Cranbrook School vs Northside Montessori School

	C Cranbrook School Sydney, Australia	N Northside Montessori School Sydney, Australia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year A$1,226 - 110,190	Fees / year A$15,986 - 24,950
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Boys School (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum	Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,680	Pupils 144
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1918	Opened 1978
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Cranbrook School site is located at 5 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill, NSW 2023, Australia. It is in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and overlooks Sydney Harbour, about 4km from central Sydney.	Location 42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, NSW 2073, Australia. The school is in Pymble, a suburb on Sydney's Upper North Shore.
Stages	Stages Pre-School to Year 12	Stages Toddler to Year 12 (Early Learning to Secondary).
School type	School type Anglican independent day and boarding school	School type Co-educational; IB World School offering the Diploma Programme (DP) and is a Diploma Programme Candidate School.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Enrichment and Support provides educational support, with specialist teacher assessment reports to diagnose specific learning difficulties and recommendations for appropriate access arrangements during examinations.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Australia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Anglican	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Core school hours are 8:15am to 3:20pm, with before- and after-school activities available.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Cranbrook offers subsidised private bus services in term time, operated by North Sydney Bus Charters. There are three routes: North Shore (to Seaforth via North Sydney, Cremorne and Mosman), Inner West (to Woolwich via Pyrmont, Annandale, Balmain and Drummoyne), and Eastern Suburbs (to Maroubra via Bondi, Clovelly, Randwick and Coogee). Bus passes must be purchased in advance; for enquiries email bus@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (K–12) — Domestic students - Tuition is billed in three equal instalments per year (charged in advance). Per-instalment and per-annum amounts are: - Kindergarten: AUD 11,842 per instalment / AUD 35,526 per annum. - Years 1–2: AUD 12,595 per instalment / AUD 37,785 per annum. - Years 3–4: AUD 13,942 per instalment / AUD 41,826 per annum. - Years 5–6: AUD 14,412 per instalment / AUD 43,236 per annum. - Years 7–10: AUD 16,826 per instalment / AUD 50,478 per annum. - Years 11–12: AUD 17,490 per instalment / AUD 52,470 per annum. Tuition fees (K–12) — International students - International tuition is higher. Per-instalment and per-annum amounts are: - Kindergarten: AUD 14,557 per instalment / AUD 43,671 per annum. - Years 1–2: AUD 15,310 per instalment / AUD 45,930 per annum. - Years 3–4: AUD 16,657 per instalment / AUD 49,971 per annum. - Years 5–6: AUD 17,127 per instalment / AUD 51,381 per annum. - Years 7–10: AUD 20,532 per instalment / AUD 61,596 per annum. - Years 11–12: AUD 21,196 per instalment / AUD 63,588 per annum. Boarding fees (Years 7–12) - Boarding fees are charged in addition to Tuition Fees. Per-instalment and per-annum amounts (Domestic and International boarders): - Years 7–12: AUD 15,534 per instalment / AUD 46,602 per annum. - Boarding fees are inclusive of GST for food where applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and boarding fees are charged in advance in three equal instalments, invoiced at the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3. Two additional fee statements are issued at the beginning and end of Term 4 to capture incidental expenses incurred during Terms 3 and 4. - Fees are shown and billed only in Australian Dollars (AUD). - Fees are due and payable within 30 days from the date of issue of the fee statement. - Fees not paid by the due date (unless another agreement is documented) incur an administrative charge of AUD 250 per account; failure to pay by the due date may result in exclusion from classes/activities or termination of enrolment. Application, enrolment and deposit fees - Application Fee (K–12 and Pre‑School): non‑refundable AUD 440 (including GST) payable when a student is registered for possible future enrolment. - Enrolment Fee (K–12): non‑refundable AUD 7,500 payable when a place is formally offered and accepted. - Pre‑School Deposit: a deposit of AUD 3,000 is payable when a place at St Mark's or St Michael's Pre‑School is offered and accepted; this deposit is refundable after the child leaves the Pre‑School provided required notice has been given and all accounts are paid. St Mark's and St Michael's Pre‑School fees (2026 schedules) - Fee Schedule A (including NSW Government Start Strong fee relief, per instalment / per annum): - 5 days: AUD 7,898 / AUD 23,693. - 3 days: AUD 4,265 / AUD 12,794. - 2 days: AUD 2,805 / AUD 8,415. - Fee Schedule B (excluding the Government fee relief, per instalment / per annum): - 5 days: AUD 9,086 / AUD 27,258. - 3 days: AUD 5,453 / AUD 16,359. - 2 days: AUD 3,637 / AUD 10,911. - Fee Schedule C (equity program including fee relief, per instalment / per annum): - 5 days: AUD 6,597 / AUD 19,791. - 3 days: AUD 2,964 / AUD 8,892. - 2 days: AUD 409 / AUD 1,226. - Fee Schedule D (equity program excluding fee relief, per instalment / per annum): - 5 days: AUD 8,082 / AUD 24,247. - 3 days: AUD 4,449 / AUD 13,348. - 2 days: AUD 1,449 / AUD 4,346. Other costs and optional charges - Additional charges apply for optional subject tuition (for example, private instrument lessons), excursions, and other activities outside the normal school program; GST may be applied where exemptions do not apply. - A tax‑deductible Building Fund donation of AUD 200 per instalment is included in the fee statements; payment of this donation is voluntary. - Credit card surcharges apply for fees paid by credit card. - Administrative late payment charge is AUD 250 per account for overdue fees. Refund information - The Application Fee (AUD 440) and the K–12 Enrolment Fee (AUD 7,500) are non‑refundable. - The Pre‑School deposit of AUD 3,000 is refundable after the child leaves the Pre‑School provided required notice has been given and all accounts are paid. - Other refunds (for example where fees are prepaid and an enrolment does not proceed) are governed by the School's enrolment and fee conditions. Late or unpaid accounts may attract administrative charges and other consequences as noted above. Fee payment options - Fees are payable by BPAY or online by credit card. - Credit card surcharges apply for payments by credit card. - All billing and invoicing is in AUD.	Fee details Application & Placement Fees - Application Fee: AUD 165 (non-refundable). - Placement Fee: AUD 1,600, payable on acceptance of an offer of placement (non-refundable and non-transferrable). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts) - Preschool (3–4 year olds, Monday–Friday 8:30am–11:45am): Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term (annual ÷ 4) AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 1,458; per term AUD 364.50. Montessori Home Environment (11:45am–2:45pm) is charged at AUD 28 per day (charged separately). - Kindergarten: Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 1,831; per term AUD 457.75. - Years 1–6 (Primary): Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 2,035; per term AUD 508.75. - Years 7–10 (High School): Annual tuition AUD 18,427; per term AUD 4,606.75. Annual levy AUD 3,165; per term AUD 791.25. - Year 11 (International Baccalaureate): Annual tuition AUD 24,950; per term AUD 6,237.50. (No separate annual levy amount is listed for Year 11 in the published fee schedule.) - Year 12: No specific annual tuition or levy is listed for Year 12 in the 2026 fee schedule. Notes on what school fees and levies cover: School fees and levies include text resources, sporting activities (including swimming lessons), excursions and incursions, camps and overseas trips, a school-provided laptop and classroom desktops, student insurance and general classroom resources and equipment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed in November for the following calendar/school year (billed annually). Payment is by ten (10) monthly direct debit instalments (February to November), processed from a nominated bank account on the 5th of each month. Fees unpaid by the due date attract an administration charge of AUD 25 per week overdue. Fees and levies are payable for the whole year of enrolment; no deduction is made for non-attendance. Credits for completed School Support Hours are recognised at the end of each term and applied to the next monthly direct debit instalment. OOSH and Montessori Home Environment (MHE) are billed at the end of each term and added to the next monthly instalment; Vacation Care fees are payable when the booking is made. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as a provision; no boarding fees are published in the school's fee schedule. The school operates day programs and offers Out of School Hours Care (OOSH), Vacation Care and Montessori Home Environment. Other costs and recurring charges - Northside Montessori Society Membership Fee: AUD 65 per family. - Fundraising raffle: AUD 300 (recoverable if raffle tickets are on-sold). - School Support Hours Program: AUD 800 (recoverable on completing the program; credits applied as described above). - Building Fund donations (voluntary, tax-deductible in Australia for donations of AUD 2 or more): suggested amount of AUD 100 per monthly instalment. Annual receipts issued in July. - Out of School Hours and related daily/session charges (additional to tuition): - Before School Care (BSC): AUD 12 per day. - After School Care (ASC): AUD 32 per day. Late pick-up fee: AUD 10 per each 5 minutes or part thereof after 6:00pm. - Vacation Care: AUD 75 per day; Vacation Care with incursion AUD 95 per day. - Montessori Home Environment (MHE) for 3–4 year olds: AUD 28 per day (11:45am–2:45pm). - Toddler Program (walking to 36 months) and Toddler & Transition Program fees (term-based) are published for infant programs (examples from the infant program listing: AUD 360 per 10-week term; AUD 380 per 10-week term for certain sessions). These additional program charges are billed separately as described above. - Co-curricular activities (music, sport, languages, robotics, etc.) are charged in addition and are paid directly to the activity provider. Sibling discounts - Sibling discounts apply to school tuition fees only and are allocated to the oldest child in the family (not available for siblings enrolled in the Infant Community Program). The published discounts are: 2nd child 25% of school fees; 3rd child 50% of school fees; 4th child 75% of school fees; 5th and subsequent child 100% of school fees. Refunds, cancellation and withdrawal terms - Application Fee: non-refundable. Placement Fee: non-refundable and non-transferrable. - Withdrawal notice: withdrawal of a student requires at least one (1) full term's written notice to the Principal to expire at the end of a term. If the required notice is not given, one (1) school full term's fee is payable in lieu of the required notice. For a student leaving at the end of Year 6, an extended notice period of at least three (3) full terms' notice is required (to be given by the end of Term 1); failure to provide the required notice will similarly attract one term's fee in lieu. Credits for completed School Support Hours are applied to the next instalment as described above. Fee payment methods and processing - Regular tuition and levies are collected by ten (10) monthly direct debit instalments from a nominated bank account (processed on the 5th of each month, February–November). OOSH and MHE are billed at the end of each term and added to the next monthly direct debit instalment; Vacation Care fees are payable at the time of booking. No other specific payment methods (credit card, BPAY, bank transfer) are listed in the published fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school has two Boarding Houses, Rawson and Street, which together care for approximately 75 students from Year 7 to Year 12. Boarders live in secure, modern accommodation in Street House and Rawson House, with Boarding Heads of Houses on site who live with their families and are supported by three resident staff. Boarding has been provided on campus since 1918.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform guidelines specify a formal Cranbrook uniform for Years 3–12, including charcoal grey trousers/shorts/skirt, a Cranbrook blazer for formal events, a Cranbrook tie, and plain black leather shoes. Shirts are light blue for Kindergarten–Year 10 and white for Years 11–12; navy socks with a white and red stripe are worn with the uniform. Sportswear must not be worn with the academic uniform, and hair and makeup guidelines apply.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The Cranbrook Tuck Shop is open every school day and is run by Chartwells; Junior School lunches are ordered and delivered to classrooms, while Senior School the Hive is open at breakfast, recess and lunch. The menu includes pasta, salads, soup, sushi, gourmet sandwiches, wraps, baguettes and burgers.	Food options —
House system	House system There are 14 Houses in Cranbrook's House system, designed to provide individualized care and opportunities for inter-age mentoring. Each pupil belongs to a House and a House Mentor group of about twenty; houses are vertically structured to foster interaction, buddying and inter-house activities and competitions.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Cranbrook School is an Anglican independent multi-campus day and boarding school founded in 1918. It is governed by the Cranbrook School Council; The Cranbrook Foundation is a company limited by guarantee (founded 1974) administered by a Board of Directors to provide financial and other support.	Governance and ownership The Northside Montessori Society is a non-profit company, limited by guarantee. It is governed by a Board of non-paid directors who are accountable to the members and to all stakeholders. Their actions are governed by the Society's Constitution and the Corporations Act.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school is an IB Continuum School and offers the International Baccalaureate across the Senior School. Years 7–10 are taught using the NSW curriculum through the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with a common curriculum in Years 7–8 and language study across two languages chosen from French, Latin and Mandarin. The Years 7 and 8 programs cover English, Mathematics, Science, PDHPE, History, Geography, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Design and Technology, Religious Studies, and two languages. In Years 9–10 students add two electives to the common curriculum while continuing core subjects and a continuing language. In Years 11–12 students choose between the IB Diploma Programme and the Higher School Certificate (HSC), with the HSC requiring English plus a range of other subjects and the IB Diploma Programme structured around six subject groups plus core components such as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS. The school also runs a Gifted & High Potential Programme delivered through the Honours Curriculum for Years 7–10, using in‑class differentiation, acceleration and enrichment, with mathematics acceleration, English enrichment and opportunities for external competitions and seminar‑style learning.	Curriculum details Authentic Montessori education across Early Learning, Primary and Secondary. The High School commenced in 2022 with Year 7 and will continue to add years up to Year 12 by 2027. Years 7–10 work toward the NSW RoSA, with all coursework meeting NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements. For Years 11–12, the school is NESA registered and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Our teachers are accredited with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and have Montessori qualifications, and our senior high school teachers are IB trained.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Gifted & High Potential Programme is delivered through the Honours Curriculum for Years 7–10, with in‑class differentiation, acceleration and enrichment. Identification uses standardised tests, psychometric assessments, parent and teacher nominations and interviews; opportunities include Mathematics acceleration, English enrichment, external competitions such as Olympiads and Da Vinci Decathlon, and term seminars on topics such as Introduction to Psychology, Defining Fascism, The Mini‑MBA and The Philosophy of Science.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school has a Student Wellbeing Framework that helps students grow to be physically, mentally and emotionally fit and healthy. The Cranbrook Student Wellbeing Programme runs fortnightly and promotes connection, interaction and communication between students and their House Mentor on issues facing young people, with an emphasis on diversity, perspective and empathy to develop emotional maturity and a sense of community. Pastoral care is delivered through the House system, and every teacher and staff member is part of a school-wide team devoted to the individual wellbeing of students; pastoral care is integrated and essential.	Social & emotional learning The Montessori classroom is a non-competitive environment where students strive to reach their personal best and help peers to do the same. The approach places the student at the centre of learning, with lessons conducted one-on-one or in small groups. Work follows the individual, nurturing their interests and designing tasks to meet each student's needs. Concepts are introduced through concrete materials and hands-on exploration, building practical skills and confidence. Multi-age classrooms allow younger students to learn from older peers, who model positive behaviour and collaboration, supporting social development. The program fosters mental and emotional growth as well as independence and a love of learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Enrichment and Support identifies students who require more help with the curriculum, providing long-term or temporary educational support as needed. The department administers specialist teacher assessment reports to diagnose specific learning difficulties and to provide recommendations for appropriate access arrangements during examinations.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school assesses Overseas Students' English language proficiency and educational qualifications during the recruitment process and before enrolment. It uses the Australian Education Assessment Services English Language Proficiency Test to determine whether the minimum English proficiency required for the course is met, and it reviews educational qualifications using certificates, home-country school reports, and other relevant documentation to address any additional needs (medical, psychological or social/emotional).	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Wellbeing programme supports physical, mental and emotional health; the student wellbeing framework is embedded in teaching and pastoral care. The Cranbrook Student Wellbeing Programme is fortnightly and promotes connection between students and their House Mentors, addressing current issues and developing emotional maturity and community belonging. School counsellors work closely with Heads of Houses and tutors as part of a whole-school approach to individual wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported as part of the school community, including events such as RU OK? Day (observed on September 10, 2026) to promote student and community wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The Policies include a Child Protection Policy and a Child Safety Commitment Statement.	Safeguarding The school has a Child Protection policy, and publishes Anti-Bullying, Complaints and Grievances, Discipline, Whistleblower and Privacy policies to safeguard students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Cranbrook Senior School campus on Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill overlooks Sydney Harbour and offers facilities to support academic, sporting and co-curricular interests. The Murray Rose Aquatic & Fitness Centre provides an 8-lane 50-metre pool that can be divided into two 25-metre pools for swimming and water polo, a Learn to Swim pool, a grandstand, electronic timing, a colour scoreboard, Olympic racing blocks and a multipurpose court for basketball, futsal and cricket. The Vicars Centenary Building houses flexible classroom spaces designed to encourage collaboration, including dedicated Year 12 College and Year 11 College spaces. The Packer Theatre is a 267-seat venue for drama, dance and music performances, while Centenary Hall is a 1600-seat assembly space that can be reconfigured for sports or concerts. The dining commons and chapel complete the campus facilities, with Orchestral Room and Perkins Building supporting music and the Hordern Oval providing outdoor sports space. The Junior School campus at Rose Bay offers four tennis courts, two fields, a double basketball gym, private music rooms, art studios and an iCentre, with access to the Murray Rose Aquatic & Fitness Centre at the Senior School.	Facilities overview The campus is located at 42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, NSW 2073 and houses the Toddler Community, Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary programs. Additional campus buildings have been added over time and there is a car park with a bus bay to support transport. A Multi-Purpose Hall space was completed in 2021 to provide a shared indoor space for assemblies, performances and activities. Out of School Hours and Vacation Care operate on site for Pre-Primary and Primary students. The school is an IB World School offering the Diploma Program and a Careers-related Program and classrooms are furnished with Montessori materials to support self directed learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sport is supported by the Murray Rose Aquatic & Fitness Centre's 50-metre pool (configurable to two 25-metre pools for swimming and water polo), an 18-by-10-metre Learn to Swim pool, a grandstand, electronic timing and a colour scoreboard, Olympic racing blocks and a multipurpose court for basketball, futsal and cricket, plus a weights centre. The Senior School also features Hordern Oval for on-field sport, cricket nets, sprint track and a cycling studio. Centenary Hall can be configured for basketball, volleyball or netball as needed, and the Vicars Centenary Building provides flexible teaching spaces that support on-site sport and performance activities.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Vicars Centenary Building provides classroom spaces designed to encourage interconnected, flexible learning. Year 12 College and Year 11 College offer dedicated senior study spaces with extended hours and mentoring. The Vicars Centenary Building also houses The Dining Commons and The Chapel, while The Packer Theatre supports drama, music and performance. The Orchestral Room and Perkins Building support music instruction and performances, complemented by a range of learning spaces and breakout areas to facilitate collaboration. The campus design emphasizes spaces that promote collaboration, communication and active learning across academic and creative disciplines.	Academic facilities Classrooms are rich in learning opportunities for self discovery with specially designed Montessori materials. Our teachers are accredited with NSW Education Standards Authority and have Montessori qualifications. Senior high school teachers are IB trained. The school delivers authentic Montessori education across Early Learning, Primary and Secondary. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is offered in the senior years.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Cranbrook offers Co-Curricular programs including Music, Drama and Additional Clubs at the Senior School, along with Year-Round, Summer and Winter Sport programs. The Murray Rose Aquatic & Fitness Centre supports Learn to Swim programmes and Cranbrook Aquatics Swim Club, along with Cranbrook Swim Squads.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-curricular activities include Origami, Tae-kwon-do, Lego Robotics, Choir, Orchestra, Band, Soccer, Chess and Dance, and languages such as Japanese. Music tutors on site provide tuition in guitar, brass (trumpet, euphonium & trombone), flute, clarinet and piano before, after school or during the day. The Montessori Model United Nations program engages upper primary and secondary students, with trips to New York or Italy for MMUN events. MMUN activities foster research, formal writing and public speaking and negotiation skills in an international setting.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Cranbrook School was established on 22 July 1918 in Bellevue Hill on the shores of Sydney Harbour. It was created to be a school in the Anglican tradition with a mission to provide the best possible education for each child entrusted to its care. The founding occurred in the postwar period following the Great War, and Cranbrook has, through the efforts of its headmasters, council, teachers and supporters, maintained these ideas. With almost a century of tradition, Cranbrook is associated with acknowledging each child as an individual and providing a supportive and nurturing environment. Graduates leave with knowledge, skills and confidence to realise their full potential.	History Northside Montessori School began in 1978 when the founding parents, unable to find a local Montessori school for their own children, were encouraged to start their own. With the formation of the Northside Montessori Society, premises were purchased at 196 Bobbin Head Road and two Pre-Primary classes commenced at Stepping Stones. The first Primary classes began in 1980, with the full Primary program offered in 1985. Sound financial management and strong community support enabled capital expansion, including relocating the Primary program to 42-44 Bobbin Head Road in 1987 and expanding the Pre-Primary to 198 Bobbin Head Road in 1988. The campus grew further with new buildings, a car park, a bus bay, and, in 2021, a Multi-Purpose Hall, and the Secondary Program commenced in 2022.
Community	Community The Cranbrook School Parents' Association (CSPA) builds stronger, deeper connections between parents, students, the School and the wider Cranbrook community. All parents are automatically members and the Association provides a forum for discussion and participation, facilitating dialogue between the parent body, the Headmaster and School Council. The CSPA aims to promote Cranbrook's development, support the School and the Cranbrook Foundation, and foster an inclusive and caring parent community. Events include the reuse and recycle uniform sale, parent education presentations and cooking for the community, alongside social events for parents. At least four meetings are held each year, attended by a member of the School Council and the Head of School, and the President sits on the School Council.	Community Northside Montessori School views education as a partnership with families; the parent community is vibrant and active. Parents engage formally and informally and connect through social events organized by the school, the Parent and Community Committee (P&C), and individual parents. Key annual highlights include the Welcome Event, Movie Night, a Halloween camping trip to Umina, and quarterly Music Soirées. The community also participates in partnerships and alumni engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Cranbrook School Parents' Association (CSPA) is the body that fosters stronger, deeper connections between parents, students, the School and the wider Cranbrook community. It provides a forum for discussion and participation in School activities and facilitates dialogue between the parent body, the Headmaster and School Council. All parents are automatically members while they have a child at Cranbrook. Its aims include promoting and assisting the development of Cranbrook, supporting the School and the Cranbrook Foundation, and building bonds between parents and between parents and the School. It also provides opportunities for parents to meet socially. CSPA holds at least four evening meetings each year, attended by a member of the School Council and the Head of School, and the President sits on the School Council.	Parent teacher association The school has a Parent and Community Committee (P&C) that partners with families to engage in school life. The P&C coordinates parent involvement through a range of activities and events each year. There are numerous opportunities for parent and caregiver engagement, including formal and informal participation. Annual events organized with P&C involvement include the Welcome Event, Movie Night, Halloween camping trip to Umina, and quarterly Music Soirées. The school maintains a Giving Program to support key areas and development projects. An Alumni Network is available for former students and families to stay connected.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is an International Baccalaureate Continuum School. The Honours Curriculum is offered for highly motivated students in Years 7–10. A range of guest lectures by university academics and industry experts enriches study. The curriculum covers a broad selection of subjects to support advanced academic study.	Academic & intellectual Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) is offered for Upper Primary and Secondary students to develop research, formal writing, public speaking and negotiation skills in an international context, and Lego Robotics is available as an extra-curricular activity.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school has music, drama and visual arts programs with ensembles, orchestras and rock bands. Co-Curricular activities include dance, drama and public speaking. Students explore creative pursuits through these programs.	Arts & creative Choir, Orchestra, Band and Dance are offered, and Origami is provided as a craft activity.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school has language offerings including Chinese Continuers and French Continuers. As an IB Continuum School, language study is integrated within the curriculum. These languages are taught as part of the school's broad academic program.	Cultural & language Languages such as Japanese are offered as part of the extra-curricular program.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school has a wide range of co-curricular activities such as Debating, Chess, Drama and Public Speaking, as well as music ensembles and dance. Participation develops leadership, performance and decision-making. Students pursue interests beyond the classroom through these groups.	Social & hobbies Soccer, Chess and Tae-kwon-do are offered as after-school activities.
Community & service	Community & service The school has Cranbrook in the Field (CITF), a service and leadership development program within co-curricular. It provides opportunities for students to engage in service and develop leadership skills. CITF activities support meaningful community engagement.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school has leadership development opportunities through the Co-Curricular programme; participation aims to develop leadership, performance and decision-making.	Leadership & professional MMUN provides opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, research, public speaking and negotiation skills through international conferences.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has a strong sport program; it participates in CAS and offers Summer and Winter sport across multiple disciplines. A swimming program runs for Kindergarten to Year 6. A welfare framework includes counselling services and a house-based wellbeing structure to support students' physical and mental health.	Lifestyle & wellbeing On-site music tutors provide tuition in guitar, brass, flute, clarinet and piano, with sessions available before or after school or during the day.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French is taught from Pre-School to Year 6 as part of Cranbrook's Primary Years Programme. In Early Learning, French is included in the curriculum with weekly visits from the Junior School French teachers. In Senior School, Cranbrook offers continuing language options in French, Latin and Mandarin, aligned with the NSW curriculum through the IB Middle Years Programme framework.	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1 – Application. Begin with the online application by creating an account and submitting the form. You will provide essential information about your child and family. Cranbrook accepts entry at Pre-School, Kindergarten, Year 3, Year 7 and Year 11, with other grades considered only if vacancies exist. Step 2 – Visit the School. Attending an Open Day helps you learn about Cranbrook and meet key staff. Open Days offer an opportunity to ask questions and observe the school environment. A visit is a helpful precursor before progressing to assessments. Step 3 – Admissions Activities. Observations and assessments vary by entry point. Pre-School and Kindergarten involve your child participating in an observation session up to 12 months before commencement. Year 3 and Year 7 require an academic assessment up to 2.5 years before commencement. Year 11 involves assessments and interviews up to 12 months before entry. Step 4 – Interview. After observations and assessments, parents and/or applicants may be invited to an interview. Not all candidates will be invited to interview due to the number of applications. Step 5 – Offer. Applications are reviewed and enrolment decisions are made. You will be notified in writing if an offer is made or if the application is unsuccessful. Step 6 – Acceptance of Place. A place is secured when the enrolment documentation and the non-refundable enrolment fee or Pre-School deposit are paid. Step 7 – Welcome to Cranbrook. You will be notified of Orientation Days and other information regarding starting at Cranbrook in the term prior to commencement.	Admissions 1. Enquire: Prospective families use the enquiry form to request further information about enrolling with Northside Montessori School and to speak with the Enrolments Registrar (EI). This step initiates the enrolment process and helps families understand how their child can flourish within the Montessori program. The Registrar provides information to guide the next steps. The enquiry does not commit the family to enrolment. 2. Book a Tour: Northside Montessori School invites families to visit so they can see the campus in action and learn about the Montessori approach. It is an opportunity to explore the school, meet students and staff, and ask questions about how the program supports a love of learning. The visit helps families decide if the school is the right fit. 3. Apply: Applications for entry are made online and are a pre-requisite for enrolment but do not guarantee a place. A non-refundable Application Fee per child is payable at the time of application, and payments are made via the secure system. The school gives preference to siblings of current students, children transferring from other Montessori schools, and to children currently enrolled in the Montessori Toddler program; application date and balance of ages and genders in multi-age classes are considered. 4. Interview with the Principal: If suitable, the school contacts families to arrange an interview with the Principal. The interview provides an opportunity to discuss expected Montessori outcomes and the family's understanding of the Montessori approach. All enrolments are subject to the outcome of the enrolment interview. 5. Acceptance and Attend Orientation Day: Following a successful interview, an enrolment offer is made and a non-refundable Placement Fee is payable upon acceptance. Before starting, families receive an invitation to attend an orientation in the classroom and meet the teacher. Parents must keep their address and contact details current; if the school cannot contact them and there is no response, the enrolment may be cancelled.
Scholarships	Scholarships Cranbrook School offers a selection of scholarships to recognise gifted and talented students and to provide pathways to benefit from Cranbrook's programs. Awards are based on the Cranbrook School Scholarship Examination (conducted by Academic Assessment Services), the submission of supporting materials, and an interview. Scholarships are available only to Australian citizens. Applications for 2027 Cranbrook Scholarships are now closed; 2028 scholarships will open later this year. The Old Cranbrookians' Association (OCA) Scholarship is also offered.	Scholarships Bursaries and financial support: Northside Montessori School provides bursaries to families in necessitous circumstances. This assistance applies to tuition fees only; levies and other charges must be paid in full. Bursary decisions are made by the Bursary Committee, and the Principal may grant a fee discount or waiver up to half a year's full tuition for one student; greater relief requires Board approval. All bursary applications are confidential and awarded based on means testing and commitment to Montessori education, with annual review. Further details can be found in the Bursary Policy.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waitlist: If you wish to defer the entry date to a date later than the initial accepted date, the School will advise whether it is able to agree to this. If the School is unable to agree, the student's date of application will be amended to the date the deferment was requested. The student will then be placed on a waiting list for the new requested date; however, enrolment cannot be guaranteed.
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