## 1. Overview
St Edmund's College is a Catholic independent day school in Griffith, ACT. The college focuses on values-based education, academic achievement, and holistic development within a welcoming, inclusive community. It combines strong tradition with modern facilities and programs to support students across their secondary years.
The school size is medium to large, with class sizes typically in the mid-teens to low 20s. This enables close teacher support while offering a broad range of subject choices and co-curricular opportunities. The atmosphere is nurturing and academically focused, with emphasis on service, sport, and the arts to develop well-rounded individuals.
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## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English, Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, and Leadership/Community service programs underpin a well-rounded curriculum.
- Special programs: Gifted and Talented provisions, accelerated learning options for senior years, and structured pathways to ATAR preparation.
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: NAPLAN data typically shows steady improvement in reading and numeracy with strong relative performance in the ACT context; writing trends are actively targeted for ongoing improvement. (Trends are discussed by the school annually.)
- Student-teacher ratios: Generally around 1:13 to 1:16, allowing meaningful teacher contact and support.
- Support for diverse learners: Dedicated EAL and SEN support, learning support staff, and inclusive education practices to help students of varying needs succeed.
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## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Rugby, cricket, football (soccer), basketball, athletics, swimming, tennis, and other indoor/outdoor activities are available for broad participation.
- Strong teams or achievements: Competitive inter-school teams with regional representation and notable successes in rugby and cricket; regular opportunities to compete in ACT interschool events.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, vocal groups, drama productions, and opportunities to participate in school theatre and performing arts events.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, futsal, and other academic or interest-based clubs.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs, interschool competitions, and regional programs to extend sport, robotics, and arts activities.
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## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Proactive bullying prevention policies, clear reporting pathways, and a culture of respect across all year levels.
- House system: A house framework supports pastoral care, leadership opportunities, and healthy competition in a range of activities.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors and wellbeing staff to support mental health, resilience, and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and structured onboarding to help new students settle in.
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## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: Quality sports fields and facilities to support a range of outdoor activities.
- Libraries: Well-stocked library with study spaces and digital resources.
- Science labs: Modern biology, chemistry, and physics labs for practical learning.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music ensembles, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Design and Technology spaces, robotics and coding facilities.
- Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities with healthy options.
- Updated playgrounds: Purpose-built spaces for recreation and social interaction.
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## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A values-driven education grounded in Catholic tradition—excellence, integrity, service, and respect.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, with opportunities for student leadership and voice in school life.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct that promote respect, responsibility, and positive behaviour.
- Community reputation: Known for a supportive, involved parent and alumni community and a focus on holistic development.
- Diversity & inclusion: Welcomes students from diverse backgrounds with inclusive practices and faith-based community engagement.
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## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs from around 8:00/8:15 a.m. to 3:00/3:30 p.m., with some year-level variations.
- Before/after school care: Available in some form or via partner programs; check current offerings.
- Uniform requirements: Formal school uniform worn on most days, with guidelines for sport and casual days.
- Transport (bus routes): Bus services and public transport options are commonly used; specific routes and timetables are available through the school.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or kiosks with healthy options.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are in the medium-to-high range for ACT independent Catholic schools, with potential for scholarships or bursaries.
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## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Submit an online application with required documents. The school outlines a timeline for applications, interviews, and offers, typically aligned with the academic year for which admission is sought.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- There is often a waiting list when capacity is reached. Placement depends on space, date of application, and availability within year levels.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry generally involves an initial assessment or interview to understand the student’s fit and needs, along with standard documentation. Some year levels may require short assessments or auditions for specific programs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers may be considered if there is space and if the student’s needs can be met by existing programs and staffing.
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## 9. Frequently Ask Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- A values-based Catholic education with a focus on academic achievement, character development, and community involvement; strong sense of belonging and supportive staff.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who engage with both academics and co-curriculars, who value teamwork, service, and personal growth within a respectful, faith-based environment.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- A broad range of subject options, accelerated pathways, gifted and talented programs, diverse sport teams, music and drama ensembles, robotics, debate, and other clubs.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular newsletters, parent portals, progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, and timely updates via email and notices.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- Student-centered, inclusive pedagogy with emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world applications; balanced between STEM, humanities, and arts.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Dedicated learning support staff, targeted interventions, and access to EAL/SEN services as needed.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Individualized support plans, tutoring options, and teacher collaboration to address gaps and build confidence.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated)
- See above: through portals, reports, and regular updates.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes typically around 18–22 students, with teachers providing targeted feedback and supplementary help as needed.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A wide range of sports (rugby, cricket, football, basketball, etc.), music, drama, and clubs like robotics, chess, coding, and debating.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Modern sports facilities, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, and a canteen.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integrated digital learning with access to devices, software tools, and coding/tech programs to build 21st-century skills.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Bus routes and public transport access are available; the school can provide information on nearby stops and travel planning.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees are in the mid-to-high range for ACT independent schools; some costs may be offset by scholarships or bursaries.
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## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Catholic independent environment with a values-based focus
- Medium-to-large, supportive community offering strong pastoral care
- Solid academics with pathways to ATAR and enrichment options
- Broad range of sports, arts, and clubs; active co-curricular life
- Good student-teacher ratios and inclusive support for diverse learners
- Cons
- Fees reflect independent school status; scholarships and bursaries may be needed for affordability
- Class sizes, while relatively small, can still vary by year level and subject
- High demand can lead to waiting lists for popular intake years
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