competitions) to foster belonging, leadership opportunities and social connection across year levels.

• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support mental health, social-emotional learning and personal development.

• Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems and transition support to help new students settle in and build connections quickly.

1. Facilities

• Sports grounds: On-site sports facilities and playing fields to support physical education and team sports.

• Libraries: A purpose-built library with print and digital resources to support study and reading for pleasure.

• Science labs: Modern science laboratories for practical experiments and hands-on learning.

• Music/performing arts centers: Music rooms and spaces for drama and performing arts activities and productions.

• Tech/innovation labs: Computer labs and STEM/tech spaces to support coding, robotics and innovative projects.

• Cafeteria: On-site canteen or food facilities to serve students during breaks and lunch.

• Updated playgrounds: Safe outdoor spaces and playgrounds/sitting areas for breaks and social time.

1. School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: A Catholic mission emphasising faith, service, integrity, respect and responsibility as core guiding principles.

• Leadership style: A collaborative, student-centered leadership approach within a pastoral care framework, with adults modelling respectful leadership.

• Behaviour expectations: Clear expectations around conduct, respect for others, responsibility and resilience, reinforced through pastoral programs and house activities.

• Community reputation: Generally viewed as a supportive, faith-centred community with a focus on character development, academic progress and local engagement.

• Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that respects diversity and supports students from different backgrounds.

1. School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: The school day typically runs through a standard timetable with starts and finishes aligned to Queensland norms; exact times published by the college each year.

• Before/after school care: In-school or partner arrangements may be available for before/after-school care or supervision.

• Uniform requirements: College uniform is required, with distinct daily and sports uniforms; details provided by the college.

• Transport (train/bus routes): Access to local transport options, including school bus routes and public transport; exact routes and availability depend on year level and family location.

• Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch facilities for students.

• Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the medium range for Catholic secondary schooling; additional costs may apply for uniforms, excursions and activities.

1. Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Submit the enrolment application through the college’s admissions process, providing required documents (birth certificate, immunisation records, proofs of residence, etc.). After review, families may be invited to an interview or information session. Offers are issued according to vacancy and allocation policies, with confirmation and enrolment steps to secure a place within the stated timeline.

1. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?

• If places are filled, a waitlist may operate. Priority may be given to siblings, parish or church connections, and geometric proximity, with vacancies released as they arise.

1. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?

• Some Catholic schools conduct interviews and may request additional information about academic history, school readiness and faith background. Placement tests or assessments may be used selectively to guide learning pathways.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Mid-year transfers can be considered if spaces are available and appropriate documentation is provided; families should contact the admissions office to discuss availability and intake timing.

1. Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

- A Catholic, values-driven education with a focus on academic growth, wellbeing and community involvement; strong pastoral care and a supportive peer environment.

• What type of student thrives at this school?

- Students who value a faith-informed community, active participation in class and teams, and a balanced approach to academic and personal development.

• What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?

- Leadership programs, advanced learning pathways, VET options, sports teams, musical ensembles, drama productions and clubs in robotics, coding, chess and debating.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

- Regular updates through newsletters, parent portals, emails and scheduled information evenings; open channels with teachers and pastoral staff.

• What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?

- A curriculum aligned with Australian standards, focus on literacy and numeracy, supported by differentiated instruction and pastoral guidance.

• How does the school support students who need extra academic help?

- In-class differentiation, targeted literacy/numeracy support, learning support staff and access to tutors or specialist services as needed.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

- Individual or small-group support, development of personalised learning plans and regular progress reviews with teachers and support staff.

• How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)

- See above: newsletters, parent portals, emails, parent-teacher meetings.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

- A broad range of sports (football codes, cricket, basketball, water-based activities where applicable), music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding and debating.

• What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?

- Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, canteen, and well-maintained outdoor facilities.

• What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?

- Integration of digital tools and resources as part of the curriculum; access to computer labs and STEM activities to build digital literacy.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

- Local transport options and school-bus services where offered; accessibility considerations discussed with the admissions team.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

- Fees fall in the medium range for Queensland Catholic secondary schooling; additional costs for uniforms, activities and excursions may apply.

1. Short Pros & Cons list

Pros

• Catholic, values-based education with a focus on character and service
• Balanced emphasis on academics, sport and co-curriculars
• Strong pastoral care and wellbeing support
• Active community presence with opportunities for leadership and teamwork
• Solid facilities for science, arts, tech and physical education

Cons

• As a single-sex (boys) school, may not suit families seeking co-educational environments
• Fees fall in the medium range, with additional costs for uniforms and activities
• Transport options depend on location and may require planning for some families