Tom Price Senior High School

Overview

Tom Price Senior High School is a public, co-educational high school serving Year 7–12 students from Tom Price and the surrounding regional community. As a WA government school, it focuses on delivering comprehensive secondary education with pathways to further study, training and employment. The school is mid-sized for a regional WA town, generally enrolling a few hundred students with class sizes typically in the low-to-mid 20s. The atmosphere is inclusive and supportive, balancing strong academic expectations with a caring culture that emphasises student wellbeing, resilience and a sense of community.

Academics & Learning

• Academic strengths: STEM, English literacy and writing, leadership development, and languages are key focus areas, with opportunities across core subjects and enrichment programs.
• Special programs: Vocational education and training (VET) options and school-based apprenticeships/traineeships, Gifted and Talented programs, and pathways aligned to WA Certificate II–IV and the SACE framework.
• Support for diverse learners: Strong EAL and SEN support, inclusive learning plans, access to learning support staff, and targeted programs to assist students needing extra literacy, numeracy or wellbeing supports.

Sports & Extracurricular Strengths

• Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports including Australian rules football, soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, athletics, and swimming.
• Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in regional competitions and school-wide sports events, with opportunities for students to contribute to club and team successes.
• Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choirs and drama productions that showcase student creativity and performance.
• Clubs: Robotics, coding, chess, debating, environmental/climate action groups, student leadership, cooking/food technology, and other interest-based clubs.
• Partnerships: Local community partnerships with regional sports associations and opportunities to engage in competitions and events that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

• Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies, wellbeing programs and student support structures aimed at creating a respectful school environment.
• House system: A house-based system that fosters belonging, healthy competition and peer support across year levels.
• Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Accessible school counsellors and wellbeing staff to assist with personal, social and emotional needs.
• Transition support for new students: Orientation activities, transition visits and targeted support to help new students settle in quickly and comfortably.

Facilities

• Sports grounds: Dedicated playing fields and courts for a range of sports.
• Libraries: Well-stocked library with study spaces and resources for learning.
• Science labs: Modern science laboratories to support practical experiments and inquiry-based learning.
• Music/performing arts centers: Facilities for music ensembles, drama productions and performances.
• Tech/innovation labs: Computer labs and technology spaces to support coding, robotics and STEAM projects.
• Cafeteria: On-site canteen providing meals and snacks.
• Updated playgrounds: Safe, well-maintained outdoor spaces for recreation and break times.

School Values & Community Culture

• School values / mission: A focus on respect, responsibility, resilience and inclusion, with a mission to prepare students for ongoing learning and positive citizenship.
• Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centered leadership, with opportunities for student voice through councils and committees.
• Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct emphasizing respect, safety and accountability.
• Community reputation: A valued regional institution known for its commitment to students’ wellbeing and inclusive education.
• Diversity & inclusion: Emphasis on welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring access to supports and opportunities for all.

School Logistics & Daily Operations

• School hours: Typical day starts in the morning and finishes in the mid-afternoon, with a structured timetable that supports core learning and electives.
• Before/after school care: Options may be available through school-approved providers or community programs; check local arrangements.
• Uniform requirements: School uniform policy in place, with details on items, colors and dress standards.
• Transport: Access to regional transport options (bus services and school routes as applicable).
• Canteen availability: On-site canteen or vending options available at school breaks.
• Fees: School fees fall in the mid-range for WA public schools, with potential additional costs for materials, excursions or activities.

Enrolment & Admissions

1. What is the enrolment process and timeline?

• Begin by submitting an enrolment application through the WA Department of Education schools system. You’ll typically need proof of identity, residence information, and immunisation records. After submission, the school may request additional documentation and will arrange a meeting or interview if needed. Once approved, families receive a confirmation and enrolment package with start dates and orientation details. The timeline for Year 7 entry often aligns with the school calendar year, with some processing times during peak periods.

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

• Some years or programs may have limited places, resulting in a waiting list. Places are typically offered to residents first, with space allocated by date of application and program availability. The school will provide updates on wait-list status and expected timelines.

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

• Generally, there are no entrance tests for a standard Year 7–12 place in WA public schools. Selective programs or special pathways may require additional information or interviews to determine suitability, but most enrolments proceed from documentation and school placement needs.

1. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?

• Yes, mid-year transfers may be possible if there is capacity. Families should contact the Enrolments Office as soon as possible, provide academic records and previous school details, and coordinate with the receiving year level to ensure a smooth transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Parents Choose This School?

Parents choose this school for its public, inclusive environment, strong wellbeing supports, steady academic programs, and community connection in the regional area.

• What type of student thrives at this school?

Students who respond well to a collaborative, supportive learning environment with opportunities in STEM, the arts, sport and leadership generally thrive here.

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

There are enrichment programs in STEM and English, VET pathways, arts and performance opportunities, regional sports, and clubs such as robotics, coding, debate and music ensembles.

• How does the school communicate with parents?

Regular updates through newsletters, emails, parent portals and scheduled information evenings help keep families informed about student progress, events and school news.

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

The school emphasizes student-centred learning, informed by formative assessment, differentiated instruction and opportunities for hands-on, practical experiences in STEM, arts and vocational education.

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

Targeted literacy and numeracy support, learning support staff, EAL and SEN services, and individualized learning plans are available.

• What support is available for academic challenges?

Trained staff provide tutoring, small-group intervention and access to counselling and wellbeing services to address academic and personal challenges.

• What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?

A broad range of sports programs, music and drama, and clubs such as robotics, coding, chess, debating and leadership opportunities.

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

Facilities include sports grounds, libraries, science labs, performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a canteen and updated play areas.

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

Integrated technology in lessons, computer labs, coding and digital literacy across the curriculum, with responsible use guidelines and support for online learning.

• What transport and accessibility options are available?

Regional bus routes and school transport options, with accessibility considerations for students with diverse needs.

• What are the typical school fees or additional costs?

School fees are generally in the mid-range for WA public schools, with additional costs for materials, excursions or optional activities.

Short Pros & Cons list

Pros

• Public, inclusive school with strong wellbeing supports
• Broad range of academics, VET pathways and enrichment opportunities
• Active sports, arts and clubs with regional exposure
• Support for diverse learners (EAL, SEN) and transition programs

Cons

• Remote regional location may limit course breadth compared to metropolitan schools
• Transportation options rely on regional services and schedules
• Some programs or electives may have limited places due to capacity
• Extracurriculars vary by year; availability may depend on staffing and timetabling