Do we have to be Anglican to be enrolled?
No. The College has a variety of denominations among its student population. There is no specific church affiliation that is necessary.
Do we have to be Christian and go to a church to be enrolled?
No. However, the College expects that all students who enter the College will be actively involved in Christian Development classes and attend a weekly Chapel service. It is expected that every student will be open to the idea of establishing a lasting Christian commitment and explore the importance of Christ in their lives. We also encourage students to be involved in developing their Christian faith by participating in prayer groups and with GLO – the Christian Youth Group that meets weekly.
What is the cut-off date for enrolment applications?
For entry into the College from 2021 and the years after, there is no cut-off date for applications. We encourage interested families to apply at least 24 months prior to entry. However, we welcome applications at any time. Interviews for Year 5 and 7 will start 18 months before entry, Kindergarten 12 months before entry and Preparatory School six months before entry. Interviews for other Year groups will happen when places are available.
What is the age for Kindergarten entry?
All Kindergarten students should have turned five by the end of March the year they are in Kindergarten.
Does an application guarantee a place?
No. The Director of Enrolments/Registrar reviews all the material that has been submitted by parents/carers and selects applicants for interview.
Does entry into the Primary School guarantee entry into Year 7?
The College assumes that all students enrolling in the Primary School, will progress into Year 7 at the appropriate time. However, there may be circumstances where enrolment into Year 7 at the College is not in the best interests of the child.
Are there ‘feeder’ Primary Schools for entry into Year 7 entry?
Yes. Students who have come through our Primary School will be given preference for entry into Year 7 at the College. There is no other local K-6 school that we consider better than any other.
Is there an ‘entrance test’ like the selective high school test?
No, but we do have a test for students entering Year 5 and Year 7. This test is a general ability test, with results supplementing the information gained from school reports. The test results may also be used to help us determine class groupings.
How likely is it that we can get a place in the College at Year 7?
We aim to enrol between 180 – 200 students in Year 7. A number of those places are reserved for our existing Year 6 students. In some years we have also had a significant number of siblings applying for entry into Year 7, and while we do not guarantee siblings entry, in most cases they are offered a place. After places for our current Year 6 and siblings are considered, every family applying to enter the College at Year 7 has exactly the same chance as any other new family.
What will happen if our application is unsuccessful?
If an application is not successful, it will be placed on a waiting list for any vacancies that may arise in the years to come. We will keep in touch to ask if you are still interested in a spot should it become available.
Do you have Open Days?
No. Instead, we have regular College Tours each term. Some of these tours are during school time so you can see the College in action, and others are after hours so you can come as a family after work commitments. College Tour dates are available here.
Do you have Before and After School Care?
Yes, it is available for students in Preparatory to Year 6. More information is available here.
Can my child buy food at the Canteen?
K-4 students need to provide their own food for Recess. They are only permitted to order their lunch via an online lunch order system – they are not permitted to walk up to the Canteen and purchase items as they wish. Years 5-12 students can access the Canteen at Recess and Lunch. The Canteen provides a variety of healthy items.
Follow this link for more details on the College’s policy on peanuts and other foods that may be dangerous: Allergy Aware Information
What transport links are there to and from the College?
Bus: A large number of buses provide transport to and from the College. Parents/carers are advised to contact the local bus companies, such as Hillsbus and Busways, directly to determine what services are available.
Train: Some bus companies pick up from Blacktown, Seven Hills, Parramatta, Epping and Pennant Hills train stations.
Car: Parents/carers may drive their children to and from the College. There are ‘Kiss and Drop’ zones in the Primary School carpark and in Morris Grove.
Does the College offer financial help?
Yes. The College offers Financial Assistance Program to families based on financial need. It is not based on academic, music or sporting ability. Following this link for more details – Financial Assistance
Does the College offer a discount for more than one child at the College?
No. We offer needs-based financial assistance instead.
Does the College have a wide selection of subjects?
Yes. The College offers a wide variety of subjects so that students can pursue their interests to the HSC. The comprehensive range of courses is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required for academic success as well as preparing them for post-secondary school opportunities. Follow these links for more details – Primary and Secondary .
What are the College’s examination results like?
While keeping in mind that there is more to education than just academic results, we’re proud of what our students achieve in statewide and national testing. You can read more about our Primary School Results here and our Secondary School results here.
Are there specialist teachers in the Primary School?
Yes. In 2020 K-6 have specialist teachers for Science and Technology, Library, Music and Physical Education. Years 5 & 6 have additional specialist classes/teachers in Visual Arts and Drama.
Does the College teach languages other than English?
The College offers an after-school languages program for students in K-10 as a user-pays co-curricular activity. We also have a partnership with the NSW School of Languages to offer languages study by distance education (which includes regular tutor contact) for students interested in learning a language in Year 11 and 12.
Can the College provide special help if our child needs it?
Yes. When parents are concerned about their child’s engagement with College life or learning, they can contact their child’s class teacher in Primary School or Year Co-ordinator in Secondary School. A referral process may be actioned which involves consultation with counselling and Learning Support staff. Sometimes, the outcome of the referral process is a recommendation for the family to consult an external professional.
The College engages in a collaborative planning process with families who have a child with a disability which disadvantages their participation in College activities. This process involves identifying key barriers to the child’s participation and determining reasonable adjustments that will be implemented to support the student.
In the primary years, small group interventions are generally provided to students who do not meet grade level benchmarks in reading, spelling and mathematics
What sport can my child do at the College?
There is a wide range of sport activities for all students in the College: developmental programs for younger students; gala days; regular Inter-House Sport Competitions during lunchtime; regular weekly competitions against other schools after school (the Hills Zone Sports Association (HZSA)); and a fortnightly physical activity program during the school day. There is no Saturday sport.
All students participate in College Swimming (Years 3-12), Athletics and Cross-Country Carnivals and may then go on to representative levels. Follow this link for more details – Sport
Does the College have any outdoor education programs?
The College has a number of different activities with an outdoor education focus. There are yearly camps from Year 5, and students aged 15 and above may become involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. The camps are part of the College’s Pastoral Care program designed to promote resilience in students by providing age-appropriate challenges and experiences.
Can I view the Annual Report for the College?
Yes, you can view the latest Annual Report here – Annual Report 2018
Where can I find out information about the College’s BYOD program?
BYOD for New Families
Please refer to the Preparatory School for FAQS relating to Preparatory.