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Canberra Grammar School

Australia, Canberra

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$13,775 - 34,880
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 2250
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1929
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin, German, Indonesian, Latin, Spanish
Typical class size 22
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Canberra Grammar School is an independent Anglican day and boarding school in Canberra, Australia, educating about 2,000 students on two campuses. The Red Hill campus houses girls' boarding and refurbished boys' housing, with Wi-Fi, study spaces and modern bathrooms. The school offers an IB World School program—PYP, MYP (candidate in Years 7–9) and DP—integrated with the Australian Curriculum. Year 11–12 provides a choice between the IB Diploma Programme and the NSW Higher School Certificate, making CGS the only Canberra school to offer both options. Facilities include the Snow Concert Hall and Music Centre (1,400 seats), Tim Murray Theatre, on-site libraries, a Health Clinic, and an indoor heated pool, plus eight tennis courts and six ovals. Signature features include the co-curricular Education Programme linked to IB CAS, extensive performing arts, languages with international tours and exchanges, and a broad outdoor education and service program.

The Essentials

Canberra Grammar School has 2,250 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
Canberra Grammar School is located in Canberra, ACT, Australia. The Red Hill campus at 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill 2603 houses the Senior School and Red Hill Primary School (Pre-School to Year 6). The Campbell Campus – Northside is in Campbell (33 Blamey Crescent, Campbell 2612) and provides the Northside Primary Campus (Pre-K to Year 2).

Stages
Primary School operates across two campuses: Red Hill Campus (Pre-School to Year 6) and Campbell Campus – Northside (Pre-K to Year 2). Senior School is located on the Red Hill campus (Year 7 to 12).

Type
Independent Anglican day and boarding school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from more than 40 nations are represented.

Additional learning support
Inclusive Learning Department provides additional learning support.

Country affiliation
Australia

Religious affiliation
Anglican
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding at CGS is the only co-educational boarding school in the ACT and welcomes boarders from rural and overseas backgrounds. Boarding is offered for students in Year 7 to Year 12. Boarders receive 24/7 pastoral care from Heads of Boarding, live-in and visiting tutors, a registered nurse and visiting doctor, with on-campus facilities including a common room, kitchen and a dining hall for communal meals.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are provided by CGS. The Indigenous Scholars Programme outlines CGS-provided uniform items, including Summer Dress (female), Summer Shirt (male), hats, shoes, socks, jumpers, sport shorts, bathers, polo shirts, house shirt, soft-shell jacket or Canberra coat, tracksuit pants, sports socks, sports bag, school bag, blazer, winter skirt/shirt, tights and tie.

Food Options
There is a Dining Hall for communal meals with staff on the CGS campus, and a Senior School canteen is available on site.

House System
CGS operates a House system in the Primary School introduced in 2022 with six new Houses (names include Mulleun, Bariny, Dhiriwiri, Namarag, Guginyal and Buru) spanning Kindergarten to Year 2 on Red Hill and Northside campuses; the Houses are named to reflect local flora and fauna with totems and storytelling surrounding their origins.

Governance and Ownership
CGS is a company limited by guarantee governed by a Board of Directors; the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn has a visitor role and the Bishop-in-Council appoints a majority of Directors, with the Head of School on the Board; the CGS Foundation supports campus development and scholarships and governance is independent though linked to the Diocese.
Fees

Annual tuition at Canberra Grammar School ranges from AUD 13,775 to AUD 34,880 for 2026/27.

Enrolment / Application fees

- Registration Fee: AUD 220 (non‑refundable, payable with each application).
- School Renewal Charge (SRC): AUD 3,200 (compulsory, non‑refundable, payable on confirmation of enrolment). For students entering in Year 11 who have not previously paid the SRC: AUD 1,600.

Tuition fees (annual and per‑term / instalment by year group)

- Early Learning (Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten):
- Part‑time (annual): AUD 13,775. Invoiced fortnightly in arrears (Early Learning and CGS Care).
- Full‑time (annual): AUD 27,550. Invoiced fortnightly in arrears (Early Learning and CGS Care).

- Primary School (annual / per term = annual ÷ 4):
- Kindergarten – Year 2: AUD 24,825 (per term: AUD 6,206.25).
- Years 3 – 4: AUD 27,875 (per term: AUD 6,968.75).
- Years 5 – 6: AUD 29,050 (per term: AUD 7,262.50).

- Senior School (annual / per term):
- Year 7: AUD 33,705 (per term: AUD 8,426.25).
- Years 8 – 10: AUD 34,350 (per term: AUD 8,587.50).
- Year 11: AUD 34,880 (per term: AUD 8,720.00; Year 11 tuition is billed in four equal instalments).
- Year 12: AUD 34,880 (billed in three equal instalments over the first three terms; per instalment approximately AUD 11,626.67).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Early Learning and CGS Care: invoiced fortnightly in arrears. Kindergarten – Year 11 tuition: billed in four equal instalments; Year 12 tuition: billed in three equal instalments over the first three terms. Boarding follows the same instalment pattern (Years 7–11 billed in four instalments; Year 12 boarding billed in three instalments). Statements are emailed monthly and are available on CGS Connect.
- 2026 tuition/boarding due dates (terms): 3 February (Term 1), 20 April (Term 2), 21 July (Term 3), 12 October (Term 4). Tuition and boarding fees are to be paid in full on the first day of term unless paying by direct debit. Additional charges are billed on monthly statements and are due 14 days from statement date.
- Late fee: a late fee of AUD 160 may be charged if an account is not paid in full by the first day of term or where payment arrangements lapse.

Boarding fees

- Senior School boarding (annual):
- Full‑time (annual): AUD 36,485.
- Weekly (annual): AUD 30,975.
- Casual boarding: AUD 250 (casual rate).
- Boarding billing: Years 7–11 billed in four equal instalments; Year 12 boarding billed in three instalments over the first three terms. Year 12 boarders are expected to continue boarding until the end of their exams in Term 4; boarders who leave prior to exams are not eligible for boarding fee remission.

Compulsory ancillary charges and levies

- School Resource and Excursion Charge (compulsory, non‑refundable): applied in four equal instalments to student accounts. Per term charges: Pre‑School (per term) AUD 95; Kindergarten – Year 2 (per term) AUD 92.50; Years 3 – 4 (per term) AUD 112.50; Years 5 – 6 (per term) AUD 117.50. This charge covers book packs, core student resources and compulsory incursions/excursions (does not cover outdoor education or voluntary activities).
- School Learning Device Programme (SLDP) levy (compulsory, non‑refundable; applied in four equal instalments): Year 3 (per term) AUD 125; Years 4–5 (per term) AUD 117; Year 6 (per term) AUD 102; Year 7 (per term) AUD 200.
- Music and co‑curricular charges: instrument hire (per semester) AUD 200; refundable bond for instrument hire AUD 300; private music tuition billed by teacher; Instrumental Opportunities Programme AUD 1,050; Co‑curricular levy (Kindergarten – Year 12) AUD 200 per year. Parents and Friends Levy: AUD 35 per family, charged annually.

CGS Care and Early Learning additional fees

- Before School Care (per session): permanent booking AUD 27; casual booking AUD 30. After School Care: permanent booking AUD 45; casual booking AUD 48. School Holiday Programme: AUD 120; expanded School Holiday Programme AUD 150–AUD 175. Late pickup fee (after 6:00pm): AUD 60. Early Learning and CGS Care charges are invoiced fortnightly.

Other likely family costs (estimates where listed)

- Uniform (approximate on commencing at the School): AUD 1,000 – AUD 1,500 (estimate shown for full‑fee overseas students schedule).
- Textbooks (Years 7 – 12): approximate family purchase cost AUD 300 – AUD 600.
- Co‑curricular sport charges (approx per semester): AUD 350 – AUD 500. Outdoor Education: charged by number of days and billed separately; typical range shown AUD 175 – AUD 300 per day for domestic schedule and AUD 350 – AUD 1,500 in the overseas schedule depending on program; outdoor education fees are billed separately to school fees over four instalments. Additional excursions, camps, medical/travel costs for boarders and optional activities will be charged to the student account as applicable.

Refunds, remissions and special cases

- General refund policy: tuition and boarding fees are non‑refundable and are not subject to pro‑rata payments. There is no discount for pre‑payment of fees. Special consideration for remission may be given in circumstances such as long‑term student illness, but no general remission is offered for absences due to leave or suspension.
- Leave of Absence / Withdrawal / Change of boarding status: written notice one full term prior to absence, withdrawal or boarding change is required. In the absence of required notice, half a term's applicable tuition and/or boarding fees may be payable (and other specific conditions apply for re‑entry or change of status).
- Overseas student (FFPOS) refund and provider default rules: specific protections and refund processes apply for full‑fee overseas students, including provider default provisions and references to the Tuition Protection Service for unresolved refund issues. Overseas students must also maintain private health cover for the duration of enrolment in compliance with visa requirements.

Payment methods and charges

- Early Learning and CGS Care fees: payable by direct debit only. Kindergarten – Year 12 fees: payable by direct debit, cheque, BPay or credit card. Credit card surcharge at time of payment: Visa/Mastercard 0.755% plus GST; AMEX 1.95% plus GST. If direct debit payments fall more than two payments in arrears the School may cancel the direct debit agreement and standard payment terms will apply. All signatories to the Enrolment Contract are jointly and severally liable for fees. Family discount on tuition and boarding for K–Y12: 7.5% for second child, 15% for third child, 20% for fourth and subsequent children (Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten students are not eligible for the family discount).

Additional notes on billing frequency and account handling

- Kindergarten – Year 11 fees and most ancillary charges are applied in four equal instalments across the year; Year 12 tuition and Year 12 boarding are split into three instalments (first three terms). Statements are issued monthly; additional charges are billed on those statements with a 14‑day payment term. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the Business Office if experiencing difficulty meeting payment dates. Outstanding fees may result in discontinuation of enrolment and debt recovery action.
Academics

Canberra Grammar School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum.

Curriculum
IB World School – PYP (Primary), MYP (Candidate in Years 7–9), and IBDP (Years 11–12); NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) for diverse university pathways. The school integrates the IB framework with the Australian Curriculum. Year 11–12 offers a choice between the IB Diploma Programme and the NSW HSC, and CGS is the only school in Canberra to offer both the IB and HSC.

Exam Results
2023 Year 12 results showed significant improvements in HSC Economics and IBDP Global Politics. IBDP results included 60% of students in the top two bands. The IBDP Dux, Jessica Li, achieved 45/45 (equivalent to an ATAR of 99.95). HSC and IB pathways continued to show strong performance across subjects, with multiple students placing on merit lists; in 2024, over 90% of CGS graduates attend university or further study.

Higher Education Progression
Post School Destinations show offers to universities including University of Canberra (78), Australian National University (72), University of Sydney (58), Macquarie University (33), University of NSW (33), University of Wollongong (32), Monash University (18), University of Newcastle (16), University of Technology Sydney (13), Charles Sturt University (8), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (7), Western Sydney University (5), Deakin University (5), and others. The school notes that >90% of CGS graduates choose to attend university or further study.

Gifted and Talented
The Learning Development Team supports all students with evidence-based teaching and learning, with a focus on meeting the needs of gifted and talented students. The team uses universal screening, tracking and a three-tiered intervention model to support diverse learning needs, including gifted and talented students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school knows and nurtures students as individuals, focusing on intellectual, spiritual, cultural, social and physical aspirations. Educators, Campus Directors, the Chaplain, the Individual Learning Team and other staff work in partnership with families to help each child reach their full potential. Parental and community partnerships create a strong sense of connectedness and belonging based on shared expectations, values and respectful communication. Knowledge of the child is central; educators forge positive relationships to foster belonging, security and wellbeing, listening to students' feelings and backgrounds. The school challenges learners with curiosity and courage, supports persistence, and encourages learning from mistakes to sustain independent learning. An international perspective is embedded in the program to prepare students to be global citizens in a connected world.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Support for learners with individual needs is delivered through the Individual Learning Team with involvement of Support Services and families. Educators build positive relationships to foster belonging, security and wellbeing. The program emphasises challenging students with curiosity and persistence while supporting learning from mistakes to optimise potential. The school strives to ensure each child can achieve their full potential in partnership with families.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Overseas students receive English as an additional language (EAL) support. The school offers specific EAL assistance to students for whom English is a second language. Counselling and mental health support are available on site through psychologists and counsellors. Overseas admissions include capability and achievement tests to assess language proficiency and course readiness. These supports are part of CGS's approach to welcoming international students.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health support is provided on site through psychologists and counsellors. Support staff, including Campus Directors, the Chaplain and the Individual Learning Team, work to promote wellbeing. The Student Care & Development program emphasises positive self-concept, belonging and security. The Chaplain and support services collaborate with families to support students' emotional and social growth.

Safeguarding
The school has a Child Safe Policy and a Child Safe Programme. These safeguarding policies are publicly listed under CGS School Policies. The school commits to safeguarding and promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.
Parent Experience

History
The history of Canberra Grammar School is intertwined with the history of Canberra itself. Prime Minister Stanley Bruce laid the foundation stone for the Red Hill campus in 1928, and CGS grew from Cooma's Manaro Grammar School before transferring to Canberra; operation commenced on 5 February 1929 with around 60 students under Headmaster William Edwards. In the 1930s, classrooms and the eastern side of the main quadrangle were developed as the school expanded. From 1948 to 1958 David Garnsey was headmaster, and the junior school expanded with scholarships awarded. Major developments followed, including the War Memorial Gym (now Hall), a science wing, the Chapel of Christ the King, the boarding house, Northside, and the Design, Art & Technology Centre; Canberra Grammar School became an International Baccalaureate World School in 2011 and educates more than 2,000 students across two campuses. In 2013 alumnus Terry Snow enabled one of the largest donations to Australian schooling, supporting the Snow Centre for Education in the Asian Century; the school began the move to full co-education in 2016 and completed it in 2018. The school celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2019 and announced new facilities including an Auditorium, Centre for Music and Centre for Learning and Library.

Community
The school fosters a vibrant and engaged community with a broad calendar of events and service-learning projects. The 2024 Senior School report highlighted events such as the Cross-Country Carnival and House Music, as well as extensive outdoor experiences and service learning. Students also participate in activities beyond the classroom, including the Kids Lit Quiz world final, the Duke of Edinburgh programme, overseas exchanges, and the Montgomery Bell International Symposium. The Indigenous Scholars Programme supports Indigenous students with daily mentoring, NAIDOC Dinner events, and connections with communities along the South Coast and at Jervis Bay Primary; the Dream Cricket Programme and Year 10 Service-Learning further strengthen community ties, while the Snow Concert Hall hosts major cultural events such as the Canberra International Music Festival.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents and Friends (P&F) Association is a key way to engage with the Canberra Grammar School community and participate in the life of the School. If you are a current or past parent or guardian, you are automatically a member of the P&F and you can contribute without serving on a committee; you may inquire by emailing p&f@cgs.act.edu.au. For more information about the P&F, refer to the P&F Handbook.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Canberra Grammar School sits on the Red Hill campus at 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill, ACT, with Girls' Boarding Houses and two refurbished Boys' Boarding Houses. In 2019 CGS welcomed its first cohort of female boarders into the Girls' Boarding Houses, while male boarders are accommodated in the two refurbished Boys' Boarding Houses. Boarding students have Wi‑Fi, study and social spaces, and modern bathrooms. The campus includes a heritage-listed Dining Hall, a Health Clinic and an indoor heated swimming pool, plus eight tennis courts and six ovals including the Main Oval with outdoor tiered seating and a pavilion. The Snow Concert Hall and Music Centre, with a 1,400-seat acoustically tuned concert hall, along with the Tim Murray Theatre, form a major performing arts hub, and Primary and Senior School Libraries support reading and research.

Sports Facilities
PDHPE/GYM features a large open hall space, two large basketball courts, a weights room and tiered bleacher seating. The school has eight tennis courts at the Red Hill campus, with six of them set among ovals and other facilities. There are six ovals used for cricket and netball, with the Main Oval offering outdoor tiered seating and a pavilion. The indoor heated swimming pool is used for training and physical education and accommodates water-based activities.

Academic Facilities
Senior School Library and Primary School Library are on site to support learning. Snow Concert Hall and Music Centre provide a major performing arts venue for classroom and rehearsal activities. Tim Murray Theatre is purpose-built for theatre, dance, concerts, recitals, lectures and conferences. PDHPE/GYM provides space for physical education as part of the curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Performing arts extracurriculars are supported by Snow Concert Hall and the Tim Murray Theatre for rehearsals and performances. Sports clubs use eight tennis courts and six ovals to host matches and training outside class time. The Chapel hosts worship and events as part of school life. Boarding facilities provide spaces for study and social activities beyond class time.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The co-curricular Education Programme is inspired by the Creativity, Activity and Service core component of the IB Diploma. It emphasises individual goal setting and reflection within a balanced program of activities that links to the School's academic curriculum. Activities run as extension and enrichment opportunities to deepen learning.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts and Design are complemented by a co-curricular program that extends creative exploration. The Performing Arts promote self-expression, creativity, communication and confidence; students participate in choral and instrumental ensembles, dance ensembles and musical productions. The Art and Design curriculum evolves with new technologies, and the Gallery supports young and emerging artists with links to ANU's School of Art and the Emerging Artists Support Scheme, regularly exhibiting Indigenous and international artists and student works. Dance ensembles perform at events, musicals are staged, and the Ausdance ACT Dance Festival is part of the program.

Cultural & Language
The Languages Department organises regular international tours to enhance cultural understanding and linguistic development. The School runs Year 10 cultural exchanges with South Africa, England, Scotland, Canada or the United States. The Languages Department also facilitates longer-term language placements overseas and regular international tours as part of explore-cultural programs.

Social & Hobbies
Horizons offers a range of activities from chess to debating and self-defence. Adventure Club provides opportunities for personal growth and social interaction. The co-curricular program also connects students through music, drama and House activities.

Community & Service
There is a broad community service programme supporting local, national and international initiatives.

Leadership & Professional
Co-curricular activities are focused on discovering talents, learning leadership skills, and building teamwork, resilience and commitment.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is integral to the School and supports physical and mental wellbeing. Over 50 teams compete in more than 15 sports across summer and winter. An extensive outdoor education programme provides significant outdoor experiences for every year group from Year 3 to Year 10, including camps and expeditions.
Languages

Language Provision
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme emphasises development of a second language as part of its framework. The school offers English language support for students whose first language is not English (EALD). Overseas students are assessed for English proficiency prior to entry, and EALD support is available on-site.

Immersion Programs
The Languages Department organises regular international tours to enhance cultural understanding and linguistic development. The Department also facilitates longer-term placements for students who want to develop their language skills by studying overseas.
Reputation

Awards
National Eisteddfod ensembles won seven gold awards and two platinum awards (Chamber Strings and The Jazz Big Band).

Accreditations
IB World School – Primary Years Programme (PYP); Middle Years Programme (MYP) candidate; Diploma Programme (DP).
Accredited IB PYP School.
CRICOS provider no 00580G.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Explore the school. Browse CGS, attend an Open Day or Regional Visit, and contact the Admissions Office for further information. Main entry points are Pre-School (must turn 3 by 30 April in the entry year), Pre-Kindergarten Northside (must turn 4 by 30 April), Kindergarten Red Hill (must turn 5 by 30 April), Year 3 (must turn 8 by 30 April), Year 5 (must turn 10 by 30 April), Year 7 (must turn 12 by 30 April), Year 11 (must turn 16 by 30 April), and any year for boarding.

Scholarships
3. Confirm Continued Interest. Waitlisted families are contacted two years prior to entry to submit a Confirmation of Interest form and to update contact details if needed. If applying within two years of entry, this step may not be required. 4. Letter of Offer. Offers are issued in the order set out in the Admissions Policy and, ultimately, by age at application, as early as 20 months from entry year; remaining places are filled from the waitlist in later months. A place is secured when the Enrolment Contract and School Renewal Charge are paid, but finalisation requires an interview. 5. Interview. Every applicant is interviewed in the year prior to entry; overseas families may be interviewed online and boarders may tour the Boarding House. 6. Enrolment Finalised. Enrolment is finalised after endorsement from the interviewer and signing of the Enrolment Contract; orientation is arranged for calendar-year entrants and induction is provided for other entry times.

Waitlist
2. Submit an online application and join the nominated waitlist with a $220 registration fee. Applicants are added to the waitlist upon submission and receive a Confirmation of Registration email and receipt.
School Events
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