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Lauriston Girls' School

Australia, Melbourne

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$150 - 47,400
Ages 0 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1040
Type Co-educational, Girls School
Opened 1901
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Latin, Spanish
Strengths STEM, Languages, Sport
Clubs Cultural and Language, Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Lauriston Girls' School is a private day school for girls aged 0–18 in Australia. It combines the Australian Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Diploma for Years 11–12, offering IB or VCE. The school teaches in English and offers French, Chinese and Latin, with subjects across English, Humanities, Languages, Music, Social Science, Sport, STEM, Creative Arts and Drama. A distinctive feature is the Howqua program, a five‑day immersive residential study experience covering Mathematics, Science, Humanities, English, Mandarin and French, plus Music and Art, emphasising wellbeing and outdoor learning. The Lauriston Inquiry Framework—Ask, Investigate, Create, Discuss, Reflect—guides learning. A 10‑year Masterplan, completed phases by late 2022, has modernised facilities including the Ullmer Sports and Wellbeing Centre and contemporary learning spaces, plus the Howqua campus. Co‑curriculars include Sport, Music, Drama and clubs such as Model UN, STEM Club and Amnesty International Support Group, fostering leadership and service for international families.

The Essentials

Lauriston Girls' School has 1,040 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Armadale, Victoria, Australia. The main campus is at 38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale, Victoria 3143. Lauriston is accessible by public transport and offers private bus services to assist students' travel.

Stages
Early Learning; Junior School; Howqua (Year 9); Senior School.

Type
Private girls' day school.

Additional learning support
Programs are designed to meet the needs of each student, with extension opportunities or greater support as needed.

Country affiliation
Australia

Bus service
Lauriston provides private bus services to help students travel to school; a bus buddy program is available for younger students.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The Howqua Program is compulsory for Year 9 and involves living on the Howqua campus for eight blocks during the year, with each block lasting four to five weeks. The campus describes the arrangement as residential but not a boarding school, and students return home during exeats and school holidays.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are worn from Prep to Year 12. The summer uniform is worn in Terms 1 and 4 and the winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3, with a two‑week transition at the start of Terms 2 and 4. Students travel to and from Lauriston in full uniform; a Lauriston blazer is required in Terms 2 and 3; there are guidelines on hair, makeup, jewellery and the wearing of the PE uniform for sport.

House System
Lauriston has a four-house system: Andrews House (Blue), Irving House (Gold), Kirkhope House (Red) and Mitchell House (White). The House system was introduced in 1930 to boost participation in extra‑curricular activities, bond younger and older students, and expand leadership opportunities.

Governance and Ownership
The School is a Company Limited by Guarantee and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The School Council oversees governance and strategic direction, with Council members serving as Directors and appointing the Principal. The Lauriston Foundation, established in 1984, is the fundraising arm; it is governed by a board of trustees that manages funds and governance matters, and supports major school projects.
Fees

Annual tuition at Lauriston Girls' School ranges from AUD 150 to AUD 47,400 for 2026/27.

Application and admission fees
- Application Fee: a non-refundable AUD 150 payable for each application for enrolment.
- Admission Fee (Prep–Year 12 and securing Prep from Kindergarten): a non-refundable AUD 1,250 per student (maximum AUD 2,250 per family). The Admission Fee is separate to tuition and is not credited against fees.

Tuition fees (Net fee per full year and per-term billing)
(All fees shown in AUD. Fees are billed in four instalments: Oct / Jan / Apr / Jul; the per-term figure below is the net fee per billing at those instalment points.)
- 3 Year‑Old Kindergarten (3 full days): Full year AUD 18,400 — per billing AUD 4,600.
- 3 Year‑Old Kindergarten (4 full days): Full year AUD 24,500 — per billing AUD 6,125.
- 4 Year‑Old Kindergarten (4 full days): Full year AUD 25,700 — per billing AUD 6,425.
- Prep – Year 2: Full year AUD 31,260 — per billing AUD 7,815.
- Year 3: Full year AUD 37,600 — per billing AUD 9,400.
- Year 4 – 6: Full year AUD 39,400 — per billing AUD 9,850.
- Year 7: Full year AUD 44,400 — per billing AUD 11,100.
- Year 8: Full year AUD 44,800 — per billing AUD 11,200.
- Year 9: Full year AUD 45,000 — per billing AUD 11,250.
- Year 9 HRAC (Howqua Residential & Activities Charge — separate residential/activity charge for Year 9): Full year AUD 34,800 — per billing AUD 8,700.
- Year 10 – 11: Full year AUD 47,400 — per billing AUD 11,850.
- Year 12: Full year AUD 46,800 — per billing AUD 11,700.

Deposits and scholarship acceptance amounts
- Kindergarten Tuition Deposit: non-refundable AUD 1,000, credited to the second instalment after commencement.
- Prep – Year 12 Tuition Deposit (new students, excluding most scholarship recipients): non-refundable AUD 2,500, credited to the second instalment after commencement.
- Scholarship recipients accepting an offer: Admission Fee AUD 1,250 (non-refundable) and a Tuition Deposit of AUD 5,000 (non-refundable and credited to the second instalment after commencement).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is billed one term in advance. Invoices are issued at the beginning of each term and must be paid in full within one month from the invoice issue date.
- Standard 2026 invoice/due schedule (example): Term 1 invoice issued 08-Oct-2025, due 07-Nov-2025 (25% of annual fees billed); Term 2 invoice issued 30-Jan-2026, due 27-Feb-2026 (50% cumulative); Term 3 invoice issued 24-Apr-2026, due 25-May-2026 (75% cumulative); Term 4 invoice issued 24-Jul-2026, due 24-Aug-2026 (100% cumulative).
- The first instalment for entry is paid in October in the year prior to entry. For Year 12 students the final account is rendered in July and due 30 days after invoice.
- Students may not commence a term if fees remain outstanding. Interim accounts may be issued where significant other charges are incurred.

Other charges and typical additional costs
- Year 9 Howqua Residential & Activities Charge (HRAC): covers food, board, laundry, outdoor activities and additional staffing/resources for the residential campus; payable in advance. Student travel to/from Howqua by charter bus is a fixed charge of AUD 500 (incl. GST) per year, charged in two equal instalments (October and April). Additional skiing beyond specified days may attract an approximate AUD 200 per day charge.
- Camps, optional excursions and optional co-curricular program charges are invoiced to the school account as advised; optional program enrolment is subject to availability and payment of fees. Cancellation of co-curricular enrolment requires four weeks' written notice within a term or four weeks' fees will be charged.
- Books and materials requirements and charges are provided to families in Term 4 prior to the following year.
- Printing: an amount of AUD 100 per student for printing is included in tuition; excess usage will be charged to the account.
- Device program: Years 5–12 operate one-to-one/bring-your-own-device arrangements; a Lauriston Device Program (LDP) option is available that configures and supports devices and may incur additional costs.
- Uniforms: on-site Uniform Shop sells required uniforms (shoes excluded); second‑hand uniform options are available from the Parents' Association shop on site.

Subsidies, discounts and special charges
- Sibling discount: where three or more siblings attend simultaneously, a 15% discount applies to the Annual Tuition Fee for each child (this discount applies to tuition only and not to other charges).
- Payment-in-advance discount: a discount on Annual Tuition Fees is available when the annual fee is paid in full by the due date for the instalment one account (contact the Business Office to arrange).
- Kindergarten fee subsidy: eligible Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card holders may apply for the Department of Education subsidy for 4‑year‑old Kindergarten; supporting documentation must be sighted prior to each term.

Withdrawal, cancellation and refund rules
- Admission Fee and Tuition Deposits (as specified above) are non-refundable and non-transferrable if a student does not commence on the agreed date (Scholarship recipient deposit exceptions noted above).
- Cancellation of enrolment: one full term's written notice to the Principal is required prior to withdrawal. If less than one full term's notice is given, a Fee in Lieu of Notice equal to one term's tuition fee is charged.
- Extended leave: for absences of one term or less full fees are payable; for absences of more than one term a non-refundable Holding Fee equal to 10% of the Tuition Fee for each term absent is payable to retain the student's place. Failure to pay the Holding Fee may lead to cancellation of enrolment.
- Other refunds: optional/extra charges (camps, co-curricular activities) will be subject to the specific cancellation and refund terms advertised at the time they are offered.

Billing penalties and chargebacks
- Late payment penalties: if an account is unpaid by the due date a charge of AUD 200 will be added; if still unpaid one month later a further AUD 200 will be charged; accounts may be referred to a collection agency and any recovery costs will be added to the account.
- Failed payment charge: AUD 60 applies to each failed cheque, credit card or direct debit transaction.

Fee payment options and surcharges
- BPAY (use biller code 18085 and the family reference number on the account).
- Credit card (Visa or MasterCard) via the Parent Central page on the Schoolbox portal. A credit card surcharge of 1.0% (GST inclusive) is applied to card transactions.
- Monthly direct debit from a nominated cheque, savings or credit card account (Visa or MasterCard) is available by written arrangement with the School. A credit card surcharge of 1.0% applies where applicable.
- The School does not accept cash payments.
- Failed transactions and recovery charges apply as noted above.
Academics

Lauriston Girls' School teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 0 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers a broad-based curriculum from Prep to Year 12 with up to 28 subjects available by Year 12. Students may complete either the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) in Years 11–12. Languages include French, Chinese and Latin, and the curriculum covers English, Humanities, Languages, Music, Social Science, Sport, STEM, Creative Arts and Drama. The Howqua program provides a robust five-day core subject academic program with Mathematics, Science, Humanities, English, Mandarin and French, plus Music and Art, and is an immersive residential experience with wellbeing, outdoor and fitness components. The Lauriston Inquiry Framework—Ask, Investigate, Create, Discuss, Reflect—underpins learning across the school.

Exam Results
NAPLAN growth and strong academic results.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have entrance to tertiary institutions locally and overseas through the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB).

Gifted and Talented
Extension opportunities are provided as needed to challenge advanced students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a wellbeing program embedded across all years, anchored in the Victorian Child Safe Standards and Lauriston's core values. Eight wellbeing domains underpin the personal development curriculum, including Self-Awareness, Healthy Holistic Habits, Emotional Awareness, Mindsets, Positive Direction, Positive Relationships, Role Modelling and Looking Outward. SHINE is the wellbeing program for Years 7–12, focusing on developing social and emotional skills, self-confidence and resilience. The wellbeing program includes The Resilience Project, Bodyworks Health and Wellbeing, Social Stencil, Bravehearts, Cyber Safety, Year 5 Courage Conference and the Year 6 Leadership Program. Student voice and inclusivity are integral to wellbeing, with the Student Representative Council and opportunities to contribute to wellbeing policy and activities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Lauriston is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all students. Reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities are made through Student Support Group processes in consultation with the student, parents or carers, teachers and, if appropriate, treating practitioners. Lauriston acknowledges and responds to the diverse needs, identities and strengths of all students. Lauriston upholds inclusion and diversity and does not tolerate discrimination.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language Classes are offered as part of Lauriston's co-curricular offerings.

Mental Wellbeing
Howqua provides wellbeing support with a dedicated team of over 20 staff, including psychologists and nurses available at any time, to care for the girls' wellbeing. The environment supports daily opportunities for wellbeing and intrapersonal development through outdoor and campus activities.

Safeguarding
The school follows the Victorian Child Safe Standards and embeds child safety and wellbeing across leadership, governance and daily practice. Lauriston has a suite of Child Safe Standards policies, including the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Policy for Students, Code of Conduct, Mandatory Reporting Policy and related procedures. Staff and volunteers are screened, trained and required to report concerns immediately.
Parent Experience

History
Lauriston Girls' School was established in 1901 by Margaret and Lilian Irving, daughters of Professor Martin Howy Irving, and opened with 12 students. From the outset, Matric (Year 12) subjects were offered, and Geddes Hammond was the first student on the roll to pass Matriculation in 1901. Lauriston moved to Huntingtower Road, Armadale, in 1907, introduced Kindergarten, and hosted boarders from 1905 to 1953. In 1948 the School transitioned from private ownership to a non-profit limited guarantee company while preserving its non-denominational status, and a new building program was initiated. In the 1990s the Howqua Year 9 campus opened in 1993 and the International Baccalaureate program was introduced in 1991; in 2019 Lauriston launched a 10-year Masterplan with the first phase completed in late 2022.

Community
Lauriston is supported by the School Council, Lauriston Foundation, the Lauriston Parents' Association, and the Old Lauristonians' Association. The School Council is a Company Limited by Guarantee that oversees governance and appoints the Principal, with committees including Finance, Risk, Building, and Governance. The Lauriston Foundation, established in 1984, funds major projects and initiatives such as the Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre, the Swimming Centre, Blairholme Early Learning Centre, the Science and Resource Centre and the Howqua campus. The Old Lauristonians' Association (OLA) was formed in 1913 to support alumnae and maintain connections, including through mentoring and events. The Lauriston Parents' Association coordinates community events and fundraising, fosters belonging, appoints year-level representatives, and leads interschool sporting involvement.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Lauriston Parents' Association (LPA) is the active parent group open to all parents and guardians with Lauriston students. The LPA coordinates a range of activities and fundraising to support and enhance School programs and it appoints year-level representatives to improve communication between families and staff. The LPA supports dedicated groups including the Lauriston Arts Association (LAA), the Lauriston SnowSports Association (LSSA), the Lauriston Rowing Association (LRA), the New and International Parents Association (NIPA), and the Fathers of Lauriston (FOL). LPA-funded projects have included the Howqua Dining Hall, the Science and Technology Centre, Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre, Blairholme facilities, and the LPA Centre for Student Services; it has also provided equipment such as data projectors and a grand piano. The LPA was founded during the Great Depression in 1933 and continues to coordinate fundraising, community events, and interschool activities like rowing and skiing through its various groups and the LPA Innovation Fund.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has been reimagined under a 10-year master plan to inspire learning. The launch of a new Sports and Wellbeing Centre, redevelopment of the Junior School 5/6 and Prep classrooms, and an adventure playground are key recent developments. In Year 9, students study on the Howqua campus in high country Victoria, with learning ranging from art in outdoor classrooms to science taught by the Howqua River. The Year 5/6 Centre, completed in 2022, provides light, spacious learning spaces over two levels with a common area and outdoor play. The Year 7/8 Lilian Bayly Centre offers open-plan learning spaces over two floors designed to support interconnected learning.

Sports Facilities
The Ullmer Sports and Wellbeing Centre comprises two competition-sized netball courts, a weights, yoga and movement room, an ergo/cardio room and a learn-to-swim pool. These facilities provide girls with what they need to continue to grow and flourish, from both a sporting and a wellbeing perspective. The centre is integrated with campus life to support regular physical activity, training and wellbeing programs. It forms a cornerstone of Lauriston's commitment to sport and health.

Academic Facilities
The FabLearn Lab is a hands-on Digital Fabrication Lab that supports cross-disciplinary learning and engagement with STEM concepts. The Year 5/6 Centre, completed in 2022, provides light, spacious learning spaces across two levels with large classrooms, a common area and quiet spaces. The Year 7/8 Lilian Bayly Centre spans two floors with open-plan and dedicated learning spaces designed to encourage linked learning and a sense of belonging. On the Howqua campus, lessons range from art in the outdoor classroom to science taught by the Howqua River. There are plans for an Inter-Disciplinary Learning Commons as part of the master plan.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Lauriston's Co-curricular Program includes Sport, Music, Drama and Clubs. In the Junior School, co-curricular activities before, during and after school include Swim Squad, Netball, Running, Coding, Chess, Ballet and Orchestra. By Years 5 and 6 there are more than 20 different co-curricular activities on offer, designed to develop minds and bodies as well as team and leadership skills. In the Senior School, the program includes Debating and Public Speaking, Duke of Edinburgh, Art Extension, Rowing, Snowsports and Drama. Students can participate in clubs such as the Environmental Club, Making and Coding Club, Pride Club, Model UN Club, STEM Club and Sustainability Club.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Debating and Public Speaking, Duke of Edinburgh, Art Extension, Rowing, Snowsports and Drama are offered in the Senior School co-curricular. The school runs student-led clubs such as Environmental Club, Making and Coding Club, Pride Club, Model UN Club, STEM Club and Sustainability Club. In the Junior School, Swim Squad, Netball, Running, Coding, Chess, Ballet and Orchestra are available, with more than 20 co-curricular activities offered by Years 5 and 6.

Arts & Creative
The school has Music and Orchestra, Drama and Art Extension as part of the co-curricular program. A Creative Arts program supports performing and visual arts, with opportunities to participate in plays and musicals on stage or behind the scenes. Life drawing and photography are offered as after-school activities, and students can contribute to school productions through backstage roles.

Cultural & Language
The school teaches French, Chinese and Latin, and language study deepens cross-cultural understanding. Model United Nations is active, providing opportunities to discuss global issues and practice diplomacy. Amnesty International Support Group and Pride Club foster global awareness and inclusion.

Social & Hobbies
Student clubs run at lunchtime and after school, including Model United Nations, Amnesty International Support Group, Coding Club, Greenies environmental group, Pride Club, and Life drawing and photography. Clubs are student-led with teacher support and foster social engagement and collaboration. Backstage management, lighting and sound skills are gained through productions and performances.

Community & Service
The GIVE program drives community service and practical social contribution by building bridges between Lauriston and diverse communities. Girls undertake hands-on volunteering and fundraising with organizations nominated by students. The program emphasizes social responsibility and active service as a core part of school life.

Leadership & Professional
Duke of Edinburgh is offered as part of the co-curricular program. The House system provides cross-year participation in sport, drama or music and focuses on Community Service. The Student Futures and Pathways Program helps girls explore careers, with Careers Readiness, guest lectures from major universities and the annual Student Futures and Pathways Expo featuring alumnae.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to Lauriston, with a focus on physical and emotional health. Sport is compulsory from Year 7 to Year 10 and a wide range of recreational and competitive sporting opportunities are available. The House activities also include sport, debating, public speaking, music and drama to build confidence, resilience and community.
Languages

Language Provision
French, Mandarin and Latin are offered to Lauriston students. In Years 11–12, Diploma students may study Spanish Ab Initio. Language learning is linked to culture and cross-cultural understanding, helping Lauriston girls engage in a globalised world. The languages are taught across Junior and Senior School. English is the language of instruction and assessment across Lauriston.
Admissions

Admissions
Lauriston Girls' School is non-selective with open entry from 3-year-old Kindergarten to Year 12. Main entry points are 3-year-old and 4-year-old Kindergarten, Prep, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 10, with occasional vacancies in other year levels. Applications can be submitted for immediate commencement, and the admissions team will contact families if a position is available. Families are encouraged to place their child's name on the waitlist by submitting an Application for Admission. An application is not a guarantee of enrolment. Step 2: Pre-enrolment Documentation involves completing the Enrolment Profile (parents/guardians) and Student Profile (student) and submitting supporting documents such as two most recent school reports (translations on letterhead if not in English), NAPLAN results if applicable, an Immunisation History Statement (Kindergarten only), external reports, medical reports, and any court orders relevant to custody or living arrangements. Completion of the Enrolment Profile and Student Profile is not a guarantee of enrolment. Step 3: Interview invites prospective students and their parents to an enrolment interview (which could be up to 36 months before commencement). The interview is conducted by a senior member of staff and aims to determine fit for Lauriston. A tour of the School is encouraged prior to the interview. Attending an interview is not a guarantee of enrolment. Step 4: Offer of Enrolment occurs if Lauriston can meet the student's educational needs; to accept, families complete an Acceptance of Offer of Enrolment and pay the relevant fees by the due date. Confirmation of enrolment is issued only after all documentation and fees are received. Step 5: Transition and Orientation introduces the Transition & Orientation Program for new students. Step 6: Enrolment Policies instruct families to read the enrolment policies.

Scholarships
Scholarships at Lauriston reflect values of creativity, courage, engagement in life, intellectual curiosity and relationships. Scholarship applications for 2027 entry are closed; applications for 2028 entry will open at the end of 2026. Academic Scholarship is awarded to students with outstanding academic potential and is not funded by philanthropic support; candidates must articulate what a scholarship would mean to them and how they would contribute to Lauriston and the broader community. General Excellence Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic proficiency and potential to contribute in areas such as Music, Sport, Performing Arts, Creative Arts, Leadership or Community Service; not funded by philanthropic support; applicants must demonstrate participation and achievements in activities noted in the application. Belinda Phillips Goldman Sachs Memorial Scholarship is not being offered for commencement in 2027; it is for girls entering Years 7, 8, 10 or 11 and is means-tested for a well-rounded student with both academic and sporting pursuits. Lauriston Foundation Scholarship is not being offered for commencement in 2027; established in 2011, it provides financial assistance to a student who would otherwise be unable to experience Lauriston and is means-tested, with full remission for tuition fees awarded based on above-average scholarship exam results, school reports and an interview.

Waitlist
The school is non-selective with main entry points and occasional vacancies, and families are encouraged to join the waitlist by submitting an Application for Admission.
School Events
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