Carey Baptist Grammar School and Keysborough Gardens Primary School are both in Melbourne, about 24 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Australian programmes. Published annual fees are A$200 - 50,784 at Carey Baptist Grammar School and A$495 at Keysborough Gardens Primary School, which puts Carey Baptist Grammar School roughly 5050% higher. Carey Baptist Grammar School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Keysborough Gardens Primary School from 5 to 12.
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Carey Baptist Grammar School
Melbourne, Australia
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Keysborough Gardens Primary School
Melbourne, Australia
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year A$200 - 50,784 | Fees / year A$495 |
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Age range
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Age range 3 - 18 years | Age range 5 - 12 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (DP), Australian Curriculum | Curriculum IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 2,344 | Pupils — |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 22 | Typical class size — |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 1923 | Opened 2020 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
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Location
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Location Carey Baptist Grammar School operates across two Melbourne campuses: Kew (ELC–Year 12) at 349 Barkers Road, Kew VIC 3101, and Donvale (ELC–Year 6) at 9 Era Court, Donvale VIC 3111. The Kew campus sits in Melbourne's leafy eastern suburbs, about 8 kilometres from the CBD. It is accessible by public transport and private school bus routes. Carey also uses the Bulleen Sports Complex and outdoor education sites such as Camp Toonallook (Banksia Peninsula) and Mission Beach for Carey Zero. | Location Located at 10 Homeleigh Road, Keysborough 3173. The school is in the Keysborough area. It opened in January 2020 as Keysborough Gardens Primary School. |
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Stages
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Stages Kew campus: Early Learning Centre, Junior School (Prep–Year 6), Middle School (Years 7–9), Senior School (Years 10–12). Donvale campus: Early Learning to Year 6. | Stages Prep–Year 6 |
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School type
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School type independent co-educational day school | School type Public (government) primary school |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support Learning Development staff support any student who has a genuine difficulty with their learning, including literacy and numeracy. | Additional learning support Differentiated Learning supports students with diverse learning needs. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Australia | Country affiliation — |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation Baptist | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure Classes start at 8.20am. Daily timetable includes Period 1 (8.20am–9.35am), Period 2 (9.40am–10.55am), Recess (10.55am–11.15am), Period 3 (11.20am–12.35pm), Community Time (12.40pm–1.05pm), Lunch (1.05pm–1.45pm), Period 4 (1.50pm–3.05pm). Co-curricular activities run after official classes on most days (roughly 3.05pm–5.00pm). | School day structure School times: Monday 9:00am–3:30pm; Tuesday 9:00am–3:30pm; Wednesday 8:45am–3:00pm; Thursday 9:00am–3:30pm; Friday 9:00am–3:30pm. |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details Private school bus routes are available; the Kew campus is accessible by public transport and private bus routes. | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Application fee: AUD 200 per student (payable when submitting an application; non-refundable and non-transferable). - Enrolment fee (on offer): AUD 1,800 per student to confirm enrolment (non-refundable and non-transferable). - Tuition deposit: AUD 2,000 payable on entry into three- and four-year-old Kindergarten, Preparatory, Year 5 and Year 7; this deposit is credited to the April school fee account in the nominated year (or to the Prep year account for Kindergarten entrants) and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Tuition fees and compulsory annual charges by year group (local students) — annual totals and per-term amounts Notes: Compulsory Fees comprise the Tuition Fee plus the Consolidated Fee (and any taxable portion of that fee), the Digital Device Rental (where applicable) and State Tax & Surcharges. Compulsory Fees (ELC–Year 11 and Years Prep–11) are billed in four equal instalments; Year 12 tuition and State Tax & Surcharges are billed over three instalments and Year 12 Consolidated Fee / Digital Device Rental are billed over two instalments (50% in January and 50% in April). All figures in Australian dollars. - Preparatory — Tuition: AUD 27,560; Consolidated Fee: AUD 684; Digital Device Rental: AUD 150; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 30,154. Per term (four instalments): AUD 7,538.50. - Year 1 — Tuition: AUD 32,576; Consolidated Fee: AUD 900; Digital Device Rental: AUD 360; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 35,596. Per term: AUD 8,899.00. - Year 2 — Tuition: AUD 32,576; Consolidated Fee: AUD 880; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 16; Digital Device Rental: AUD 360; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 35,592. Per term: AUD 8,898.00. - Year 3 — Tuition: AUD 32,576; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,228; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 56; Digital Device Rental: AUD 360; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 35,980. Per term: AUD 8,995.00. - Year 4 — Tuition: AUD 36,344; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,420; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 60; Digital Device Rental: AUD 700; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 40,284. Per term: AUD 10,071.00. - Year 5 — Tuition: AUD 36,344; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,748; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 84; Digital Device Rental: AUD 620; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 40,556. Per term: AUD 10,139.00. - Year 6 — Tuition: AUD 36,344; Consolidated Fee: AUD 2,048; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 332; Digital Device Rental: AUD 668; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 41,152. Per term: AUD 10,288.00. - Year 7 — Tuition: AUD 39,716; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,900; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 188; Digital Device Rental: AUD 920; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 44,484. Per term: AUD 11,121.00. - Year 8 — Tuition: AUD 41,276; Consolidated Fee: AUD 2,420; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 360; Digital Device Rental: AUD 900; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 46,716. Per term: AUD 11,679.00. - Year 9 — Tuition: AUD 41,276; Consolidated Fee: AUD 2,200; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 148; Digital Device Rental: AUD 880; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 46,264. Per term: AUD 11,566.00. - Year 10 — Tuition: AUD 41,276; Consolidated Fee: AUD 6,200 (includes Carey Zero program); Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 628; Digital Device Rental: AUD 920 (HP) or AUD 900 (Mac); State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: approximately AUD 50,784 (using HP device) or AUD 50,764 (using Mac). Per term (four instalments): approximately AUD 12,696.00 (HP) or AUD 12,691.00 (Mac). - Year 11 — Tuition: AUD 42,660; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,096; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 0; Digital Device Rental: AUD 900 (HP) or AUD 1,132 (Mac); State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 46,416 (HP) or AUD 46,648 (Mac). Per term: AUD 11,604.00 (HP) or AUD 11,662.00 (Mac). - Year 12 — Tuition: AUD 42,660; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,098; Digital Device Rental: AUD 880 (HP) or AUD 1,128 (Mac); State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Total compulsory annual amounts: AUD 46,398 (HP) or AUD 46,646 (Mac). Billing for Year 12 differs: - Tuition and State Tax & Surcharges are billed in advance over three instalments (October, January, April). Example: tuition + state tax (AUD 42,660 + AUD 1,760 = AUD 44,420) divided by three = AUD 14,806.67 per instalment. - Consolidated Fee and Digital Device Rental are billed over two accounts (50% in January and 50% in April). Example: Consolidated Fee AUD 1,098 → AUD 549 in January and AUD 549 in April; Device rental (HP AUD 880) → AUD 440 in January and AUD 440 in April. Early Learning Centre (ELC) — Kew campus (annual total and per-term amounts) - Three-year-old group — Two full days: Tuition AUD 13,500; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 704. Compulsory annual total AUD 14,204. Per term (four instalments): AUD 3,551.00. - Three-year-old group — Three full days: Tuition AUD 20,260; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,056. Compulsory annual total AUD 21,316. Per term: AUD 5,329.00. - Four-year-old group — Three full days: Tuition AUD 20,260; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,056. Compulsory annual total AUD 21,316. Per term: AUD 5,329.00. - Four-year-old group — Four full days: Tuition AUD 27,020; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,408. Compulsory annual total AUD 28,428. Per term: AUD 7,107.00. - Five full days: Tuition AUD 33,776; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total AUD 35,536. Per term: AUD 8,884.00. Early Learning Centre (ELC) — Donvale campus (annual total and per-term amounts) - Two full days: Tuition AUD 11,792; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 704. Compulsory annual total AUD 12,496. Per term: AUD 3,124.00. - Three full days: Tuition AUD 17,692; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,056. Compulsory annual total AUD 18,748. Per term: AUD 4,687.00. - Four full days: Tuition AUD 23,596; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,408. Compulsory annual total AUD 25,004. Per term: AUD 6,251.00. - Five full days: Tuition AUD 29,496; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total AUD 31,256. Per term: AUD 7,814.00. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: Compulsory Fees (ELC–Year 11 and Prep–Year 11) are issued in four equal instalments (October, January, April and July accounts) with payment due dates typically about one month after the account is emailed. Year 12 Tuition and State Tax & Surcharges are billed over three instalments (October, January and April); Year 12 Consolidated Fee and Digital Device Rental are billed over two instalments (50% in January and 50% in April). Specific invoice issue dates and due dates are listed in the school fee schedule and the school calendar. Late fee: Fees not paid by the due date incur a non-reversible late fee of AUD 125. For ongoing payment-plan arrangements, the school recommends (and provides contact details for) an external school-fee management service (Edstart). Withdrawal, cancellation and refund information - Enrolment fee and tuition deposit are non-refundable and non-transferable. A tuition deposit that is not applied (if the student does not commence in the nominated year) is forfeited. Cancelled or deferred enrolments forfeit the tuition deposit. - Withdrawal: One term's written notice to the Admissions Office is required for permanent withdrawal. If the required notice is not received, a fee equivalent to one half of a term's fee is payable. Specific notification deadlines for intended leaving dates are set out in the Fee Schedule. Other costs and typical additional charges - School uniform (compulsory Prep–Year 12): indicative cost for a new uniform AUD 900–1,000 (second-hand uniform options are available). - School books: up to about AUD 450 per annum (booklists published annually). - Additional/optional charges: items outside the standard program are charged separately, for example individual music tuition, participation in rowing, selective trips and camps, elective excursions, unreturned library books and similar extras. Student travel insurance for excursions more than 100 km from the Kew campus is included in fees; other insurances (personal items, instruments) are the family's responsibility. - Family discount: Families with three or more siblings concurrently full-time from four‑year‑old Kindergarten to Year 12 are eligible for a 20% discount on Tuition Fees only for the third and subsequent students. Fee payment options - Cash payments are not accepted. Preferred payment method: BPAY (Biller Code 3418; use your account number as the reference). Cheques accepted (payable to Carey Baptist Grammar School Ltd) with account number noted on the back. Credit card payments (Mastercard, Visa, UnionPay and American Express) can be made in person at the Accounts Office (over‑the‑counter payments incur a surcharge); credit card payments cannot be accepted by phone, email or by written authority. Online American Express payments are supported via the school's Amex payment portal. Direct Debit arrangements can be organised through the Accounts Office (fees are normally deducted approximately 10 days prior to each due date). For payment-plan assistance (Edstart) or any billing enquiries contact the school Accounts/Fees Office. Late-payment recovery may include reasonable recovery steps up to legal action as per the Enrolment Terms and Conditions. | Fee details Application fees - No application fee or ongoing tuition charge is levied for enrolment. Education and instruction to meet the Victorian curriculum are provided without tuition fees; payments requested are voluntary contributions for curriculum and school activities. Tuition / Parent contributions (detailed annual amounts) - The school requests voluntary parent contributions rather than charging tuition. The published annual contribution for Prep–Year 6 is AUD 495 per student, comprised as follows: Curriculum contributions AUD 355 and Other contributions AUD 140 (total AUD 495). The curriculum contributions are itemised within that AUD 355 figure (examples below). These amounts are shown as annual figures. - Curriculum contributions (examples included in the annual AUD 355 total): - Classroom consumables, materials & equipment (art, classroom consumables, diaries, wellbeing resources, etc.): included within the curriculum contribution breakdown (e.g. Art $40, Mandarin $10, Performing Arts $10, STEM $20, Mathematics $10, English $10, Sports $10, Classroom consumables $105, Diary/Reading Log $15, Wellbeing $10). Total curriculum contribution shown AUD 240 for listed consumables plus further items to reach the curriculum subtotal. - Additional curriculum-related and ICT items included in the annual total: - Online subscriptions/access (examples: Online Reading $10, Seesaw $13, online assessments $10) – subtotal AUD 33; ICT devices (shared classroom sets) AUD 40; printing/photocopying AUD 35; whole-school events contribution AUD 7. These items form part of the curriculum contribution subtotal. Annual curriculum subtotal shown AUD 355. Extra‑curricular / user‑pay items (approximate amounts) - Extra‑curricular items and activities are charged on a user‑pays basis; costs are confirmed and invoiced as events occur. Approximate published amounts (per student) are: - Excursions/incursions (per year, Prep–Yr2 and Yr3–6): approx. AUD 150 (approximate; confirmed costs provided when events are scheduled). - Swimming program: AUD 80–90. - Camps: Year 3–6 approx. AUD 280–350; Year 2 sleepover approx. AUD 45–55. - House Athletics (offsite): approx. AUD 12. - Year 6 items (examples): Graduation polo shirt AUD 45; Big Day Out AUD 40; Graduation (art project, resources, event) AUD 40. - Exact charges for extra‑curricular items are provided to families when each activity is organised. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual contribution payment was requested by a published date (example: payment requested by Friday 1 March 2024 for the 2024 contribution year). Payment may be made in full or by instalment using the school's payment options where available. Extra‑curricular items are billed and paid as individual events occur. Payment methods and payment options - Preferred payment method: Compass (school's online parent portal) with payment plan functionality available through Compass. - Alternative at-school option: EFTPOS at the school office. - Outside-school-hours care (OSHC) provider at the school (TeamKids) operates its own payment system (Ezidebit) for OSHC charges. These are separate from parent contributions and extra‑curricular billing. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable; the school operates as a day primary school and does not list any boarding services or boarding fees. Uniforms and other recurring costs - School uniform is compulsory and is supplied via PSW (store location listed for Hampton Park). Uniform costs are charged by the uniform supplier (prices vary by item and are not listed as a fixed school fee). Book packs and consumable items are managed as part of the parent contributions/booklist processes. Refund information and hardship support - Refunds for extra‑curricular items and activities are considered on a case‑by‑case basis and will be provided where reasonable and fair (for example, where the school has not incurred a cost). Where the school has already incurred non‑refundable costs (for example, deposits or third‑party costs), full refunds may not be possible. The school will advise families about refund arrangements at time of payment and may require bank account details in writing to process refunds. - Camps and excursions: If an activity is cancelled or altered by the school, or a student cannot attend, the school considers requests for partial or full refunds on a case‑by‑case basis taking into account costs already committed to third parties; generally costs already paid to third parties that are non‑refundable cannot be returned. Families experiencing financial difficulty may discuss alternative payment arrangements with the Business Manager or Principal; the school can also assist families to access the Department's Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) and other support where eligible. Summary of findings for the requested academic years - The school's published parent payment schedule located for Prep–Year 6 shows the detailed contributions and user‑pays costs for the 2024 contribution year (annual contribution total AUD 495 and the itemised amounts and approximate extra‑curricular costs listed above). The school's policies and camps/excursions documents state the refund and payment handling approaches. The school does not publish tuition or application fees because instruction against the Victorian curriculum is provided without tuition charges; requested amounts are presented as voluntary parent contributions and user‑pays extra‑curricular charges. If any specific published annual schedule for 2025/26 or 2026/27 is required, the school's most recently published parent payment schedule located in the school's published documents is the 2024 Parent Payment schedule referenced above. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Carey uses a formal uniform worn by all students across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools; all uniform items must be Carey branded. New uniform items are purchased from Bob Stewart in Kew; second-hand items are available from the Swap Shop on the Kew campus. The uniform has a summer and winter range, includes a blazer for Years 3–12, and a Carey backpack is mandatory for Prep to Year 10. | Uniform requirement The school has a compulsory uniform. All students wear a uniform each day. Black shoes or runners are part of the uniform, and the uniform is available at PSW store Hampton Park. |
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Food options
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Food options An on-site canteen serves a range of foods from snacks and beverages to full meals, with the Canteen open 8:00am–3:30pm. The menu includes pasta, Asian dishes and rice options, and there is a large covered Quadrangle adjacent to the Canteen for eating and socialising. | Food options TeamKids provides Before- and After-School Care (OSHC) programs. The OSHC program runs before and after school and during school holidays. Delicious and nutritious food is provided as part of TeamKids services. |
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House system
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House system The Middle and Senior School operates a House system with 10 Houses; each House has five House Mentors to support students' welfare and progress. | House system The school has a house system. Year 6 Leadership includes House Captains. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership The Carey Board governs the School; it comprises independent non-executive directors who oversee governance, management and strategic direction. The Constitution governs the Board, and Carey Baptist Grammar School Limited is the corporate entity behind the School. | Governance and ownership The School Council is an elected body of parents and staff who oversee strategic planning, policy development and financial decisions relating to the school. The terms of office are two years, with elections held each February/March, and subcommittees include Community Events and Fundraising, Education, and Buildings and Grounds. The school operates within the Victorian government school system. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details Carey offers a continuous learning program from Early Learning to Year 12 across its Kew and Donvale campuses. The Junior School uses an inquiry-based approach to learning within a tailored curriculum, with Donvale campus characterized by small class sizes and Kew by cross-age learning and strong facilities. In Year 10, students build on prior learning and select from a wide range of subjects to guide Years 11 and 12. In Years 11 and 12, students can study the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the Victorian Certificate of Education, with over 30 Year 11 subjects and around 40 Year 12 subjects. The Senior School emphasizes wellbeing and co-curricular opportunities and includes a University Extension program offering subjects from La Trobe University, RMIT and the University of Melbourne. Talent Development supports highly able students through curriculum differentiation and extension. | Curriculum details Keysborough Gardens Primary School is an IB World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) alongside the Victorian Curriculum. The program combines inquiry-based learning with explicit teaching to support every student's academic, social, and emotional development. The school has flexible learning spaces and modern facilities that support collaboration and creativity. Mandarin is taught at the school, with Mandarin provision in the main building for Reception and Year 1. The school's values are Kindness, Empathy, Gratitude, Respect and Excellence, and the vision is to inspire and empower every child to become a confident, caring global citizen who strives for excellence in learning and life. Opened in January 2020, the school had about 520 students across 23 classes in 2026. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results Class of 2025 combined IB and VCE results show 15 students achieved ATAR 99+ (top 1% of the state), 8% achieved 98+ and 21% achieved 95+; 40% achieved 90+ and 64% achieved 80+ with a median ATAR of 86; 36 students received early offers. IB results highlights include an average IB score of 37, with 68% of subject scores at 6 or 7 and six students awarded a Bilingual Diploma; 48% of IB students achieved ATAR 95+ and 98% achieved ATAR 80+. VCE results highlights include 12% ATAR 95+ and 54% ATAR 80+, with five perfect study scores and 15 VCE students awarded the VCE Baccalaureate. | Exam results — |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression The University Extension program is open to Year 12 students and offers additional study through La Trobe University, RMIT and the University of Melbourne to extend beyond the standard IB or VCE program. Benefits include an ATAR increase of up to 5.5 points, greater access to tertiary opportunities and accelerated pathways. | Higher education progression — |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented Talent Development at Carey encourages students to think and research and provides extension within the curriculum to support highly able learners, including differentiated learning in the classroom and targeted opportunities as part of the school's Learning Development framework. | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The school has a holistic wellbeing approach with wellbeing fully integrated into the learning journey, including active pastoral care, accessible student development support, and a team of qualified mental health professionals available for students. | Social & emotional learning Time is dedicated in each classroom to teach teamwork, resolve conflict in a positive manner, learn from mistakes, help others, and seek help when needed. Programs and strategies teach social skills and resilience, including KGPS Kids are Global Kids—focusing on school values and the IB Learner Profile; Dogs Connect with Buddy the Wellbeing Dog; timetabled Respectful Relationships lessons; classroom agreements revisited at the beginning of each term; Lunchtime Enrichment Clubs; Circle Time; Restorative Practices; Buddies Program; Year 6 Transition Program; Peer Mediation; Zones of Regulation (self-regulation); Student of the Week certificates; and a Matrix of Expectations to reinforce positive behaviour. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) — | Special educational needs (SEN) English and Mathematics are taught daily with planning around inquiry units; The Learning Enhancement Program targets groups of students with similar academic needs; Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are developed for students with specific learning needs; One-on-one assistance in the classroom; Differentiated learning groups; Adjustments to the learning environment, tasks, or resources to ensure an inclusive approach; Input from the Learning Enhancement Program teacher and allied health providers; The program generally runs between 4 and 10 weeks. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language The school offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) as part of its English provision; EAL is available within the English curriculum to support students' literacy development. | English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) is supported by explicit modelling of literacy and language skills; a high number of students come from an EAL background; students are assessed against the English as an Additional Language continuum to ensure each student's needs are catered for and managed. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported by a team of qualified mental health professionals available to students. | Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is supported through Restorative Practices, Zones of Regulation, Circle Time, and Peer Mediation. The Dogs Connect program with Buddy the Wellbeing Dog supports the school community, and Respectful Relationships lessons reinforce healthy attitudes and equality. A Year 6 Transition Program and Student Voice & Agency work accompany a supportive, inclusive learning environment that promotes student wellbeing. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding The school has a Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy; the Carey community shares responsibility for providing a safe environment and upholding student safety. | Safeguarding The school has Child Safety Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct; Student Engagement & Wellbeing Policy; Attendance Policy; Bullying Prevention Policy; First Aid Policy; Privacy Policy, among other policies. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview Carey has five campuses: Donvale (ELC to Year 6), Kew (ELC to Year 12), the Bulleen Sports Complex, an Outdoor Education facility at Toonallook on the Gippsland Lakes, and a Carey Zero base at Mission Beach in Queensland. The Kew campus houses dedicated, purpose-built spaces for learning and collaboration, including the Centre for Learning and Innovation with a UN Room, and the Centre for Creativity and Collaboration for the Middle School. The Donvale campus provides Early Learning to Year 6 facilities set in native bushland by Mullum Creek, with Bush Kinder integrated into the ELC program. Across Kew and Donvale, Junior, Middle and Senior Schools occupy separate, purpose-built spaces for learning, collaboration and play. The Gippsland Lakes Outdoor Education facility and Mission Beach base support off-campus learning experiences. | Facilities overview The school sits on a landscaped 2.2-hectare site in Keysborough South. Modern facilities include flexible learning spaces, a gymnasium, sports courts, playgrounds, and outdoor learning areas designed to support collaboration, creativity, and active learning. The school is an authorised IB World School delivering the Primary Years Programme. The Main Building houses Reception, offices, a library, Mandarin, and Prep and Year One classrooms on the ground floor, with Year Two to Year Four on the first level. The Performing Arts and Physical Education Buildings support physical education, performing arts, before and after school care, and community activities. The Year Five Building provides four classrooms with withdrawal spaces, and the Year Six / STEM / ART Building contains Year Six classrooms plus dedicated STEM and Art spaces. The grounds include a junior and a senior playground, a sandpit, a veggie garden, a Gaga Pit, an outdoor stage, and a dedicated Prep village for calm outdoor play. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Carey operates the Bulleen Sports Complex for on-site sport facilities. A broad range of sports is offered, including diving, football, futsal, hockey, netball, rowing, snowsports, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, touch rugby, volleyball and water polo. From Year 5, students participate in APS (boys) and APS/AGSV (girls) competitions on Saturdays and train at least once a week after school, with Firsts teams training twice weekly. Rowing is listed as a summer sport and can count as two programs. | Sports facilities The school has a well‑equipped gymnasium and dedicated sports courts for physical education and activities. Grounds include grassed play spaces and both junior and senior playgrounds. A sandpit, a veggie garden, a Gaga Pit, and an outdoor stage provide additional spaces for active play and outdoor learning. These facilities support a broad PE program and school events. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Centre for Learning and Innovation (CLI) at the Kew campus is used by the Senior School and features modern learning spaces and a UN Room. Centre for Creativity and Collaboration supports the Middle School with dedicated spaces for creativity and collaboration. Early Learning Centres at Kew and Donvale are dedicated, separate spaces for the ELC program and early learning. The Donvale campus sits in native bushland by Mullum Creek and includes Bush Kinder as part of the ELC experience. Across Kew and Donvale, Junior, Middle and Senior Schools occupy purpose-built spaces that support learning and collaboration. | Academic facilities The Main Building houses a library and Mandarin on the ground floor, with Year Two to Year Four classrooms on the first level. The school uses flexible, state‑of‑the‑art learning spaces to support inquiry‑based learning as part of the IB Primary Years Programme. The Performing Arts and Physical Education Buildings support PE, Performing Arts, and community activities. The Year Five Building contains four classrooms and withdrawal spaces, and the Year Six Building houses Year Six classrooms with dedicated STEM and Art spaces. Technology such as interactive whiteboards, iPads and computers complement and enhance the language and other curriculum programs. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities Carey offers a wide range of competitive and non-competitive activities as part of its Pathways program. Students participate in APS (boys) and APS/AGSV (girls) sports on Saturday mornings and train at least once per week after school, with Firsts teams training twice weekly. Music groups, ensembles and choirs, as well as Senior School Musical and Senior School Play, provide year-long rehearsal and performance opportunities. Debating is available for Years 7–10, with 11/12 students able to include Debating as a compulsory elective. Other activities such as snowsports are organised as electives. | Extra curricular facilities Extra Curricular Activities and Programs include lunchtime clubs such as Lego Club, Art Club, Fun Club, Knitting Club, and sport clubs (Basketball, Soccer, Gymnastics). The Arts program includes a Junior Choir and Senior Choir, a School Band, school productions, and participation in the State Schools Spectacular. Leadership and student voice are fostered through Year 6 Leadership, the Student Representative Council, and Green Team. The school also runs a swimming program, camps (Year 2 sleepover and Year 3–6 adventure camps), and participates in ICAS and VHAP programs to provide enrichment and challenge. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History Carey Baptist Grammar School was founded in 1923 with the support of the Baptist Union of Victoria, initially as a day and boarding school for boys. It is named in honour of Rev. Dr William Carey, a Baptist missionary and language scholar. Its motto, Animo et Fide, means 'By Courage and Faith'. Carey joined the Associated Public Schools (APS) in 1958. In 2023 Carey celebrated its centenary. | History Keysborough Gardens Primary School was one of ten new schools built in 2019. It officially opened in January 2020. The founding Principal was Phil Anthony (2019–2021), who began in July 2019 and led the school from its inception. The school sits on a 2.2-hectare site in Keysborough South with modern facilities including flexible learning spaces, a gymnasium, sports courts, playgrounds and outdoor learning areas. It is an IB World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), combining inquiry-based learning with explicit teaching to support students' academic, social and emotional development. The school's values are Kindness, Empathy, Gratitude, Respect, and Excellence. |
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Community
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Community Carey is a positive and engaged community made up of students, staff, families, alumni, donors and friends. Lifelong friendships are formed at Carey, and there are broad sporting and interest groups that provide social occasions and support for both parents and students. The school maintains a close alumni network of about 18,000 members with social events, regular reunions and opportunities such as mentoring and career sessions. The Carey Medal recognises exceptional service to the wider community by members of the Carey community. | Community The school community is built on safety, inclusion and partnership with parents and carers to support learning, engagement and wellbeing. The school emphasises parental involvement in learning both at home and at school. We regularly hold events to build connections, including a Welcome Picnic, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Book Week, Information Evenings, Get to Know You meetings at the start of each year, Student Led Conferences, Student Expos, and school productions and concerts; Harmony Day, NAIDOC Week and Cross Country are also part of the calendar. Community Experts share knowledge and skills with students to enrich learning, and volunteering, fundraising and school excursions are encouraged. There are opportunities to join School Council and to contribute in various roles within the school community. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association There are four school section-based Parent Associations: Junior School Parents Association – Kew; Junior School Parents Association – Donvale; Middle School Parents Association; Senior School Parents Association. They coordinate a range of activities and opportunities for families to socialise, network and contribute to the school, and they support classroom representatives and provide a forum for parent feedback. There is also the Carey Past Families Hub for former families to stay connected. | Parent teacher association The School Council is a representative body responsible for developing and implementing school policies and is composed of Parents, Teachers, the Principal and Community Representatives. Council members and community members are appointed to subcommittees that report to the council, including Construction and Foundations, Education, Finances and Fundraising, and Community Engagement. Councillors serve two-year terms with elections held in February and March. Membership on the School Council is voluntary and parents are encouraged to nominate. There are monthly meetings of the School Council and its subcommittees, and involvement is supported by volunteer opportunities such as assisting in classrooms, school events and activities, subject to Working With Children checks and related inductions."}) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual Carey offers a broad co-curricular program that complements academic studies with opportunities to develop intellectual and collaborative skills through debating, outdoor education, and exchanges. Debating and Public Speaking strengthens confidence and leadership, with teams competing in the Debaters Association of Victoria and a Chinese Debating Team that has reached state, national and international competitions. Outdoor Education provides a sequential program from Prep to Year 9 that builds critical thinking, planning and teamwork, and culminates in the three-week immersive Carey Zero journey in Year 10. Exchanges and other activities expand students' intellectual horizons beyond the classroom. | Academic & intellectual The school offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) as an IB World School. Students study English, Maths and Science while developing critical thinking, technology and creativity. Specialist programs include Visual Arts, Performing Arts, STEM, Physical Education and Chinese Mandarin. ICAS competitions and the Victorian High-Ability Program (VHAP) provide opportunities for extended challenge. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Music is a core part of Carey's co-curricular program, with bands, orchestras, choirs and contemporary ensembles plus extensive instrumental and vocal tuition. A visiting artists program brings some of the world's best musicians to work with Carey students, and ensembles perform at concerts, festivals, productions, masterclasses and community events. Theatre and Drama offer on-stage acting, singing/dance, makeup, costume design, set design, lighting, sound and directing, with opportunities to perform in Middle and Senior School productions and junior school musical theatre. There are school plays and musicals each year, with classes and productions across campuses. | Arts & creative Performing Arts let students express themselves through dance, music and drama with regular performances. The School Choir (Years 1–3) and Senior Choir (Years 4–6) rehearse at lunchtimes and perform at assemblies and events. The School Band (Years 3–6) rehearses weekly and performs in assemblies. Enrichment clubs include Lego Club, Art Club, Fun Club, Knitting Club and Sport clubs. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language Exchanges are part of Carey's co-curricular program, providing cross-cultural learning opportunities. The Debating program includes a Chinese Debating Team that competes in state, national and international competitions. The team has achieved notable success, including winning the World High School Chinese Debating Championship in 2019. | Cultural & language Mandarin Chinese is offered as a specialist language. Koorie Cultural Inclusion is a focus to support inclusive cultural engagement. As an IB World School, the learning themes connect local and global issues to develop intercultural understanding. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Carey supports student-led interest groups in the Middle and Senior Schools, including Pride Group, Gender Equity Group, Environment Group and Social Justice Action Group. Junior School offers optional activities such as chess club and private music lessons available to students at all year levels. A wide range of recreational clubs and hobby groups exists across the school, alongside sport and physical activity opportunities such as yoga, dance and bike riding. | Social & hobbies Lunchtime clubs include Lego Club, Art Club, Fun Club, Knitting Club and sport clubs. Adventure camps (Year 3–6) and the Year 2 sleepover support social development and teamwork. Student Voice initiatives empower students to participate in planning and school activities. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Community outreach is a priority at Carey, with whole-school participation in fundraisers and awareness campaigns starting in the Junior School. Students are encouraged to engage in social justice initiatives and service to the local community. Senior School students volunteer on projects such as the Homework Club at Fitzroy Town Hall, helping refugee children with their homework. | Community & service Student Representative Council (Years 3–6) provides leadership opportunities and helps organise events. Green Team maintains the school vegetable garden, runs the recycling program and advocates for sustainable practices. Greater Dandenong Council appoints a Junior Mayor each year, and School Captains have held this role, highlighting links with the local community. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Carey has a formal student leadership structure, including School Captains and a Student Leadership Team. The Executive Leadership Team, led by the Principal, oversees day-to-day school operations and strategic direction. The Carey Board governs the School and sets long-term objectives. Student leadership is integrated with co-curricular activities, assemblies and school events to foster responsibility and community involvement. | Leadership & professional Year 6 Leadership Program gives every Year 6 student the opportunity to take on a leadership role. Roles include School Captains, House Captains, Wellbeing Leaders, ICT Leaders, Environment Leaders and more. The Student Representative Council offers additional leadership experiences for Years 3–6. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing The co-curricular program includes non-competitive fitness options such as dance, yoga and bike fitness. CareyFit is a bespoke online health and fitness platform delivering age-specific workouts once a week for the entire Careysm community, including term-long programs and guest athletes. Carey's facilities in Kew and Bulleen support physical education, training and interschool competition to promote wellbeing and active living. | Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasises social, emotional and physical wellbeing through its 'Keysie Kids are Global Kids' framework. The Green Team and other wellbeing initiatives promote healthy and sustainable practices. The swimming program builds water safety and fitness. Camping experiences (Year 2 sleepover and Year 3–6 adventure camps) foster independence and resilience. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision Middle School teaches Languages as core subjects: Chinese, Indonesian or French. Year 10 languages are elective and offered in Chinese, French and Indonesian. In Senior School, the International Baccalaureate offers English (Language A) and Chinese, French and Indonesian as Language B, with Spanish ab initio available. An intensive English program for international students is available, with AEAS testing used to determine the length of the program. | Language provision Core subjects include English, Maths and Science as part of the IB Primary Years Programme. Mandarin Chinese is offered as a specialist language program. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students from an EAL background, with explicit modelling of literacy and language skills and ongoing assessment against the English as an Additional Language continuum. Mandarin develops intercultural capability and respect for diversity through language learning. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) – IB programme for primary years. |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions The school uses a four-step enrolment process. Step 1: Apply online and pay the $200 application fee. Step 2: Assigned to waitlist according to year level preference and the Enrolment Policy, with a receipt letter acknowledging receipt. Step 3: Formal offer process. Offers for key intake years normally commence about two-and-a-half years before entry; for other year levels, offers are generally made the year prior when places become available; at the start of the offer process the school may contact families on the waitlist to confirm ongoing interest, and a formal Letter of Offer is issued when a place becomes available based on priority. Step 4: Accept offer and confirm enrolment in writing via the Enrolment Agreement and pay the $1,800 Enrolment Fee; enrolment is not confirmed until the Enrolment Fee is processed. Enrolment fees and charges include the $200 application fee, the $1,800 Enrolment Fee and a $2,000 Tuition Deposit for certain entry years (ELC, Prep, Year 5 and Year 7) which is redeemable against tuition; the deposit is forfeited if a place is cancelled or deferred. An interview with the Head of School may form part of the offer process; for Year 8–12, recent school reports and performance are considered. Enrolment in ELC requires full immunisation and Medicare Immunisation Certificates to confirm enrolment, and the Victorian No Jab No Play policy applies. Overseas students must hold a valid Australian visa at enrolment; if a visa is not provided one term prior to commencement, Carey may cancel enrolment and forfeit half a term's fees. Transfer of enrolment between Junior School campuses is not permitted; sibling priority does not apply to children whose sibling is enrolled in ELC; ELC operates during school term dates. The school may require additional policies to be completed and may inform how to careylink after orientation. | Admissions 1. The school zone guarantees a place for residents within the designated residential address; enrolments are managed to ensure access to the neighbourhood school and enrolment at another school is possible if there are places available. 2. Foundation (Prep) enrolments follow a statewide enrolment timeline published by the Department of Education; the timeline provides when and how to enrol a child into Foundation (Prep) at a Victorian government primary school, including Keysborough Gardens Primary School. Useful information and resources about the enrolment timeline are available under Enrolling in Foundation (Prep). 3. Enrolment in other year levels is possible where there are places available; the school welcomes enquiries for Years 1 to 6. Families can contact the school office at 9792 6800 or complete the enrolment enquiry form; enrolment forms are available from the school. 4. Book a Tour to visit the school; tours can be arranged by calling the school or via the tour enquiry form. 5. Prep Transition begins with a Parent Information Evening, providing an overview of the curriculum and general information about teaching and learning at Keysborough Gardens Primary School; a comprehensive 4-session Transition Program is offered for all enrolled future prep students during term 4 to help them become familiar with the environment, meet future classmates and staff, and feel part of the community. 6. The Buddy Program pairs Year 6 students withPrep students to participate in structured activities, foster belonging, and support transitions; staff supervise the relationships and provide guidance and training to older buddies. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships Academic Scholarships: Offered to students in Years 7 and 10. Registration for scholarships opens mid-October to late January in the year prior to entry; the scholarship test is conducted in February prior to entry (e.g., February of Year 6 for Year 7 entry). All candidates are notified of the outcome in due course. Year 10 applicants must also send a copy of their latest school report to the Admissions Office. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview, and results are issued to both shortlisted and unsuccessful candidates; the process can take several weeks. For further scholarship exam details, Edutest information is available. General Excellence Scholarships: Offered for Years 7, 10 and 11. Applications are reviewed periodically with key dates including application reviews commencing October 13, 2025 and applications closing February 20, 2026 for 2027 entry. Shortlisted applicants attend an interview with the Principal and the Head of Sport and Activities, followed by an academic test (Edutest). Final selection is by the Principal after a further interview. Scholarships typically cover about 50% remission of tuition fees and do not cover application/entry fees, books, uniforms, digital devices, consolidated charges or optional extras. If not met, scholarships may be withdrawn on annual review. Access and Equity Scholarships: Limited in number for Years 7 or 10. The scholarship covers tuition fees from commencement in Year 7 or Year 10 through Year 12, as well as consolidated charges and a laptop. Applications close at the end of Term 1 each year. Shortlisted applicants undergo a needs-based financial assessment. For inquiries, contact the Admissions team; the form is available online. | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist The school assigns all applications to the waitlist according to year level preference and the Enrolment Policy. Key intake years are three-year-old ELC, Prep, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 10, though applications for all year levels are welcome. Priority of admission is: 1) to siblings and children of permanent staff members; 2) to children of Carey alumni who apply in the first year after the child's birth; 3) to children of other families who apply in the first year after birth; 4) to children of Carey alumni who apply after their child turns twelve months of age; 5) by date of application thereafter; with consideration given to children of fully ordained Baptist Ministers. An application is a prerequisite to admission but not a guarantee of enrolment. An interview with the Head of School may form part of the offer process, and for Year 8–12 applications, recent school reports and performance will be considered. Transfer of enrolment between Junior School campuses is not permitted; waitlisted siblings enrolled at Junior School receive sibling priority for entry into the same campus. For enrolment in ELC, children must be fully immunised and ELC operates on school term dates; overseas students must hold a valid visa; if a visa is not provided, Carey reserves the right to cancel enrolment and forfeit half a term's fees. The school emphasises immunisation and visa requirements, and no transfer between campuses is allowed for junior school entries. | Waitlist — |
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