St Leonard's College vs St Margaret's Berwick Grammar

	S St Leonard's College Melbourne, Australia	S St Margaret's Berwick Grammar Melbourne, Australia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year A$300 - 59,415	Fees / year A$8,708 - 36,696
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Girls School, Boys School
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,576	Pupils 801
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1914	Opened 1926
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Bunurong Country, 163 South Road, Brighton East, VIC 3187, Australia. The campus is in the Bayside area of Melbourne. The South Road entrance is used for College activity and bus routes. St Leonard's College is Bayside's school of choice with the address serving as the primary campus location.	Location Berwick Campus (27-47 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick, VIC 3806, Australia) is home to the Early Learning Centre, Junior School and Senior Girls. Officer Campus (80 Tivendale Road, Officer, VIC 3809, Australia) is the Senior Boys campus.
Stages	Stages Early Learning Centre (ages 3–5); Prep to Year 4 (IB PYP); The Cove (Years 5 and 6); Years 7 to 9 (Middle School); Years 10 to 12 (Senior School).	Stages ELC and Junior School are co-educational. Senior School is single-sex with Senior Girls on the Berwick Campus and Senior Boys on the Officer Campus; Year 7–12 form the Senior School levels.
School type	School type Independent, coeducational	School type Independent private day school. ELC and Junior School are co-educational; Senior School is single-sex with Senior Girls and Senior Boys on separate campuses.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Learning Enhancement Faculty provides dedicated, evidence-based support across the College. In Junior School, early identification and targeted literacy, numeracy and self-regulation support are provided; Years 5–6 use in-class and small-group programs with tailored adjustments; in Middle School, support develops self-advocacy, executive functioning and flexible thinking with classroom assistance and assistive technologies; in Senior School, teachers guide pathways including examination adjustments and special provisions.	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available as needed.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Australia	Country affiliation Australia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Presbyterian heritage (historical).	Religious affiliation Non-denominational
School day structure	School day structure Attendance times: ELC 8:30–12:00 or 3:00; Prep to Year 4 8:30–3:20; Years 5–12 8:30–3:35. Years 5–12 operate on a ten-day cycle; Years 7–12 timetable: 8:30–9:50 Period 1; 9:50–10:15 recess; 10:15–11:35 Period 2; 11:35–12:55 Period 3; 12:55–1:40 lunch; 1:40–2:15 Period X; 2:15–3:35 Period 4; dismissal 3:35.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details The College Bus Service provides six chartered routes arriving near the South Road entrance at 8:15am and departing at 3:50pm each school day; stops connect to suburbs including Beaumaris, Bentleigh, Brighton, Caulfield, Cheltenham, Dingley Village, Elsternwick, Elwood, Hampton, Highett, Malvern East, McKinnon, Moorabbin, Mordialloc, Parkdale and Sandringham.	Bus service details Chartered bus services are provided by Alston Coaches, including SMBG1 Transfer between Berwick and Officer campuses and additional routes SMBG2 Warragul, SMBG3 Emerald, SMBG4 Cranbourne, SMBG5 Clyde. A free campus bus allows drop-off and pick-up at a single campus.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Domestic (Australian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents applying via the domestic process): non-refundable application fee AUD 200, payable when the online Application for Enrolment is submitted. - International (full fee‑paying overseas students applying on a student visa): non‑refundable application fee AUD 300, payable at time of application. An Enrolment Confirmation Fee of AUD 2,400 is payable on acceptance of an offer (non‑refundable, non‑transferable). Tuition fees (annual and per‑term by year level, domestic students — 2026) - ELC3 sessional (five mornings) — Annual: AUD 15,581. Per term (standard 4-term division): AUD 3,895.25. - ELC3 part time (four days) — Annual: AUD 24,320. Per term: AUD 6,080. - ELC3 & ELC4 full time — Annual: AUD 27,789. Per term: AUD 6,947.25. - Prep — Annual: AUD 25,183. Per term: AUD 6,295.75. - Year 1 — Annual: AUD 28,620. Per term: AUD 7,155. - Year 2 — Annual: AUD 28,620. Per term: AUD 7,155. - Year 3 — Annual: AUD 32,086. Per term: AUD 8,021.50. - Year 4 — Annual: AUD 32,086. Per term: AUD 8,021.50. - Year 5 — Annual: AUD 34,726. Per term: AUD 8,681.50. - Year 6 — Annual: AUD 34,726. Per term: AUD 8,681.50. - Year 7 — Annual: AUD 39,438. Per term: AUD 9,859.50. - Year 8 — Annual: AUD 39,438. Per term: AUD 9,859.50. - Year 9 — Annual: AUD 41,113. Per term: AUD 10,278.25. - Year 10 — Annual: AUD 41,152. Per term: AUD 10,288.00. - Year 11 — Annual: AUD 43,482. Per term: AUD 10,870.50. - Year 12 — Annual: AUD 42,903. Standard per‑term equivalent (dividing annual by 4): AUD 10,725.75; however, Year 12 fees are invoiced differently: Year 12 tuition is charged in three equal instalments (one‑third of the annual fee) in Terms 1, 2 and 3 — each Year 12 instalment therefore equals AUD 14,301.00. (Amounts above are the published Annual Tuition Fees for 2026; the per‑term figures shown are arithmetic conversions for clarity. For most year levels accounts are issued on a term basis as described below.) International (full fee‑paying) annual tuition fees — 2026 (summary) - Prep: AUD 36,891; Year 1: AUD 36,988; Year 2: AUD 36,988; Year 3: AUD 41,465; Year 4: AUD 41,465; Year 5: AUD 44,462; Year 6: AUD 44,462; Year 7: AUD 51,445; Year 8: AUD 56,477; Year 9: AUD 56,477; Year 10: AUD 56,866; Year 11: AUD 56,866; Year 12: AUD 59,415. International fee schedules and additional international charges (health cover, tuition deposit at acceptance, etc.) apply. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: fee accounts are rendered on a term basis and are issued one term plus 30 days in advance. Consolidated accounts show one‑quarter of annual consolidated fees on each term account (i.e., four equal term instalments). For Year 12, billing is in three equal instalments (one‑third of the annual fee) charged in Terms 1, 2 and 3. International full fee‑paying student accounts are issued twice per year and specific upfront deposits are required at acceptance as specified in the international offer. Notice of withdrawal must be provided one full school term in advance; failure to provide one term's written notice will result in one term's fees being payable. Enrolment bond / acceptance deposits - An Enrolment Bond is required for all accepted offers from 2026 onward to confirm enrolment; the bond amount is specified in the Acceptance of Offer documentation and is held and deducted from fees after a minimum period of attendance (the Enrolment Bond is forfeited if the student does not commence or complete the minimum required enrolment period). For the Early Learning Centre, a tuition deposit for Prep may also be required in certain circumstances and is deducted from the first account once the student commences. The non‑refundable admission (confirmation) fee required on acceptance is specified in the Acceptance of Offer. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. St Leonard's College is a co‑educational day school with an Early Learning Centre; there are no boarding fees for students. Other costs and common additional charges - Camps and major experiential trips: Year 6 Canberra trip estimate AUD 2,000–AUD 3,000; Year 9 CUE Big Experience estimate AUD 5,500–AUD 11,500 depending on destination and program. These costs are additional to tuition where applicable. - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) annual registration/exam fee (2026): AUD 1,055 for Year 11/12 IBDP students. - Stationery, apps and class incidentals typically range by year level from approximately AUD 100–AUD 400 per year. - Musical instrument hire for curriculum lessons: AUD 245 per year (includes AUD 25 insurance). Private music lesson instrument hire: AUD 220 per semester. Private lesson fees per semester/term are listed separately in the Fees Schedule (e.g., private 30‑minute lessons approx. AUD 1,085 per semester). Speech & drama and music tuition fees are charged per lesson/semester as listed in the Fees Schedule. - Club Sport, Aesthetic Sports and other co‑curricular activities have separate semester or annual charges (examples include cheer, dance, gymnastics, basketball club fees, sailing, Taekwondo, swim program). Uniforms or costumes required for these programs are compulsory and charged separately. Payment is required prior to participation each semester/season. - Voluntary Building Fund contribution (tax‑deductible): an optional levy of AUD 460 per student per annum may be added to each quarterly account if families choose to contribute. - Bus fees, optional camps, optional music camps, competition travel and equipment, and certain elective program fees are additional and appear as separate line items. Instrument repair liability: parents are responsible for the first AUD 500 of repair costs on hired instruments; unrecoverable loss may be charged. Refunds and cancellation terms - Application fees and Enrolment Confirmation/Admission fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. An Enrolment Bond (where required) will be deducted from the first account after the student has completed the minimum enrolment period; the bond is forfeited if the student does not commence or does not complete the minimum enrolment period. Written notice of withdrawal must be provided one full term in advance; where such notice is not provided one term's fees will be charged. These conditions are part of the College's Terms of Business. - International students: specific refund rules apply for overseas students. Where enrolment is withdrawn in writing more than one term before commencement, Annual Tuition and Health Insurance Fees minus a cancellation fee of AUD 1,000 are refundable (Application Fee and Enrolment Confirmation Fee remain non‑refundable). If withdrawal is less than one term prior to commencement, the Application Fee, Enrolment Confirmation Fee and 25% of the Annual Tuition Fee are non‑refundable; health insurance fees may be refundable. If a visa application is rejected by the Department of Home Affairs and evidence is provided, Annual Tuition and Health Insurance Fees are refundable (Application and Enrolment Confirmation Fee are not). Refunds to international families are processed in Australian dollars to the party that made the original payment and, where approved, are processed within the timeframe set out in the international refund procedure. Fee payment options and methods - Accepted payment methods include: BPay; Credit Card (Visa and MasterCard — overseas credit cards for international students may be restricted per policy); Debit Card transactions; and electronic funds transfer (bank transfer). Cash payments are not accepted. Credit card details are taken for application payment (Visa/MasterCard only). For international students, a tuition deposit (50% of the annual tuition for the first study period) and other charges are payable on acceptance, and thereafter fees are payable term in advance or as specified in the international offer. Sibling discounts and concessions - Sibling discounts on consolidated fees apply where two or more children from the same family attend concurrently: 5% discount for the second sibling, 15% for the third sibling, and 50% for the fourth and subsequent sibling. The greatest discount applies to the fees for the lowest year level; sibling discounts do not apply to additional charges (non‑tuition items) and do not apply to international student fees. Key administrative notes on fee timing and obligations - Fees are subject to annual review and change; parents receive notice in advance of any change. Invoices are normally issued termly (one quarter of consolidated annual fees) and are payable within the College's stated payment terms; Year 12 fees are invoiced in three instalments. Failure to pay accounts or to provide required notice of withdrawal will result in fees being charged in accordance with the College's Terms of Business and may lead to collection action for overdue amounts.	Fee details Application and Acceptance Fees - A non-refundable and non-transferable New Student Application Fee of AUD 130 (incl GST) per child is payable when lodging an enrolment application. - An Enrolment Acceptance Fee of AUD 2,200 per child is payable within 14 days of an offer of a place to confirm enrolment; Enrolment Acceptance Fees are neither refundable nor transferable. - For families transitioning a 4‑Year‑Old ELC child to Prep, a non-refundable deposit of AUD 2,000 is payable in Term 1 and is applied against the child's Prep fees the following year. Tuition Fees (annual and per term, by year level) Note: the annual Total School Fee shown below is the school's stated Total School Fees (Tuition Fees plus Consolidated Charges). Per‑term figures are calculated by dividing the Total School Fee by four (four school terms). - Pre-Prep (2 days): Tuition/A nnual total AUD 8,708 — Per term AUD 2,177. - Pre-Prep (3 days): Tuition/A nnual total AUD 13,059 — Per term AUD 3,265. - Pre-Prep (4 days): Tuition/A nnual total AUD 17,416 — Per term AUD 4,354. - Pre-Prep (5 days): Tuition/A nnual total AUD 21,767 — Per term AUD 5,442. - Prep: Tuition Fees AUD 19,372; Consolidated Charges AUD 3,799; Total School Fees AUD 23,171 — Per term AUD 5,793. - Year 1: Tuition Fees AUD 19,372; Consolidated Charges AUD 3,799; Total School Fees AUD 23,171 — Per term AUD 5,793. - Year 2: Tuition Fees AUD 21,971; Consolidated Charges AUD 3,960; Total School Fees AUD 25,931 — Per term AUD 6,483. - Year 3: Tuition Fees AUD 21,971; Consolidated Charges AUD 4,592; Total School Fees AUD 26,563 — Per term AUD 6,641. - Year 4: Tuition Fees AUD 21,971; Consolidated Charges AUD 4,592; Total School Fees AUD 26,563 — Per term AUD 6,641. - Year 5: Tuition Fees AUD 23,964; Consolidated Charges AUD 5,862; Total School Fees AUD 29,826 — Per term AUD 7,457. - Year 6: Tuition Fees AUD 23,964; Consolidated Charges AUD 5,862; Total School Fees AUD 29,826 — Per term AUD 7,457. - Year 7: Tuition Fees AUD 28,053; Consolidated Charges AUD 6,307; Total School Fees AUD 34,360 — Per term AUD 8,590. - Year 8: Tuition Fees AUD 28,053; Consolidated Charges AUD 6,307; Total School Fees AUD 34,360 — Per term AUD 8,590. - Year 9: Tuition Fees AUD 28,053; Consolidated Charges AUD 8,461; Total School Fees AUD 36,514 — Per term AUD 9,129. - Year 10: Tuition Fees AUD 29,505; Consolidated Charges AUD 7,191; Total School Fees AUD 36,696 — Per term AUD 9,174. - Year 11: Tuition Fees AUD 29,505; Consolidated Charges AUD 6,580; Total School Fees AUD 36,085 — Per term AUD 9,021. - Year 12: Tuition Fees AUD 29,505; Consolidated Charges AUD 6,580; Total School Fees AUD 36,085 — Per term AUD 9,021. Billing schedule and payment terms - Full‑year accounts are issued in December; account statements are available monthly via the School's Nexus system. All fees and charges are to be paid in advance. - Payment frequency options: annual (single payment), quarterly, or monthly instalments. Specific available options include: - Annual — by 31 January (single payment). - Quarterly — due 10 January, 10 April, 10 July, 10 October. - Monthly — 10 instalments on the 10th of each month commencing in January (10th of the month). - Any outstanding balance is to be settled by the School's stated final due date for the year (examples of instalment due dates and final settlement dates are provided on school accounts). Late payment administration charges of AUD 100 per instalment may be applied where an instalment is not paid by the due date. Fee payment options and finance - Primary payment is by Direct Debit from a bank account or by credit card via the School's Direct Debit arrangement. - The School works with an education payment provider (Edstart) that allows families to package school fees and education‑related costs and pay over extended periods. Edstart can include fees for uniforms, textbooks and extra‑curricular activities. Consolidated charges, levies and other compulsory/additional fees - Consolidated Charges: amounts are included in the Total School Fees and vary by year level (shown alongside Tuition Fees above). Consolidated Charges cover costs outside direct tuition (details vary by year level). - Building Levy: AUD 1,050 charged annually per family (families with children only in Pre‑Prep are exempt). - Payroll Tax Levy: a levy is charged to cover payroll tax where applicable; an example levy of AUD 1,600 per student (maximum AUD 3,200 per family) is applied in the School's stated schedule. Families with children only in Pre‑Prep are exempt from these levies. - Optional and other charges: charter bus services, music tuition, specialist coaching (e.g., tennis), booklists (purchased via Campion), uniforms (purchased via Noone Imagewear or the School's second‑hand uniform shop), and before/after school care provided by an external provider. Charges for optional activities and services are billed in January or as applicable. Boarding - Boarding is not provided as a school residence option. Homestay arrangements are used for international students requiring accommodation. Refunds, withdrawal and fee obligations - Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Enrolment Acceptance Fees are neither refundable nor transferable. The ELC to Prep deposit is non-refundable and is applied to Prep fees the following year. - Written notice of one full term must be provided to the Principal when withdrawing a student before the end of an academic year. If required notice is not provided, one full term's school fees will be charged. Students who receive Scholarships must remain enrolled until the agreed completion date; if a student leaves early the family may be obliged to repay any tuition fee discounts granted under the Scholarship Agreement. Overdue accounts may result in withdrawal requests or restriction from participating in optional activities until accounts are brought up to date. - Where accounts are handed to debt collection, parents/guardians are liable for all costs including legal and collection fees. Late payments and penalties - A late payment administration charge of AUD 100 per instalment may be applied for instalments not paid by the due date. Students with overdue instalments may be prevented from attending voluntary camps or tours and families may be asked to withdraw children where fees remain outstanding. Legal recovery costs may be charged where matters are referred for collection.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Homestay is offered for international students as full-board accommodation with a host family. The arrangement provides a single room, three meals a day, utilities, cleaning services of common areas, study facilities, and use of living spaces, for a full school year (End Jan – Mid Dec).
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The Uniform Shop provides the full range of St Leonard's College uniforms. The Uniform Shop is located at Dobsons, 348 Centre Road, Bentleigh, and online shopping is available with click-and-collect and home delivery. There is also a Secondhand Uniform Shop on Tuesdays during term time from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.	Uniform requirement The school has two uniforms: Summer Uniform (Terms 1 and 4) and Winter Uniform (Terms 2 and 3). Uniforms are supplied by Noone Imagewear and can be purchased at Beaconsfield or Officer locations. A Second-Hand Uniform Shop on the Berwick Campus offers pre-loved uniform items.
Food options	Food options Two in-house cafeterias offer a diverse menu including salads, soups, pastas and sandwiches with daily specials. The Middle School cafeteria operates on school days from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm (Years 5–9) and the Senior School cafe provides the same services plus barista-made coffee; Lunch orders are placed via the FlexiSchools online portal.	Food options —
House system	House system There are six Houses – Allen, Cullen, Forster, McMeekin, Munro and Newman – with students from Prep to Year 12 belonging to a House community. Students participate in House Events such as swimming, cross country, athletics and House Music to foster teamwork and House spirit.	House system The House System comprises Campbell (blue), Cunningham (red), Gipson (yellow). It is run across the School from Prep to Year 12 as a vertical, multi-age structure with Heads of House and Wellbeing leadership, enabling participation in a wide range of House-based sports and activities.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The College is a registered Company limited by Guarantee. The College Council is responsible for the strategic direction of St Leonard's College, with Members largely drawn from current or past parents and alumni; The Council consists of at least nine and up to 12 members, and the Principal, Deputy Principal and Director of Finance attend meetings as executives. The Chair of College Council also serves as Chair of the Foundation; The Council operates eight committees, including Finance and Audit and Building and Property.	Governance and ownership Governance is led by the School Council, which consists of up to 10 councillors. St Margaret's School is a Company limited by guarantee, trading as St Margaret's Berwick Grammar, and is a not-for-profit organisation. The St Margaret's Berwick Grammar Foundation Limited coordinates philanthropy and fundraising for the school.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Prep to Year 4 follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for ages 3 to 12, focusing on inquiry, independence, and international-mindedness. The Junior School uses specialist teachers across English, Science, Mathematics, Humanities, Languages, Wellbeing, DigiSTEM, Drama, Art and Music. The Cove (Years 5 and 6) is a bespoke upper-primary program with dedicated teachers across English, Science, Mathematics, Humanities, Languages (Chinese, French or Spanish), Wellbeing, Self and Society, DigiSTEM, Physical Education, Drama, Art and Music. Middle School (Years 7 to 9) offers elective options and a Year 9 experiential learning SEA program, with curriculum informed by Harvard GSE and Monash and participation in the OECD 2030 project. In Years 10 to 12, students choose between VCE and IBDP, with Year 10 Course Guide 2026, Year 11 Course Guide 2026, and VCE Course Guide 2026 available.	Curriculum details The Junior School uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Specialist programs include learning two languages (French and Mandarin) alongside music, information literacy, art and more. The Senior School (Years 7–12) provides a broad curriculum with core subjects such as English, Health/Physical Education, Humanities, Languages (Chinese or French), Mathematics and Performing Arts, plus Science and a wide range of electives. Years 10–12 follow the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with Units 1–4, and some VCE units may be offered off-campus via cross-campus arrangements. The Odyssey Year 9 Leadership and Character Development program runs into Year 10, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award program provides leadership experiences. A Careers/outcomes and university focus supports progression to tertiary study, with cross-campus pathways expanding subject choices.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes.
Exam results	Exam results Class of 2025 achieved a median ATAR of 95.5 for IBDP, 81.0 for VCE, and 87.45 combined. In 2025, 46% of students achieved 90+ in the combined results, 31.25% achieved 90+ in VCE, and 68.13% achieved 80+ in combined results; 54.69% of VCE students achieved 80+.	Exam results Class of 2025 VCE Results: Duces of 2025 are Bridie Craig and Kiara Gunasekara (ATAR 99.25) and Oliver Pinnock (ATAR 96.2). Three students achieved an ATAR of 99+; 17% achieved 95+; 39% achieved 90+. 100% of students passed the VCE and 95% received offers from their top 3 course preferences.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Monash University, University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Deakin University and Swinburne University of Technology were the most popular destinations for Class of 2025 VCE/IBDP graduates, with offers also made interstate to ANU, Bond University, University of Sydney and University of Queensland, and international offers from Harvard University and the University of the Arts London.	Higher education progression 2025 graduates had 95% of students receiving offers from their top 3 course preferences. Fields of study include Science (17%), Law (14%), Management/Business/Commerce (13%), Health (11%), Education (10%), Society/Culture (10%), Information Technology (7%), Architecture/Construction (4%), Engineering (4%), Psychology (4%). Tertiary destinations include Australian Catholic University, ANU, Bond University, Collarts, Deakin University, Monash University, Melbourne University, RMIT, Swinburne University, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, and Victoria University, among others.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented St Leonard's College offers High Potential Learning for Prep to Year 12 with opportunities to extend and enrich learning. The program includes enrichment activities such as OzClo, BrainSTEM Innovation Challenge, Computational and Algorithmic Thinking, da Vinci Decathlon, Ethics Olympiad, Future Problem Solving, Informatics, Mooting and Tournament of the Minds.	Gifted and talented ASPIRE provides support and INSPIRE provides extension for students in the Learning Diversity program; the Junior School Learning Diversity department serves Prep to Year 6 with ASPIRE (support) and INSPIRE (extension).
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The WISE Wellbeing framework is used across the College from the Early Learning Centre to Year 12, guiding student wellbeing through four domains: Warm Hearts, Inspired Futures, Strong Minds and Engaged Beings. Mentors and Heads of Year provide individualized support and monitor academic and personal progress to ensure each student feels known, nurtured and supported. The Cocurricular program supports students' intellectual, personal, physical, social and emotional growth through a wide range of activities. The Wellbeing Centre, opened in 2023, provides a dedicated space for group activities and peer connections, reinforcing a nurturing environment. Wellbeing initiatives include the Personal Development Program (PDP), external presenters and SchoolTV resources for students and parents, supporting a holistic approach to wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning The school provides high-quality wellbeing programs that integrate pastoral care with academic progress. The Wellbeing program is anchored by the House System, which provides longitudinal pastoral support to students throughout St Margaret's Berwick Grammar journey. Through House and Mentor programs, every student has a designated teacher who is directly responsible for their wellbeing, supported by Heads of House and the Head of Wellbeing as part of a wider network of wellbeing staff. The program links academics, athleticism, artistry and adventure to progressively build relationships, strengths, purposes and resilience from a wellbeing and educational perspective. The Wellbeing team includes Directors of Academic Growth, school psychologists, and international student coordinators, with assemblies contributing to wellbeing and a program that is age-appropriate. The 5c's of Wellbeing—Communication, Community, Care, Connection and Curriculum—shape the approach, and the Growing Good Men program sits within this framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Counselling Services address cognitive and emotional strengths, provide educational support, and assist with social and behavioral concerns; they also offer support for family difficulties and special needs. This indicates the College provides direct support for students with special educational needs through its counselling team.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Junior School Learning Diversity department supports identified learning needs with ASPIRE for support and INSPIRE for extension, providing personalised learning from Prep to Year 6. Staff work with classroom teachers, specialist teachers and Learning Assistants to tailor learning to individual needs and to stretch students' learning. Learning Diversity staff differentiate learning across all subject areas and enhance communication between students, parents, teachers and external agencies. They also write Individual Education Plans and undertake internal school assessments in English and Mathematics as required. Learning Diversity is a shared responsibility, with a commitment to knowing students and equipping them to reach their personal summit of success.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Program for Language Acquisition and Cultural Engagement (PLACE) supports students from non-English speaking backgrounds to transition into mainstream classes and life in Australia. PLACE offers Intensive English Language (IEL) entry streams and English as an Additional Language (EAL) entry streams to support language development and transition to mainstream classes. IEL provides targeted English development embedded in the timetable, with small class sizes and transition timeframes to entry mainstream. EAL classes bridge the gap between current English level and the demands of mainstream subjects for eligible students in Year 8 or above, with AEAS testing and external EAL eligibility guidelines. PLACE staff assist with subject selection and university entrance information; intake begins at the start of Term 1 or Term 3.	English as an additional language If required, students enrol in the English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) with a School‑selected provider, and evidence of enrolment is provided to St Margaret's Berwick Grammar. On completion of ELICOS, the school may request that the student extend their studies at the ELICOS provider or enrol in additional English as an Additional Language (EAL) classes upon commencement. Students are allocated approximately two EAL study sessions with a qualified teacher during a fortnightly study cycle, with the cost of the EAL program detailed in the International Fees.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Wellbeing framework (WISE) is used across the College to foster holistic development in four domains: Warm Hearts, Inspired Futures, Strong Minds and Engaged Beings. The framework supports student agency and wellbeing as central to thriving at school. Mentors and Heads of Year provide individualized support and monitor academic and personal progress, ensuring students feel known, nurtured and loved. The College Psychologists and Chaplain offer counselling services addressing cognitive, emotional and social challenges, and assist families with special needs. The Wellbeing Centre opened in 2023 to provide a space for wellbeing activities and peer connections; PDP, external presenters and SchoolTV resources support wellbeing for students and parents.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed as part of the wellbeing program. The Senior Boys Wellbeing Program aims to nurture and guide students to discover the best version of themselves, informed by the latest research and tailored to the needs of adolescents. The program brings together pastoral care and academic progress, with the House System providing longitudinal support and a designated teacher for wellbeing. The wellbeing framework includes Directors of Academic Growth, two school psychologists, international student coordinators, assemblies, and a structured framework that includes the school's 5c's of wellbeing: Communication, Community, Care, Connection and Curriculum. The Growing Good Men program is integrated into the wellbeing strategy.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The College has a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and prioritises children's safety through a comprehensive Child Safety and Wellbeing Framework. The Framework includes a Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, a Code of Conduct, a Complaints and Concerns Procedure, and a Response and Reporting Procedure. Staff and volunteers complete mandatory child safety training upon commencement. There are formal reporting procedures for concerns, including mandatory reporting channels and steps to contact authorities if a child is in danger; in emergencies, the Police should be called at 000. Any member of the College community has a responsibility to raise concerns about a child's safety under the policy.	Safeguarding St Margaret's Berwick Grammar provides a Child Safe and Wellbeing Policy, emphasising safety and wellbeing as the primary concerns and maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on child abuse. The policy commits to providing a child-safe environment where children feel safe and their voices are heard, with particular attention to Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities or vulnerabilities, international students, and LGBTIQ+ students. The policy applies to all members of the School Community, including staff, council, volunteers, contractors and visitors, across all settings including excursions, camps, online environments and international student contexts. It aligns with safeguarding standards and outlines reporting obligations and duty of care responsibilities; Appendix 1 of the policy applies the standards at SMBG. The policy reflects the School's safeguarding commitments and the inclusive safety framework for all students.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview St Leonard's College has a performing arts centre, systems engineering laboratories, and sports complexes, along with collaborative learning spaces. There are well-equipped libraries and a visual arts centre. Expansive grounds support outdoor learning and recreation. A Facilities Virtual Tour is available to explore the campus.	Facilities overview The school has facilities that support learning from Early Learning to Year 12. Classrooms are equipped with technological tools and an individual laptop and device program enhances learning. The facilities include Rosanove Auditorium, a Performing Arts School, an Art and Design Technology Centre, and a High-Performance Centre. There are gymnasiums, sporting ovals, a VCE Centre, specialty science labs, food technology kitchens, and extensive libraries to support a broad curriculum.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Interschool Sport is offered for Years 5 to 12 with ACS competition. A broad roster of sports is offered, including athletics, Australian Rules football, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, futsal, hockey, netball, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, touch football and volleyball. Facilities and coaching staff support the program.	Sports facilities Gymnasiums and sporting ovals are available for a range of team and individual sports. The High-Performance Centre provides dedicated training and facilities for athletic development. Outdoor ovals support field sports and PE activities. The facilities support sport and physical education across the school.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Systems engineering laboratories support hands-on technology learning. Collaborative learning spaces support group work and cross-subject projects. A well-equipped library supports study and research. A visual arts centre provides dedicated spaces for art education. Expansive grounds facilitate outdoor learning opportunities.	Academic facilities Rosanove Auditorium, Art and Design Technology Centre, and VCE Centre form core academic facilities. Specialty science labs and food technology kitchens support science and culinary subjects. Libraries are extensive. Classrooms are equipped with technological tools and the school operates an individual laptop and device program.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The Hart Theatre Company offers five annual productions, including three musicals and two plays. The music program provides solo performances, choir, bands, jazz ensembles and orchestras. The Visual Arts cocurricular program covers drawing, painting, sewing, construction and design, with exhibitions across the year. The Swimming Club and Swim School run learn-to-swim, club-based squad training, interschool competition, and adult fitness squads.	Extra curricular facilities Performing Arts and Music offers co-curricular performance opportunities. There is an instrumental music program and an ensemble program including Junior Orchestra, Junior Vocal Ensembles and Choirs, and Junior School Productions. Private tuition is available from specialist music teachers. Artistry provides opportunities across art, design, dance, debating, drama and music.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The school began in 1914 with eight enrolled students in a church hall. Miss Cullen purchased the school in 1915 and moved it to Were Street in 1930. In 1946 the Presbyterian Church purchased the school. Coeducation began in 1972, marking a major milestone in the College's history. In 2022 the College celebrated the 50th anniversary of coeducation and 50 years of Outdoor Education, alongside 40 years of offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma.	History St Margaret's Berwick Grammar began as St Margaret's School for Girls, founded in 1926 by Dora Gipson in the Toorak Presbyterian Church manse, and named for Queen Margaret of Scotland. The school moved to Malvern in 1927 and purchased the Berwick campus in 1929, opening at Berwick in 1930 with Campbell House as a boarding house. In 1941 the school consolidated onto a single Berwick campus, and in 1947 it was purchased by parents and Old Girls; the school was incorporated and a School Council was established in 1948. In 2009 a purpose-built boys' campus, Berwick Grammar, was established on Tivendale Road, Officer, to support growth and sporting facilities. In 2021 the two schools were formally brought together as St Margaret's Berwick Grammar, with a Diamond Education Model and a new visual identity.
Community	Community St Leonard's College has a vibrant community that includes parent volunteering, seminars, social activities, and programs supporting international families. The English Language Conversation Club helps international parents improve English and connect with the community. The Community Day Fair is a flagship yearly event with rides, food stalls, performances, and family activities. The Amiel Society coordinates social responsibility initiatives, including Lennie's Van, linking students, staff and families in community outreach.	Community St Margaret's Berwick Grammar has a broad community framework including an Old Girls and Boys Association with over 2,000 life members. The Old Girls and Boys Association provides a link for former students to maintain friendships and participate in social activities. The St Margaret's Berwick Grammar Foundation coordinates philanthropy across the school community. News and Podcasts share school happenings, and the House Jog-a-thon is held as a community fundraising event for the Junior School.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association St Leonard's College maintains a robust parent volunteer network that engages with College life through class representatives, the College Council, and a range of volunteering roles. Examples of volunteer opportunities include joining the College Council, serving as a team manager for Club Sport, helping with productions, working on the Community Day Fair, becoming a Class Rep, baking for Lennie's Van, accompanying on excursions, and sharing your knowledge as a guest speaker. Parent volunteers staff the Secondhand Uniform Shop and help with a variety of parent-led events. The College offers Parent Seminars and social activities such as welcome mornings teas, twilight picnics, guest speaker breakfasts, and year-level gatherings. A Volunteer Registration process ensures compliance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.	Parent teacher association The Parents' and Friends' Association is active and growing and runs a range of social and fundraising events. Mothers' Day Stalls and a Mothers' Day Lunch are held, with Chantelle Baxter as guest speaker. The Mothers' Day Lunch was sponsored by Peake Real Estate. The SMS and BGS Presentation Ball is hosted at The International Brighton, and a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle runs at Bunnings in Pakenham. The Second Hand Uniform Shop operates with volunteers to support families. The Twilight Fair is held every two years, with a Twilight Family Movie Night on the alternate year, and additional events include Fathers' Day Stalls, a Wine Night, a Dad's Breakfast, a Car Show and a Trash and Treasure Car Boot Sale; volunteers are encouraged to attend meetings.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a broad cocurricular program with numerous academic competitions and clubs. Students participate in OZCLO (Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad), Brain STEM Innovation Challenge, the da Vinci Decathlon, the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition, Future Problem Solving, and the Informatics Club. Debating, Mooting, Public Speaking, and Chess are also available to develop critical thinking and communication skills. Model United Nations is offered for senior students, supporting opportunities in diplomacy and policy discussion.	Academic & intellectual The school offers an extensive range of co-curricular activities beyond the classroom. These opportunities include extensive academic enrichment programs, Drama, Music, Debating, and participation in sports carnivals and weekly competitions. The Year 9 Odyssey Leadership and Character Development Program provides leadership development and culminates in Year 10. The Odyssey program includes the Duke of Edinburgh Awards pathway with community service components.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts thrive through the Hart Theatre Company, which produces five performances annually, including three musicals and two plays, with students involved on stage and behind the scenes. The Music Program offers solo performances, choir, bands, jazz ensembles, and orchestras. The Visual Arts cocurricular program covers drawing, painting, sewing, construction and design, with ceramics, exhibitions of student work, and opportunities to explore open studio and design lab activities.	Arts & creative The Arts program offers a broad Co-Curricular Arts menu: printing, painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, woodwork, and design, plus debating. The Performing Arts and Music program provides an instrumental music program and an ensemble program, with private tuition available. The Junior Orchestra, Junior Vocal Ensembles and Choirs, and Junior School Productions are among co-curricular opportunities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages offered by the College are Chinese, French and Spanish. Language study is undertaken by all students from Prep through to the completion of Year 9, becoming optional from Year 10 onward. PLACE (Program for Language Acquisition and Cultural Engagement) supports international students with English language development and cultural transition, including Intensive English Language and English as an Additional Language entry streams. There are English Language Conversation Club and International Friends Group to help families engage with the community.	Cultural & language Chinese and French are offered as languages within core studies. Global opportunities and cross-campus electives provide cultural exposure and field experiences. The Mungo/Central Australia Cultural and Community Service Journey is an optional cultural journey, and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards include a community service component.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The cocurricular program includes social and hobby groups such as Art Club, Board Games, Chess, Debating, Model United Nations, and Public Speaking, fostering collaboration and social connections across year levels. House-based Competitions and the Junior School Running and Fitness program provide ongoing team-based activities. Ethics Olympiad and Future Problem Solving are among the additional clubs and competitions that broaden student interests.	Social & hobbies Pupils can choose from a range of activities including Music and Performing Arts, Chess Club, Bricks for Kids, robotics, and Writers Club. These activities extend beyond the classroom and are designed to foster community, belonging and personal development. The program also includes cross-campus electives and curiosity pods to broaden interests.
Community & service	Community & service Service is an integral part of Experiential Education at St Leonard's College. The program emphasizes action, reflection and community engagement across Junior to Senior years, guiding students to contribute meaningfully to society.	Community & service Mungo/Central Australia Cultural and Community Service Journey is an optional cultural journey with a community service component. The Duke of Edinburgh Awards are integrated into the program and include community service elements.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Duke of Edinburgh Award is offered for Years 9 to 12. Student leadership programs and personal development activities are central to the cocurricular program, providing opportunities to build leadership, teamwork and career-related skills.	Leadership & professional The Year 9 Odyssey Leadership and Character Development Program leads students in leadership and personal development, culminating in Year 10. It focuses on organisation, independence, curiosity, goal setting, and leadership, supported by cross-campus elective opportunities and global experiences.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Outdoor Education runs across Years 2 to 10 with overnight camps and year-level experiences that blend adventure with personal growth and environmental education. Yearly programs include the Year 2 Sleepover, Year 3 Anglesea camp, Camp Ibis for Years 4–8, and the Year 9 Big Experience, followed by a Year 10 hike. The College is affiliated with Outdoors Victoria to support outdoor learning, and students participate in Interschool Sport, Club Sport, and Swimming Club to promote physical wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing A broad physical education program and sport offering includes specialist sports staff, basketball, cricket, netball, soccer, softball, tee-ball, and tennis, with carnivals such as Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming. Health and Physical Education are part of core studies, and many co-curricular options supplement the sports program. Activities outside class include Music and Performing Arts, plus clubs like Chess Club and Writers Club that promote wellbeing through creativity and social engagement.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages offered by the College are Chinese, French and Spanish. Language study is undertaken by Prep through to Year 9, becoming optional from Year 10 onward. Eligible students from non-English speaking backgrounds may study English as an additional language (EAL) in Years 7 to 12. PLACE (Program for Language Acquisition and Cultural Engagement) provides language development and cultural preparation, including Intensive English language (IEL) entry streams and EAL entry streams.	Language provision French and Chinese (Mandarin) are taught. In the Junior School, two languages (French and Mandarin) are offered as specialist programs under the IB Primary Years Programme. In the Senior School, languages are available as core subjects with Chinese or French in Years 7–10, and in Years 11–12 Chinese Second Language and Chinese or French are available as part of the VCE.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations null	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Families apply online via the Application for Enrolment and pay a $200 non-refundable application fee. Admission depends on the availability of places, a satisfactory interview and assessment, the College's capacity to provide an appropriate program for the child, and acceptance of the College Terms of Business. Upon receipt, the child's name is added to the waiting lists for the nominated year levels. Families should read and understand the College Terms of Business and the Admissions Policy prior to submitting.	Admissions Online Enrolment Application begins the admissions process. The school is open entry and enrolls students throughout the year at all year levels, with main intakes at the start of the academic year in Early Learning (3-year-olds), Prep, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 10; there is no cut‑off. Expressions of interest are encouraged early, and current intakes include 2026, 2027 and 2028. Applicants must provide birth certificate, immunisation history statement for applications to ELC–Year 6, latest school reports, and visa documents if applicable; AEAS test results are required for English language entrants to Year 5 and above. An entrance interview with a senior staff member occurs when a place becomes available. Offers are typically sent about one week after the interview (two to three weeks after assessments for scholarship candidates), and acceptance requires signing the Offer, paying the Enrolment Confirmation fee and submitting required forms. Joining information is provided in the term before entry and joining details appear on the parent portal; tours and personal visits can be booked.
Scholarships	Scholarships Aspire Scholarships comprise Leonardian Scholarships, Global Citizen Scholarships, and Indigenous Scholarships. Leonardian Scholarships may be awarded to prospective students entering Years 7 to 11; applicants must meet financial eligibility criteria via a means test and must be Australian citizens or permanent residents. Applications close on 1 August each year and should be sent in writing to the Head of Engagement with a written statement, references, two most recent school reports, testing results, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency; shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview. Global Citizen Scholarships are for prospective students entering Years 7 to 11 who immigrated to Australia on a refugee visa in the past 24 months; applicants must demonstrate sound academic ability and a commitment to completing secondary studies and contributing to the College community; financial eligibility criteria apply and permanent residency is required. Applications close on 1 August and should be sent to the Head of Engagement with a written statement and two school reports, plus evidence of permanent residency; shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview. Indigenous Scholarships are for Indigenous students entering Years 7 to 11; eligibility includes meeting financial criteria and demonstrating commitment to the College community; applications close on 1 August and should be sent to the Head of Engagement with supporting documentation; shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview. All Aspire Scholarships are tenable to the completion of Year 12 and cover tuition costs and charges for the standard program, including technology access and excursions; the number of awards varies and awards are made at the Principal's discretion; a full list of fee inclusions is available in the handbook.	Scholarships St Margaret's Berwick Grammar offers merit and means-tested scholarships. General Excellence Scholarships are available for Years 8–11; expressions of interest for 2027 are open. These scholarships support new students who would not otherwise attend SMBG and who demonstrate strong alignment with the 4 As (Academics, Athleticism, Artistry, Adventure). The remission amount varies according to need and availability; applications involve Apply and Interview. Academic scholarships (open in 2027 for 2029) and other categories (Music, Dance, Art and Design, Sport) have specific eligibility, audition/portfolio requirements and may be closed in some years; 2026 opportunities closed on 12 October 2026. Timelines for scholarship processing span from early March (open) to late June (offers). Register your interest for 2027 Scholarships; 2026 process includes milestones from March to June with offers in late June.
Waitlist	Waitlist Names are added to the waiting lists for the nominated year levels upon receipt of the online Application for Enrolment. Waitlist priority is given to children who are permanent staff members, to siblings of enrolled students, and to children of Old Collegians. Admission remains subject to place availability and to a satisfactory interview and assessment.	Waitlist Waiting List: After receipt of a completed enrolment application, the child's application is added to the waitlist for the nominated year level based on the date of submission. Priority is given by date of application, then by sibling of a current student, then by children and grandchildren of old girls and boys. All joining students have an entrance interview with a senior staff member. If an offer is made, there is a 14‑day acceptance window. Offers are typically sent about a week after the interview; scholarship candidates may receive offers two to three weeks after assessments.
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