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Cranbrook School

Australia, Sydney

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$1,226 - 110,190
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1680
Type Co-educational, Boys School (boarding)
Opened 1918
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Latin, Japanese, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Cranbrook School is an Anglican independent day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18, located in Sydney's Bellevue Hill and Rose Bay. It delivers the International Baccalaureate across the senior years alongside the NSW curriculum, with Years 7–10 taught under the IB Middle Years Programme using a common curriculum and languages chosen from French, Latin and Mandarin. In Years 11–12 students may pursue the IB Diploma Programme or the NSW Higher School Certificate. The school runs the Gifted & High Potential Programme via the Honours Curriculum for Years 7–10, offering differentiation, acceleration and enrichment, plus opportunities for external competitions and seminar-style learning. Facilities include the Murray Rose Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Packer Theatre, Centenary Hall, and dedicated study spaces for Year 12 and Year 11, all within a campus designed to support collaboration, sport and performing arts. A broad co-curricular program covers music, drama, sport, service and leadership.

The Essentials

Cranbrook School has 1,680 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

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.

Stages
Pre-School to Year 12

Type
Anglican independent day and boarding school

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.

Religious affiliation
Anglican

School day structure
Core school hours are 8:15am to 3:20pm, with before- and after-school activities available.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Cranbrook School ranges from AUD 1,226 to AUD 110,190 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Cranbrook School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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).

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.

Safeguarding
The Policies include a Child Protection Policy and a Child Safety Commitment Statement.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leadership & Professional
The school has leadership development opportunities through the Co-Curricular programme; participation aims to develop leadership, performance and decision-making.

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.
Languages

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.
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.

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.
School Events
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