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Moreton Bay College

Australia, Brisbane

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$5,545 - 22,680
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1257
Type Girls School, Co-educational
Opened 1901
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Japanese
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Moreton Bay College is an independent girls' day school offering the IB Primary Years Programme alongside the Australian Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18. From Prep to Year 12, the curriculum uses inquiry-based learning and a common core of English, Mathematics, Science, SOSE, Languages, Technology, Personal Development and the Arts, enhanced by Religious Education, Design Technology, Languages and Enterprise Education. The school provides a seamless progression across year levels and prepares girls for post‑school destinations. The Arts, Drama, Dance and music are central, with extensive opportunities in performing and visual arts. A modern science facility with eight laboratories supports STEM study, alongside dedicated Visual Art, Dance, Drama and Technologies spaces, a well-equipped Music Centre and a heated Olympic pool and sports centre. Co-curriculars include Programming, Debating and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards; language learning in French and Japanese; and Service Learning and wellbeing initiatives. Fostering lifelong growth and leadership.

The Essentials

Moreton Bay College has 1,257 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

450 Wondall Road, Manly West, Brisbane, QLD 4179, Australia. The campus sits in the bayside suburb of Manly West, to the east of Brisbane. A dedicated Moreton Bay College & Moreton Bay Boys' College bus service operates to and from the Colleges with stops on TransLink routes.

Stages

Early Learning Centre; Kindergarten; Primary (Prep–Year 6); Secondary (Year 7–12)

Type

Independent girls' day school

Additional learning support

Personalised learning through the Learning Enhancement team; Learning Support provides differentiation with access to Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Vision and Hearing Specialists and Educational Psychologists for early intervention and ongoing individualised programming.

Religious affiliation

Uniting Church

School day structure

Kindergarten 8:30am–2:30pm; Primary starts 8:25am with finish times from 2:30pm (Prep) to 3:00pm (Year 5–6). Morning Tea 10:20am–10:50am; Lunch 12:40pm–1:20pm. Secondary bell times follow the 8:20am–3:10pm schedule with multiple sessions and a standard school day.

Bus service

Dedicated bus service with exclusive MBC & MBBC coaches; all stops are TransLink stops; 2025 bus routes published; booking inquiries to buses@moretonbaycolleges.qld.edu.au.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

The school offers an International Homestay Programme with approved host families. Students have a private bedroom, all meals provided, close proximity to the College, study facilities, washing and ironing, a shared bathroom, internet, and 24-hour emergency support.

Food Options

Bay Canteen will be operated by Moreton Bay College staff from 2026. The menu will be refreshed with healthy, nutritious options and a focus on sustainability in packaging and ingredients; opening hours will remain as before.

House System

The College has four houses: Wesley House (Blue & Gold), Whitfield House (Green & Gold), Alison Greene House (White & Gold), and Drewe House (Black & Gold). The Houses regularly compete in athletics, swimming, music, drama and dance, and form classes in the Secondary are organised vertically within each House.

Governance and Ownership

The governance of Moreton Bay College is vested in the Board of Governors, which is responsible for financial management, strategic planning, policy formulation, superintendence and statutory compliance. Following the amalgamation with Moreton Bay Boys' College on 1 July 2011, a new board was appointed for both Colleges, and the membership of the two boards is identical. The College is affiliated with the Uniting Church.
Fees

Annual tuition at Moreton Bay College ranges from AUD 5,545 to AUD 22,680 for 2026/27.

Application and Confirmation Fees
- Application fee (new students): AUD 350 (non‑refundable).
- Confirmation fee (payable when an offer is accepted): AUD 1,050 (non‑refundable).
- Advance fee (for new students commencing in Years 5 and 7): AUD 1,000 (non‑refundable; credited against Term 1 fees in the year of commencement).

Tuition fees by year level (annual and per‑term where applicable) — Domestic fee schedule effective January 2026
- Kindergarten: AUD 5,544.80 per year — equivalent to AUD 1,386.20 per term (four terms).
- Prep to Year 3: AUD 12,780 per year — equivalent to AUD 3,195.00 per term.
- Years 4 to 6: AUD 16,632 per year — equivalent to AUD 4,158.00 per term.
- Years 7 to 10: AUD 22,380 per year — equivalent to AUD 5,595.00 per term.
- Years 11 to 12: AUD 22,680 per year. Year 11 is invoiced over four terms (equivalent to AUD 5,670.00 per term). Year 12 tuition is invoiced over Terms 1, 2 and 3 only (equivalent to AUD 7,560.00 per invoice term).

Additional annual charges and levies
- Capital levy (per family, applicable for families with a student in Prep to Year 11): AUD 600 per year.
- Voluntary Building Fund (tax deductible): AUD 700 per year.
- Course levy (where applicable for some international programs): listed separately on international fee schedule.
- Sibling discounts on tuition (applied to Tuition Fees only, excluding levies): second child 10%; third and subsequent children 15%.

Camps, co‑curricular, private lessons and other variable charges
- School camps and some co‑curricular activities incur additional charges billed separately. Camp charges vary by year level. Refunds for camp fees are limited and subject to medical certificate or College cancellation rules.
- Private individual music tuition (where engaged) is charged in addition to tuition; example international schedule shows individual lessons at AUD 44 per lesson. Books, stationery and some subject‑related consumables are additional costs (approximate guidance for international students: books/stationery ~AUD 575 per year). Estimated uniform cost (two sets) shown as approximately AUD 1,150 where applicable.

Boarding / Accommodation
- The College does not operate on‑site boarding facilities. For students who require placement away from family, a homestay programme is available; homestay fees and placement/administration fees are charged for international students. Homestay placement and annual homestay fees are listed on the international fee schedule.
- Example international homestay charges (for reference where homestay applies): homestay fee per year AUD 24,013; homestay placement fee AUD 420; homestay administration fee AUD 525.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoices for domestic tuition are issued at the beginning of each term. There are four terms per year (Year 12 is invoiced for Terms 1, 2 and 3 only). All tuition fees are payable in advance.
- Payment frequencies available: annual (one payment), termly (four equal instalments at the start of each term, except Year 12 invoiced over three terms), or monthly instalments by direct debit. A discount is available on annual payment of tuition and the capital levy when paid by the annual due date.
- Standard 2026 due dates (examples from the 2026 domestic schedule): annual payment to be received by 27 January 2026 to be eligible for the discount; Term 1 invoice due 27 January 2026; Term 2 due 17 April 2026; Term 3 due 10 July 2026; Term 4 due 2 October 2026. Monthly instalments run via direct debit with the 10th of each month as typical debit date.

Accepted payment methods and surcharges
- Payment methods accepted include credit card via Parent Lounge, direct debit (Westpac PayWay), BPay and EasyPay. Credit card payments may attract additional merchant surcharges. A monthly direct‑debit option requires a direct debit facility and may carry an administration fee.

Late payment, overdue accounts and recovery
- A late fee of AUD 150 may be charged per term where fees remain unpaid by the due date. The College may suspend or terminate enrolment, withhold reports/certificates, or take recovery action for overdue accounts. Costs of debt recovery may be charged to the family.

Notice of withdrawal and related charges
- Written notice of not less than one full school term in advance is required for withdrawal. Notice must be given by the final day of the term immediately before the term in which the student intends to leave. Failure to provide the required notice will incur a late notice fee equal to one term's fees.

Refunds and specific refund conditions
- Application fees, confirmation fees and advance fees are non‑refundable in general. For international applicants, the enrolment confirmation fee may be refundable only where a student visa is refused and official notification is provided. Camp fee refunds are limited and generally require medical evidence if a student cannot attend due to illness; refunds may also apply where the College cancels a camp.

Summary of common non‑tuition costs to budget for
- Capital levy: AUD 600 per family per year. Voluntary building fund: AUD 700 per year. Estimated uniform costs (two sets): ~AUD 1,150. Books and stationery: ~AUD 575 per year (estimate). Private music lessons and selected co‑curricular camps/tours charged in addition to tuition. Homestay, OSHC and other international student‑specific charges apply where relevant.
Academics

Moreton Bay College teaches IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The common core curriculum across Prep to Year 12 includes English, Mathematics, Science, SOSE, Languages, Technology, Personal Development and the Arts, and is enhanced by Religious Education, Design Technology, Languages and Enterprise Education, with co-curriculars such as Programming, Debating and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The curriculum is designed to provide a seamless transition across year levels and supports students toward their post‑school destinations. The Arts, Drama, Dance and music are highlighted as core cultural experiences, with extensive opportunities in performing and visual arts.

Exam Results

Outstanding ATAR Results are reported for the Class of 2025. Scholars ATAR Results include top scores such as Angeline Kobe 98.95, Calla Bulley 98.65, Caterina Meyer 98.45, Phoebe Shortt 98.05 and Annabelle Thiele 97.25. Additional top performers achieved 95+ in various subjects, with subject-level results showcasing high marks in English, Literature, Design, Dance and more. The school also publishes annual ATAR materials highlighting individual subject results for the cohort.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates pursue higher education at international and Australian universities. Notable alumna include Miela Goodchild, who is currently studying at Duke University, USA, and has earned recognition in collegiate athletics. Dame Quentin Bryce, AD CVO, served as Governor-General of Australia (2008–2014), and alumna Dr Jill Charker is Deputy Secretary – Corporate Cluster at the Department of Jobs and Small Business. This reflects a pattern of graduates entering diverse higher education and public-sector pathways.

Gifted and Talented

The school recognises high achievement through the Scholars ATAR Results, with top scholars listed and celebrated for exceptional ATAR performances (e.g., 98.95 to 95+). Scholarships are offered for academic distinction and excellence in co-curricular pursuits, supporting high-achieving students and enabling continued excellence.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Hearts and Minds is the wellbeing framework that supports the wellbeing of every girl at Moreton Bay College. It is an evidence‑based framework consisting of five actions: Connect, Be active, Take notice, Keep learning, and Give. The five actions are embedded across the curriculum and pastoral programmes; in Primary, they are explored under the PYP Learner Profile and Attitudes, and in Secondary, the wellbeing curriculum is the Positive Minds programme aligned to Hearts and Minds, with further opportunities through year‑level camps, student leadership, service learning and Form and House activities. The pastoral care framework is delivered through a collaborative partnership among students, parents and staff, and includes two counsellors and two full‑time Chaplains who provide counselling and spiritual guidance at every year level.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Learning Enhancement team delivers personalised learning and differentiates the curriculum for individual needs. The Learning Support team works with classroom teachers to support students in individual, small‑group or classroom settings, developing confidence and learning strategies. The College also engages specialised staff such as Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Vision and Hearing Specialists and Educational Psychologists to support early intervention and ongoing individualised programming.

Mental Wellbeing

Hearts and Minds guides the school's wellbeing provisions, with five actions (Connect, Be active, Take notice, Keep learning, Give) embedded in both Primary and Secondary programmes. The Secondary wellbeing curriculum, Positive Minds, complements pastoral programmes and is mapped to Hearts and Minds, with additional opportunities through camps, leadership experiences, service learning and other year‑level activities. The school also provides access to College Counsellors and Chaplains as part of its wellbeing support.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across staff, students and families. Moreton Bay College upholds the 10 Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle of cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as required by the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld). Safeguarding is supported by policies including the Child Protection Policy, Anti‑Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Workplace Bullying Policy, and the Complaints Handling Policy. The safety and wellbeing of students is the highest priority, and the College fosters a safe, inclusive environment with respectful relationships.
Parent Experience

History

Moreton Bay College began in 1901 as Moreton Bay Girls' High School, founded by Miss Alice J Alison Greene and her sisters on Bay Terrace, Wynnum; it provided day pupils and boarders. In 1944 the Greene family handed the school to the Methodist Church, which in 1946 transferred it to the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools' Association (PMSA), with Miss Ellen Christensen as Headmistress 1946–49. The school was renamed Moreton Bay College in 1957 to avoid confusion with the State High School system and to align with the naming of other PMSA schools. Janet Stewart became Principal in 2017 and served until the end of 2024; Jo Matherson was appointed in 2025, and from January 2026 Rebecca Lennon served as Acting Principal. Mr Richard Henry served as CEO and Executive Principal of Moreton Bay College and Moreton Bay Boys' College from 2021, with leadership transitions in 2025 and an interim CEO appointed thereafter.

Community

The Moreton Bay College community is supported by the Parents & Friends (P&F) Association, established in 1979, which unites parents, friends, staff, and students. The P&F aims to friend-raise and fund-raise to enhance the girls' learning experiences and strengthen the College community. There are multiple ways for the community to get involved, including volunteering, offering expertise, sponsorship, and donating prizes. Founders Day and related art and cultural programs reflect ongoing engagement with the wider Bayside community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Moreton Bay College Parents & Friends (P&F) Association is the College's primary parent-teacher association. Established in 1979, the P&F unites parents, friends, staff, and students. It organizes friend-raising and fundraising activities to enrich learning opportunities. P&F Meetings are open to all parents and caregivers, with dates published for participation. Volunteers can contribute by offering time or expertise, sponsoring events, or donating prizes. The 2026 P&F Committee was elected after the November 2025 AGM.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Moreton Bay College offers extensive academic, cultural and sporting facilities across 20 hectares. Original and modern buildings are set among native trees, green ovals and landscaped gardens. The campus provides student-centered learning spaces and comprehensive sporting facilities. The college is an International Baccalaureate World School.

Sports Facilities

The Ken and Janet Waller Sports Centre includes floors for gymnastics (including a foam training pit) and for aerobics, weights, netball, basketball, volleyball and badminton. The John Mason Pool is a heated Olympic-sized pool with eight lanes, showers and change facilities and a shaded grandstand. There is a seven-court outdoor netball and tennis complex. Two ovals support cricket, softball, touch football and athletics, with designated areas for long jump, shot put, javelin and discus.

Academic Facilities

Flexible, modern classrooms cater for different learning approaches, and students benefit from dedicated Visual Art, Dance, Drama and Technologies facilities. A contemporary, double-story state-of-the-art $6 million Science facility features eight laboratories, Extended Experimental Investigation rooms, and dedicated learning spaces for Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Microbiology and Physics. The Alice J Alison Greene Secondary Library building houses a fully computerised library, electronic learning centre, seminar rooms, a multi-tiered Auditorium and French and Japanese language classrooms. The Ngaire Tagney Primary Library is home to two multi-function Community Rooms, a dedicated computer cluster, Library classroom and a vast collection of books and learning resources curated specifically to engage younger readers.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Co-curricular activities are organised under Sport, Music, Cultural, Camps and Clubs. The Music Centre is the primary location for extra-curricular music teaching and performances, and includes soundproof rehearsal spaces and a main concert hall. Dance and Drama students use the Mamie McQuillan Auditorium, a 165-tiered venue with theatre curtains, stage lighting and a specialised dance floor. The Centenary Chapel seats 80 and provides a space for worship and reflection.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Moreton Bay College is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme. The programme emphasizes inquiry-based learning and the development of social, physical, emotional and cultural capacities. The Academic Enrichment Programme varies to meet developmental needs, with weekly Learning Enrichment for Kindergarten to Year 2 and smaller-group enrichment for Years 3–6. In Years 7–12, staff support targeted differentiation for identified learners.

Arts & Creative

Music is delivered through Class Music, Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles and Performances. The Music Centre provides rehearsal spaces and a main concert hall. Dance and Drama are supported by the Mamie McQuillan Auditorium, a dedicated performance space. The program offers ongoing opportunities to perform and develop artistic skills as part of co-curricular life.

Cultural & Language

French and Japanese language classrooms are available, supporting ongoing language study. The IB framework emphasises intercultural awareness and understanding as part of a global mindset. The International team offers homestay experiences and connections to enhance cultural exchange.

Social & Hobbies

Moreton Bay College runs a thriving and diverse program of co-curricular activities across music, sport, dance and drama. Students participate in music ensembles, dance and drama productions, and competitive sport as a member of the Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools Association (QGSSSA). Facilities such as the Music Centre and Mamie McQuillan Auditorium host performances and events, supporting a lively cultural calendar.

Community & Service

Service Learning is integrated into the College's learning, helping girls lead and serve with faith and integrity. Community service and Service Learning activities build relationships and apply classroom learning beyond the school. IB learners strive to be caring members of the community, developing intercultural understanding and contributing to local and global problem solving.

Leadership & Professional

The Athlete Development Programme supports national and state-level student-athletes by balancing high-performance sport with academics. The programme develops leadership, teamwork and communication skills and offers specialised health and support services. World Academy of Sport partnerships enhance opportunities, and Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarships recognise excellence in sport, music or the performing arts.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Hearts and Minds provides a shared language and strategies around wellbeing for students, parents and staff. The programme supports a holistic approach to education and links wellbeing to academic outcomes. It aims to help each girl achieve her personal best within a supportive community.
Languages

Language Provision

French and Japanese are taught at Moreton Bay College. In Primary, French is taught from Prep to Year 6, and Japanese is offered in Year 6. In Secondary, students study one language: French or Japanese. The College has dedicated French and Japanese language classrooms, and international students can access English language preparation through the International program.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1 – Apply. The formal intake years are Kindergarten, Year 5 and Year 7. If a year level is full, a waiting list can be created and you will be notified if a place becomes available. A non-refundable Enrolment Application Fee of AUD 350 is payable at the time of application. Applications can be submitted online or by downloading an Enrolment form. The documents required (in English or certified translations) are: a copy of the student's passport; copies of the student's academic records for the past two years; a completed Reference Form from the current or most recent school principal if previous reports do not record behaviour or commitment; a completed subject selection form (if applicable); acceptable evidence of English language proficiency (e.g., AEAS, IELTS); application for course credit (if required); a completed Homestay Application Form (if applicable). The College requires evidence that the student's academic ability and English proficiency can meet entry and curriculum demands, in line with the 2018 National Code of Practice, Part B Standard 2.

Scholarships

The College offers two key scholarship pathways: Academic Excellence Scholarships and Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarships, each up to 50% remission on tuition fees. Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to students entering Years 7 to 11 who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and exemplary conduct. Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarships are awarded to students entering Years 7 to 11 who excel in Sport, Music, or the Performing Arts and maintain strong academic results and conduct. At the Principal's discretion, limited scholarship opportunities may also be available for current Year 5 2025 students entering Year 7 in 2027. Applications for 2027 scholarships are open. Scholarship Application Process: Step 1 – Complete an online Scholarship Application. Step 2 – Complete an online Enrolment Application. Step 3 – Read the Scholarship and Bursaries Policy and complete the Scholarship Application Form by 8 February 2026. Step 4 – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in April. Offers will be made to successful candidates in May. The Moreton Bay Colleges' Foundation offers Bursaries based on financial need to students who would not otherwise be able to enrol. The Jennifer Haynes Bursary and The Quentin Bryce Bursary are full remission bursaries (not currently taking applications) for entry into Year 7 (six years for Jennifer Haynes) or into secondary years (Quentin Bryce). The Foundation also administers The Moreton Bay Colleges' Foundation, a charitable trust funding opportunities for students. Chat to our Scholarships and Bursaries Team to discuss eligibility or options.

Waitlist

Intake years are Kindergarten, Year 5 and Year 7. If a year level is full, the Enrolments Team can place your daughter's name on a waiting list and will notify you if a place becomes available.
School Events
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