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Geelong Lutheran College

Australia, Geelong

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$5,635 - 12,730
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1300
Type Co-educational
Opened 1962
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (PYP)
Taught languages French, German
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Geelong Lutheran College operates across two campuses in Victoria: St John's Newtown (Prep to Year 6) and Armstrong Creek (Prep to Year 12). The College offers the Australian Curriculum alongside the IB Primary Years Programme for younger students, and the Victorian Certificate of Education and Victorian Certificate of Vocational Major for senior students, with VET options available. The Secondary program is structured into three Learning Communities: Nurture (Years 7–8), Evolve (9–10) and Nexus (11–12). The College is affiliated with the Lutheran Church of Australia and includes Christian Studies and weekly Chapel services. Facilities span both campuses: The Plaza, STEM rooms, libraries, music and art spaces, sport facilities, and multipurpose halls; Concordia, the Armstrong Creek library hub, opened in 2026. A dedicated Year 12 common room and dedicated secondary learning spaces support VCE study. Immersion programs, language offerings, and diverse co-curriculars enrich student life across the College. A welcoming international community.

St John's Newtown Campus — 33 Aberdeen Street, Newtown VIC 3220; Armstrong Creek Campus — 2–38 Burvilles Road, Armstrong Creek VIC 3217

The Essentials

Geelong Lutheran College has 1,300 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

Geelong Lutheran College operates across two campuses in Geelong. St John's Newtown campus is at 33 Aberdeen Street, Newtown, VIC 3220. Armstrong Creek campus is at 2-38 Burvilles Road, Armstrong Creek, VIC 3217. The college runs a private bus service linking Armstrong Creek with other areas including Ocean Grove, Lara, Torquay and Waurn Ponds.

Stages

St John's Newtown offers Prep–Year 6 (with St John's Kindergarten co-located). Armstrong Creek offers Prep–Year 12.

Type

Co-educational; Christian

Additional learning support

Education Support Plans and Individual Learning Plans; inclusive differentiated teaching with targeted supports as required.

Country affiliation

Australia; Lutheran Church of Australia network (LEVNT)

Religious affiliation

Lutheran

Bus service

Private bus service connects the Armstrong Creek campus with other campuses; limited services to St John's Newtown. Bus routes serve Ocean Grove, Bannockburn/Inverleigh, Lara/St John's Newtown, Highton, Torquay, Portarlington, Anglesea, Winchelsea and Waurn Ponds. In 2026, full-time bus travel costs $1,350 per student; part-time $930; casual trips $14. RollCall tracks on/off; bus coordinator email is buses@glc.vic.edu.au.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniform policy: Summer Uniform worn in Terms 1 and 4; Winter Uniform worn in Terms 2 and 3. Prep–Year 2 wear the sports uniform all year. The blazer is worn to and from school and for formal occasions; hats are compulsory for outdoor sport and extended outdoor time in respective terms. Uniforms are purchased from Noone Uniforms (Moorabool Street Geelong) or online; secondhand options are available. House colours appear in the sports uniform, and there are four Houses per campus.

Food Options

St John's Newtown canteen operates on Wednesdays via Fresh Lunch Fairies with pre-order through School24 (Registration ID 25236963). Armstrong Creek canteen operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays via Fresh Lunch Fairies with pre-order through School24 (Registration ID 25236963).

House System

All students join a House from Prep to Year 12. St John's Newtown Houses: Barton (Blue), Deakin (Yellow), Higgins (Green), Parkes (Red). Armstrong Creek Houses: Anglesea (Blue), Torquay (Yellow), Fairhaven (Green), Breamlea (Red).

Governance and Ownership

Geelong Lutheran College is part of the Lutheran Church of Australia Victorian District and is governed by the Geelong Lutheran College Board of Directors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Geelong Lutheran College ranges from AUD 5,635 to AUD 12,730 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- A non-refundable application fee applies to enrolment submissions: Kindergarten applications incur a non-refundable AUD 20 application fee; school (Prep–Year 12) applications incur a non-refundable AUD 100 application fee.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)

Note: Annual tuition is shown first, followed by the equivalent amount per term (school year divided into four terms). The College offers quarterly payment options that align with the four school terms. Annual tuition amounts below are for the 2026 fee schedule.

- Prep — Annual: AUD 5,635. Per term: AUD 1,409.
- Year 1 — Annual: AUD 5,750. Per term: AUD 1,438.
- Year 2 — Annual: AUD 5,750. Per term: AUD 1,438.
- Year 3 — Annual: AUD 6,080. Per term: AUD 1,520.
- Year 4 — Annual: AUD 6,080. Per term: AUD 1,520.
- Year 5 — Annual: AUD 6,310. Per term: AUD 1,578.
- Year 6 — Annual: AUD 6,310. Per term: AUD 1,578.
- Year 7 — Annual: AUD 9,490. Per term: AUD 2,373.
- Year 8 — Annual: AUD 9,490. Per term: AUD 2,373.
- Year 9 — Annual: AUD 11,265. Per term: AUD 2,816.
- Year 10 — Annual: AUD 11,265. Per term: AUD 2,816.
- Year 11 — Annual: AUD 12,730. Per term: AUD 3,183.
- Year 12 — Annual: AUD 12,730. Per term: AUD 3,183.

How per-term figures are calculated and payment cadence

- The per-term figures above are the annual tuition divided into four equal term instalments; the College offers a Quarterly payment plan (4 instalments) that corresponds to the four school terms. Invoices for annual fees are issued in January and Families select a payment option by the due date; default is monthly instalments if no selection is made. Full-year payment in advance is offered with a 3% discount. All tuition-fee billing and instalment arrangements are governed by the College's Tuition Fee & Debt Collection Policy.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual invoicing: All fees, charges and levies are billed in January each year; monthly electronic statements are also issued.
- Payment plans: Full-year (advance) payment (3% discount), Quarterly (4), Monthly (10) or Fortnightly (20) instalment plans are available; families must complete the Payment Options & Direct Debit Form by the specified due date.
- Payment method requirement: Tuition fees must be paid via Direct Debit through the College's Online Payment Portal; accepted card types for Direct Debit are Visa and MasterCard. Cash is not accepted. Alternative payment methods require Business Manager approval.
- Due dates and final balances: The College aims for no outstanding debt at the end of Term 4, but any outstanding balances must be paid by 15 November; failure to meet agreed payments will activate the College's debt-collection procedures and may result in withdrawal of access to College offerings or termination of enrolment.

Boarding fees

- Geelong Lutheran College operates as a day school across two campuses (St John's Newtown and Armstrong Creek); it does not operate boarding facilities. No boarding fees apply.

Other compulsory or typical additional costs

- Compulsory extras not included in the tuition figures: books, uniforms, and student device costs for the Years 5–12 Laptop Program are not included in the tuition figures and are billed separately. Excursions, incursions, primary swimming lessons and core curriculum camps are included in Annual Tuition Fees where noted; elective subject levies (for elective camps and associated costs) are billed separately.
- Uniforms: College uniform items are purchased through Noone Uniforms (in-person or online); uniform costs are additional and vary by items purchased.
- Private music tuition: Available at additional cost to families (instrument and private lessons).
- Bus travel: The College operates private bus services. For 2026, full-time bus travel is AUD 1,350 per student per year; part-time (up to five trips per week) is AUD 930; casual trips are charged at AUD 14 per trip (charged via the school's RollCall system).
- Elective levies and other charges: Elective subject levies, optional excursions, certain camps and overseas immersion/study tours incur separate charges; elective levies may appear on mid-year invoices where applicable.
- Sibling discount: Discounts on Tuition Fees only — second child 10%, third child 25%, fourth child and subsequent children 50% (applies across both campuses).

Refund and cancellation terms (fees-related)

- Acceptance and admission fee: Acceptance of a written offer of enrolment must be accompanied by payment of a non‑refundable admission fee; 50% of that admission fee is applied to the enrolled student's first term tuition. The Enrolment Policy requires acceptance within the timeframe stated in the offer.
- Forfeiture if not commencing: If parents accept an offer but the child does not subsequently begin schooling, the family will forfeit the application fee and any tuition fees paid in advance unless one term's written notice is provided.
- Debt and non-payment action: Unpaid fees may lead to reminders, final reminders, escalation to the Business Manager and Executive Principal, suspension of the student's place, and commencement of debt-collection or legal action; associated debt-recovery costs are recoverable from the family. Compassionate alternative payment arrangements may be agreed in exceptional circumstances at the College's discretion.

Fee payment options (methods accepted)

- Direct Debit via the Online Payment Portal (bank account) is the required method for tuition payments; Visa and MasterCard are accepted as card options for Direct Debit. Alternative payment methods require Business Manager approval. Hard-copy invoices are available by post on request; monthly electronic statements are issued. Cash is not accepted for school fee payments.
Academics

Geelong Lutheran College teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (PYP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Primary Curriculum is delivered through the Australian Curriculum areas of English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, The Arts, Technologies (Digital and Design), Health and Physical Education, and Christian Studies (Lutheran Education Australia). As an IB World School, Geelong Lutheran College offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Secondary Curriculum covers Years 7–12 within three Learning Communities: Nurture (7–8), Evolve (9–10) and Nexus (11–12). It offers the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Victorian Certificate of Vocational Major (VCE VM) with VET options, and Year 10 may undertake a Unit 3/4 VCE sequence or SEEK pathway. The Secondary subjects include English, Literature; Mathematics; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology; German and French; Accounting, Business Management, History, Legal Studies; Drama and Music.

Exam Results

Year 12 results were the strongest to date, with Geelong Lutheran College celebrating its strongest Year 12 results for the Class of 2025.

Gifted and Talented

General Excellence Scholarships acknowledge achievement in Christian faith, leadership and community service, or talent in music, sport, performing arts or visual arts. Academic Scholarships are available for current and prospective students entering Year 7 and Year 10, with scholarship examinations conducted online by Edutest.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Wellbeing Hub supports the mental health and wellbeing of students. Restorative Practices are implemented through the REAL Schools program to maximise student engagement and wellbeing. A Wellbeing Coordinator actively supports students, with examples such as Angela McLean at St John's. Mindfulness programs are used as part of the wellbeing approach to promote emotional regulation and focus. The Wellbeing Team provides ongoing resources and guidance to students and families to support wellbeing in daily school life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is considered in enrolment; EAL students must demonstrate satisfactory English skills via screening tests and a pre-enrolment interview to ensure they can meaningfully benefit from the College's education program. An Adaptive Education Coordinator provides coordinated support for learners with diverse needs. The Language Policy governs language education and inclusive practice across the College. The enrolment policy includes criteria regarding the child's ability to communicate with staff and peers. Policies published by the College support inclusive education and student safety.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is supported; the College requires EAL students to demonstrate satisfactory English skills via screening tests and a pre-enrolment interview to ensure readiness to benefit from the program. The Language Policy governs language education and inclusive practice across the College. The enrolment policy sets criteria for language ability and readiness to participate in the school community. Language assessment is part of the pre-enrolment process to ensure effective participation. Language development is integrated into the curriculum and student services.

Mental Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Hub supports the mental health and wellbeing of students. The school uses Restorative Practices through the REAL Schools program to maximise student engagement and wellbeing. Angela McLean, the Wellbeing Coordinator, provides ongoing support for student wellbeing. Mindfulness programs are part of the wellbeing approach to improve focus and emotional regulation. The Wellbeing Team offers resources and guidance to students and families to support wellbeing in daily school life.

Safeguarding

The College has a Child Safe Policy with zero tolerance for child abuse and a commitment to acting in children's best interests. The policy aligns with relevant child safety laws and regulations in Victoria. The policy is approved and endorsed by the College Council and is regularly reviewed. The framework for safeguarding includes procedures to promote child safety, reporting, and culture. The College ensures resources are provided to maintain a child safe environment.
Parent Experience

History

Geelong Lutheran College began in 1962 with the opening of the St John's Newtown campus, then known as St John's Lutheran Primary School. The St John's Lutheran Kindergarten was founded in 1963 on the same site. In 2009, the Armstrong Creek campus opened, with the first Geelong Lutheran College Year 12 graduates completing their schooling in 2014. In 2019, the two schools came under the Geelong Lutheran College banner—GLC St John's Newtown and GLC Armstrong Creek—and the schools formally became one College with two campuses in 2023.

Community

Geelong Lutheran College has two campuses with a combined 70+ years of experience educating young people in the Greater Geelong area. Staff partner with families to help each student unlock their full potential, meeting them where they are and empowering them to learn and thrive. Built on Christian values as a Lutheran school, students are encouraged to explore their passions within a caring, inclusive community and to share in weekly chapel and devotions. The St John's Newtown campus offers Kinder–Year 6, while the Armstrong Creek campus offers Prep–Year 12, maintaining a strong connection as students progress from one campus to the next.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Each campus has a Parents + Friends (P+F) Committee that volunteers and meets twice per term to drive fundraising and friend-raising for the College. The committees enable projects such as new library furniture at the St John's Newtown campus and improvements to the Armstrong Creek Primary Playground. Ways to assist include fundraising drives, purchasing lunches at Fun Food Fridays, and attending P+F events such as discos, trivia nights and parent galas. New committee members and volunteers are always welcome. Requirements to assist include a current Working with Children check and LEVNT Valuing Safe Communities Certificate.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Geelong Lutheran College operates across two campuses: St John's Newtown (Prep–Year 6) and Armstrong Creek (Prep–Year 12). St John's Newtown features facilities including The Plaza (an undercover outdoor stage and hardcourt), a STEM room, Kitchen Garden, Resource Centre (library), Art room, Music room, a Multi-purpose hall, Playground, Gaga-Pits and an Oval. Armstrong Creek hosts modern spaces such as a STEM room, Primary Art room, Primary Music room, Kitchen Garden, Resource Centre, Gymnasium, Sports Fields, Basketball Courts and Gaga-Pits, plus a Multi-purpose hall and music tuition rooms. Concordia, the Armstrong Creek Resource Centre, is a two-storey library hub with Primary library downstairs and Secondary library upstairs, two classrooms and staff facilities, connected to the Ngarrwa Year 11–12 centre. Concordia opened on 22 July 2026 and represents a significant investment in literature and information access. Geelong Lutheran College is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP).

Sports Facilities

Armstrong Creek provides modern sport facilities, including a Gymnasium, Sports Fields, Basketball Courts and Gaga-Pits for primary and secondary use. Two new outdoor Basketball and Netball Courts were added as part of the Armstrong Creek facilities upgrade, doubling the number of outdoor courts. Students can participate in interschool competitions through SSV (School Sport Victoria) and GISSA (Geelong Independent Schools Sports Association). Sports offered include AFL, Cricket, Tennis, Soccer, Golf, Netball, Softball, Basketball and Surfing. Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming are available for Secondary students.

Academic Facilities

Armstrong Creek's Secondary facilities include Science labs, Music rooms, a Drama studio, a Food Technology kitchen, Textiles and Materials workshops, Art rooms, VCE tutorial rooms, Year 12 Common Room. The campus also has a Resource Centre (library), a Gymnasium, Sports Fields, Basketball Courts, Gaga-Pits, Careers office, Multi-purpose hall and Music tuition rooms. A new two-storey Resource Centre with a dedicated Secondary Library is under construction and expected to be complete by mid-2026. The school is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities are offered across both campuses, including excursions, camps and incursions. There are broad leadership opportunities in Primary (SRC, Year 5 buddies, Peer Mediation, College Ambassadors and Year 6 Captains) and in Secondary (SRC, College Ambassadors, House, Faith and College Captains). Music Groups and Tuition cover Primary choirs and string ensembles and Secondary ensembles (Choir, Rock Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band and Concert Band) with tuition available at both campuses. A wide range of sports is offered, including Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming, with interschool competitions through SSV and GISSA; sports include AFL, Cricket, Tennis, Soccer, Golf, Netball, Softball, Basketball and Surfing. Cultural and academic enrichment includes Debating, the Australian Maths Competition, Book Week, Science Week, Arts Technology Week, language competitions and LEGO Robotics teams (SEMATICS 101 or 102), plus immersion programs in Cambodia, Germany and France, lunch clubs and awareness events. Harmony Day, RU Ok? Day and Reconciliation Week are observed.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Geelong Lutheran College teaches to the Australian Curriculum, with a Christian faith-informed approach. The Primary program is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). Specialist programs include Physical Education, Languages (French at St John's Newtown; German at Armstrong Creek; Auslan in 2026), Music, Visual Arts and STEM, and the Secondary Curriculum is designed to be challenging and relevant.

Arts & Creative

Geelong Lutheran College offers specialist programs in Music and Visual Arts, with dedicated music rooms and private tuition available at both campuses. Primary students participate in a bi-annual School Concert, while Secondary students may audition for the College Musical, held every two years on alternating years. Choirs and instrumental ensembles exist, and private music tuition covers piano, voice and strings; at Armstrong Creek guitar, drums, brass and woodwind are also offered.

Cultural & Language

Geelong Lutheran College is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme. Languages include French at St John's Newtown and German at Armstrong Creek, with Auslan to be introduced in 2026. Christian Studies is part of the Lutheran Education Australia curriculum, with weekly Chapel services and devotions that reflect the College's Christian ethos.

Social & Hobbies

There are interhouse activities, including House Debating and House Music, with students earning House points in sports and other College events. Interschool sport is available through SSV and GISSA, with opportunities to compete in Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming and other sports such as AFL, Cricket, Tennis, Soccer, Golf, Netball, Softball, and Basketball. Primary students perform in a bi-annual School Concert and Secondary students may participate in the College Musical; music ensembles provide ongoing creative engagement.

Community & Service

General Excellence Scholarships recognise achievement in Christian faith, leadership and community service, or talent in music, sport, performing arts or visual arts. Scholarships are available to Years 7–10 students. Leadership roles exist at both campuses, including Primary SRC, Year 5 buddies, Peer Mediation, College Ambassadors and Year 6 Captains, and Secondary SRC, House, Faith and College Captains.

Leadership & Professional

There are numerous student leadership opportunities at GLC. Primary students have SRC (Years 2–6), Year 5 buddies, Peer Mediation, College Ambassadors and Year 6 Captains, while Secondary students have SRC (Years 7–12), College Ambassadors and House, Faith and College Captains. A Careers office supports career development at the Armstrong Creek campus, and Year 10 students may apply to become Peer Support Leaders.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sport facilities at the Armstrong Creek campus include a gymnasium, sports fields, basketball and netball courts, and tennis courts. Students participate in Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming, with opportunities to represent the College in district, regional and state competitions. Weekly Chapel services and Devotions support the Christian ethos and wellbeing of the College community. Outdoor and Environmental Studies is offered as a secondary curriculum area, supporting outdoor education and environmental learning.
Languages

Language Provision

French is taught from Prep to Year 6 at St John's Newtown. German is taught at Armstrong Creek and offered in Years 7–12 for VCE studies. Auslan is introduced at Armstrong Creek in 2026. In Senior years, the languages offered are German and French.

Immersion Programs

French Immersion Study Tour (overseas) is offered. German Sister School Cultural Exchange is offered. Cambodian Immersion & Service program is available. A Japanese exchange program operates.
Reputation

Awards

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Accreditations

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Admissions

Admissions

1) Main entry points are Prep and Year 7. Enrolment for other year levels is based on availability. St John's Newtown campus offers 3-4 Kindergarten and Prep to Year 6; Armstrong Creek campus offers Prep to Year 12. Places are allocated according to the College's Enrolment Policy. 2) Parents may apply for a place at any time from birth; applications generally close in March for Prep and in May for Year 7 in the year prior to commencement. Attending a College Open or Tour Day ahead of completing an enrolment application is strongly encouraged. Families should use the online application links for the relevant campus to begin the process. 3) For 2028 and beyond, applications for Prep and Year 7 are open. 2027 applications have closed due to high demand. Prep places for 2027 are limited due to the level of interest. Applications for 2028+ are processed in order of submission after enrolment eligibility checks. 4) Applications for enrolment in all other year levels are open and reviewed based on current availability. Many year levels have waiting lists. Applicants should complete the online application for the relevant campus. For an immediate start, contact the Registrar. 5) A non-refundable $20 fee applies to kindergarten applications. A non-refundable $100 fee applies to school applications. Payment of the fee accompanies the application. An email including a summary and receipt is sent after payment. 6) Families are notified in June/July of the year before intended commencement. Tours of the College are available throughout the year. After submitting an application, the Enrolment team reviews the details and contacts families with the next steps. An email with a summary and receipt is sent if payment was made.

Scholarships

Academic Scholarships are open to current and prospective Geelong Lutheran College students entering Year 7 and Year 10. The Scholarship Examination is prepared and conducted online by Edutest. The exam tests reading comprehension, written expression and mathematics. All candidates not already enrolled must complete an enrolment application before registering for the Scholarship Examination; 2027 applications have closed and 2028 applications will open soon. General Excellence Scholarships acknowledge achievement in Christian faith, leadership and community service, or talent in music, sport, performing arts or visual arts. They are open to students entering Years 7–10, including external applicants and current students. 2027 applications have closed; 2028 applications will open in Term 1, 2027.

Waitlist

Many year levels have waiting lists. Enrolment applications for all other year levels are open and considered based on availability. If a place is not immediately available, applicants are placed on a waiting list; for an immediate start, contact the Registrar.
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