## 1. Overview
Tranby College is an independent, co-educational day school in Baldivis, Western Australia, offering Kindergarten to Year 12 with a Christian ethos. The school presents as a medium-to-large community focused on holistic development, academic growth, and partnerships with families. Class sizes typically sit in a mid-range spectrum designed to balance individual attention with collaborative learning.
The atmosphere is nurturing, inclusive, and outcomes-oriented, with a culture that supports academic effort, sporting participation, and creative pursuits. The college emphasises values-based education alongside strong student wellbeing and a sense of community.
## 2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: The school focuses on core disciplines (STEM, English, and humanities) while fostering leadership and language development as part of a broad curriculum.
- Special programs: Accelerated or advanced learning options and gifted/talented pathways are available, along with opportunities for enrichment across subjects.
- NAPLAN trends: Public reporting indicates steady-to-improving results across tested years, with continued emphasis on literacy and numeracy improvements.
- Student-teacher ratios: Typical ratios are in the mid-to-low teens, supporting more personalised instruction and feedback.
- Support for diverse learners: Strong provisions for EAL students and students with additional learning needs, including targeted supports and individualized plans.
## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: A broad range of team and individual sports commonly found in WA independent schools, with opportunities to participate in school and regional competitions.
- Strong teams or achievements: The college supports competitive sports programs with school-level and regional recognition.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Comprehensive arts offerings, including music ensembles, drama productions, and performing arts activities.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other STEM and academic clubs are available to extend learning beyond the classroom.
- Partnerships: Engagement with local clubs, associations, and competitions to broaden experiential learning and exposure.
Most families with boys aged 10–14 appreciate a balanced emphasis on both athletics and academics, along with accessible arts programs.
## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies and proactive programs promote a safe, respectful environment for all students.
- House system: A house-based structure supports belonging, friendly competition, and pastoral care across year levels.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Dedicated staff focus on student wellbeing, with confidential support and guidance.
- Transition support for new students: Programs to help new entrants settle in, build connections, and understand school routines.
## 5. Facilities
- Sports grounds
- Libraries
- Science labs
- Music/performing arts centers
- Tech/innovation labs
- Cafeteria
- Updated playgrounds
A visually engaging range of facilities supports a balanced curriculum, with spaces designed for collaboration, creativity, and hands-on learning.
## 6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A faith-informed, values-based education emphasizing character, service, and personal growth.
- Leadership style: Collaborative and student-centred, with opportunities for student voice and leadership roles.
- Behaviour expectations: Clear codes of conduct aligned to the school’s values, with consistent implementation.
- Community reputation: A respectful reputation within the local community for its holistic approach and long-term student outcomes.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive culture that welcomes a range of backgrounds and abilities.
## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Day-school timetable with start and finish times aligned to primary and secondary needs.
- Before/after school care: Availability of after-school care and supervision options.
- Uniform requirements: Clear uniform guidelines appropriate to different year levels.
- Transport (train/bus routes): Access to regional transport options and school-specific bus services.
- Canteen availability: Canteen or lunch facilities to support daily meals and snacks.
- Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees fall in the mid-to-high range typical of independent WA schools, with potential additional costs for camps, trips, and activities.
## 8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Inquiries typically begin with an information request or open day.
- Applications are completed online, followed by assessments/interviews as required, and a decision timeline communicated by the school.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Waiting lists may apply depending on year level and capacity; the process typically involves application submission, eligibility checks, and position on the list based on availability and priority criteria.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry may involve an interview and, where applicable, testing or submission of prior school records to assess placement in appropriate programs.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered where there is capacity and alignment with the student’s needs and the school’s programs.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
- Families value the combination of strong academics, a supportive wellbeing framework, faith-informed guidance, and balanced opportunities across sport, arts, and clubs.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
- Students who value a holistic education, participate in a range of extracurriculars, and benefit from a supportive, values-based learning environment.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
- Accelerated or extended academic pathways, leadership programs, high-quality sports teams, music and drama, and clubs like robotics, coding, debating.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Regular updates through newsletters, an online learning management system, parent-teacher meetings, and digital communications.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
- A student-centred, inquiry-focused approach that integrates technology, literacy and numeracy emphasis, and differentiated instruction.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
- Targeted academic support, tutoring options, EAL support, SEN services, and individualized learning plans.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
- Access to learning support staff, mentoring, and structured intervention programs as needed.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- See above—consistent, multi-channel communication tailored to families’ needs.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
- Class sizes are designed to enable meaningful teacher-student engagement, with ratios that support personalised feedback and support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
- A broad suite of sports and a wide range of clubs (robotics, chess, coding, debating) plus music and performing arts programs.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
- Comprehensive facilities across sports grounds, science labs, libraries, performing arts spaces, and technology labs.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
- Integration of digital tools and platforms to support learning; emphasis on literacy in technology, coding, and responsible use.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
- Regional transport options and school-arranged bus services; accessible facilities for diverse learners.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
- Fees align with mid-to-high independent school ranges; potential additional costs for uniforms, camps, trips, and extra-curricular activities.
## 10. Short Pros & Cons list
- Pros
- Independent, values-based education with a holistic focus
- Supportive wellbeing and pastoral care
- Broad academic and extracurricular opportunities
- Balanced emphasis on sport, arts, and academics
- Range of facilities to support diverse learning needs
- Cons
- Fees are higher than public options
- Availability of places can be limited in popular year levels
- Transit times can be longer for families outside the immediate area
