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Radford College

Australia, Canberra

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The school at a glance
Fees A$254 - 21,930
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 2180
Type Co-educational
Opened 1983
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Mandarin, French, Japanese, Spanish
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Radford College is an independent Anglican, co-educational day school located on a 46-acre campus in Bruce, Canberra. Serving Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, it offers a K–12 program with two senior study pathways: ACT BSSS Tertiary and Accredited Packages and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). In Years 7–10, core subjects include English, mathematics, science, history and geography, health and physical education, religious and values education, and languages (Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish), with a broad elective program feeding into senior study. The IBDP includes six subject groups, and Year 11–12 students undertake Higher Level and Standard Level subjects with a maximum score of 45. The college houses facilities such as Morison Centre and TB Millar Hall, and sports facilities including Mackinnon Oval and a sports precinct. The Radford community emphasizes service learning, leadership through Duke of Edinburgh and Round Square, and music and performing arts programs supported by ensembles and choirs.

The Essentials

Radford College has 2,180 pupils, typical class sizes of 24.

Location
Radford College is located in Canberra's northern suburb of Bruce on a 46-acre site bounded by College Street to the north, Haydon Drive to the east and Gossan Hill to the south. The campus address is 1 College Street, Bruce, ACT 2617. The school sits in the Bruce precinct, a well-established educational area in north Canberra. A dedicated Transport Canberra school bus service operates to transport students to and from Radford College.

Stages
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, with a Junior School and Secondary School. Years 7–10 and Years 11–12 form the Secondary School structure. The curriculum includes International Baccalaureate Programme-based learning.

Type
Independent Anglican co-educational day school

Religious affiliation
Anglican

Bus service
A dedicated Transport Canberra school bus service transports students to and from Radford College. It serves Lawson, Kaleen, Giralang, Ngunnawal, Nicholls and Palmerston. The College operates morning and afternoon bus services between Radford and Canberra South and Gungahlin for Year 1–12 students; registration is via transport@radford.act.edu.au.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Radford College is a day school.

Uniform Requirement
Radford College has a uniform; Radwear operates a second-hand uniform shop through the P&F. A uniform renewal project will introduce a renewed uniform with gender-neutral options and trans-seasonal pieces. Final decisions will be made early in 2025; the renewed uniform will be available in Term 4 2025, officially launched in 2026, with a two-year transition and full adoption by 2028.

House System
Radford College has eight Houses that compete in five major events: swimming, cross-country, athletics, performing arts, and The Bishop's Cup. Houses are named after Australian native plants with colors: Acacia yellow, Banksia white, Boronia red, Huon black, Jarrah purple, Karri dark blue, Kurrajong green, and Wandoo light blue. Students are allocated to a House when they commence and belong there for the duration of their time at the College, with each House led by staff and student Captains.

Governance and Ownership
Radford College is governed by the Radford College Board, consisting of 11 members, which meets up to eight times per year.
Fees

Annual tuition at Radford College ranges from AUD 254 to AUD 21,930 for 2026/27.

Registration and enrolment fees
- Registration fee (non‑refundable, payable with each application): AUD 220.
- Enrolment fee (non‑refundable, payable at the time of enrolment): AUD 2,500.

Tuition and Resource & Activities Levy (annual and per‑term by year level)
Note: fees and charges are billed each term; per‑term amounts below are the annual amounts divided by four to reflect the College's term billing.
- Pre‑Kindergarten: Tuition AUD 22,440 per year (per term AUD 5,610.00); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 485 per year (per term AUD 121.25).
- Kindergarten: Tuition AUD 16,635 per year (per term AUD 4,158.75); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 485 per year (per term AUD 121.25).
- Year 1: Tuition AUD 16,635 per year (per term AUD 4,158.75); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 485 per year (per term AUD 121.25).
- Year 2: Tuition AUD 16,635 per year (per term AUD 4,158.75); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 485 per year (per term AUD 121.25).
- Year 3: Tuition AUD 18,525 per year (per term AUD 4,631.25); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 485 per year (per term AUD 121.25).
- Year 4: Tuition AUD 18,525 per year (per term AUD 4,631.25); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 725 per year (per term AUD 181.25).
- Year 5: Tuition AUD 20,445 per year (per term AUD 5,111.25); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 725 per year (per term AUD 181.25).
- Year 6: Tuition AUD 20,445 per year (per term AUD 5,111.25); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 725 per year (per term AUD 181.25).
- Year 7: Tuition AUD 24,000 per year (per term AUD 6,000.00); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 795 per year (per term AUD 198.75).
- Year 8: Tuition AUD 24,000 per year (per term AUD 6,000.00); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 795 per year (per term AUD 198.75).
- Year 9: Tuition AUD 25,250 per year (per term AUD 6,312.50); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 850 per year (per term AUD 212.50).
- Year 10: Tuition AUD 25,250 per year (per term AUD 6,312.50); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 650 per year (per term AUD 162.50).
- Year 11: Tuition AUD 25,950 per year (per term AUD 6,487.50); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 950 per year (per term AUD 237.50).
- Year 12: Tuition AUD 25,950 per year (per term AUD 6,487.50); Resource & Activities Levy AUD 195 per year (per term AUD 48.75).

Compulsory annual levies (per year and per term)
- Compulsory Capital Levy: AUD 1,630 per child, per year (per term AUD 407.50). This levy is charged to finance development, maintenance and ongoing refurbishment of the College's facilities.
- Non‑Indexing Levy: AUD 1,050 per child, per year (per term AUD 262.50).
- Parents & Friends annual levy: AUD 40 per family (for 2026 this levy has been waived).

Other recurring and occasional charges
- Camps (one‑off amounts by year level): Year 3 AUD 550; Year 5 AUD 790; Year 6 AUD 1,315; Year 7 AUD 1,240; Year 8 AUD 325; Year 9 AUD 2,170. These appear as additional charges when applicable.
- Subject charges: Elective subjects may carry additional subject charges.
- Music charges: Private music tuition arranged through the Music Department is charged directly to parents.
- Co‑curricular charges: Charges associated with co‑curricular programs are applied as detailed in the College's co‑curricular materials.
- Textbook/library replacement charges: Replacement and processing charges apply for late, lost or damaged library and Bookroom resources. These charges are non‑refundable.
- Child care (Outside of School Hours Care) standard rates (per session): After School Care (permanent booking) AUD 44.27; After School Care (casual booking) AUD 45.58; Before School Care AUD 23.24; Vacation Care AUD 113.98; Late fee for pick‑up after 6:00 pm AUD 50.00.
- Insurance: The College is not responsible for loss of or damage to student property; parents are advised to obtain appropriate insurance for student devices and equipment.

Sibling discounts and concessions
- The third and subsequent sibling simultaneously attending the College receives a 15% discount on the Tuition Fee, the Compulsory Capital Levy and the Non‑Indexing Levy.
- For Outside of School Hours Care, the third and subsequent sibling receives a 10% discount on fees.

Billing schedule, due dates and payment terms
- Fees and charges are billed each term and are payable in advance by the end of the first week of each term. Overdue accounts may incur a monthly administration charge until paid in full unless a formal payment arrangement is in place.
- Notice of withdrawal: one school term's written notice to the Principal is required prior to removal of a student. Where such notice is not received, a full term's fee (including additional charges and GST where applicable) will be charged.
- Prepayment: Tuition fees and the Compulsory Capital Levy can be prepaid one year in advance only (no discount offered). Prepayment deadlines are published with the fee schedule; the prepayment amount is applied at the commencement of each term. Pre‑paid fees are fully refundable if a student leaves early provided the required notice is given.

Refunds and non‑refundable items
- Registration fee and Enrolment fee are non‑refundable.
- Pre‑paid tuition fees are refundable if the required notice of withdrawal is provided.
- Charges for lost or damaged library/Bookroom items and certain service fees are non‑refundable.

Fee payment methods and instalment options
- Accepted payment methods: direct debit, BPAY, and credit card payments via Nexus or over the phone. Credit card payments will incur a processing fee at the time of payment. The BPAY biller code and reference number appear on fee statements.
- Direct debit instalments: families may elect 12 monthly instalments or 24 fortnightly instalments via direct debit. Direct debit forms are completed through Parent Services in Nexus.

Boarding
- Radford College operates as a day school; there are no boarding fees because boarding is not offered.

Uniforms and uniform shop arrangements
- Uniform items are available through the College's uniform suppliers and the P&F second‑hand uniform shop (Radwear). Second‑hand and new uniform purchasing options are in regular operation; the P&F second‑hand shop and commercial uniform supplier opening hours and ordering information are published by the College. Specific item prices vary by supplier and item.

Other notes on extra costs
- Participation in voluntary vacation tours requires full payment of the associated account prior to travel.
- Additional incidental or subject‑specific charges (e.g., elective subject materials, some excursions, some co‑curricular activities) will be billed separately as they arise.

(For 2026 fee levels and the detailed, itemised fee schedule used to calculate the amounts above, the College's published 2026 Fees & Charges schedule is the reference for the numerical figures provided.)
Academics

Radford College teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (DP).

Curriculum
Radford College offers a K–12 curriculum with two senior study pathways: the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) Tertiary and Accredited Packages and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). In Years 7–10, core subjects include English, mathematics, science, history and geography, health and physical education, religious and values education, and languages (Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish), with a broad elective program. Years 7–8 focus on a broad range of electives and an interdisciplinary learning program, while Years 9–10 offer deeper electives and a Year 10 study-skills unit to prepare for senior study. The IBDP comprises the DP core and six subject groups: studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. In Year 11, students enrol in four Higher Level and two Standard Level subjects (with the option to study three HL and three SL from Semester 2); assessment includes internal coursework and external examinations at the end of Year 12, with a maximum IB score of 45 points, equating to access to Australian and international universities.

Exam Results
187 earned an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and 16 students undertook the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Class of 2025 demonstrated leadership and service, including fundraising over $80,000 for blood cancer and mentoring younger students. Full details are published in the Laureate document.

Higher Education Progression
Radford College offers two senior pathways: BSSS Tertiary/Accredited Packages and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The BSSS pathway leads to an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (ACTSSC) and an ATAR, while the IB Diploma Programme yields the IB Diploma and provides access to Australian and international universities. The IB Diploma maximum is 45 points (including the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge), and results are used to support entry to universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Junior School wellbeing program provides explicit teaching of friendship skills and emotional regulation, anti-bullying and cybersafe behaviour, sleep and nutrition, and character strengths. URSTRONG's friendship program and Friendology teach students to resolve conflict, build empathy, and develop respectful friendships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Junior School has a dedicated therapy space, Engine Room, for early intervention that closes gaps in development, learning and opportunity for Junior School students needing extra help. Learning support staff are in place across year levels.

Mental Wellbeing
Radford College employs qualified counsellors to provide initial support and guidance for children and young people, and has a dedicated Engine Room for early intervention to support mental wellbeing.

Safeguarding
Radford College has a Child Safe Statement of Commitment and compliance measures related to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Public Policies include Working with Vulnerable People background checks, Mandatory Reporting, and the Reportable Conduct Scheme; the College maintains a Child Protection Policy and regularly reviews policies to ensure safety and compliance.
Parent Experience

History
Radford College is an independent Anglican co-educational day school in Bruce, Canberra. It was formally founded in 1983; the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Cecil Warren, and it opened in 1984 by the Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen with 235 students and 15 teachers. The campus spans about 46 acres, and the school has grown to enroll around 2,088 students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 with balanced gender representation. Governance is through the Radford College Board, and the college has been led by principals including Jock Mackinnon AM (1983–1988), Peter Casson (1989–1992), Graeme Wigg (1993–2000), David Mulford (2001–2008), Phillip Heath AM (2009–2013), and Fiona Godfrey OAM (2014–2023).

Community
Radford College maintains an active community through its networks and foundations. The Parents & Friends Association brings the community together, supports student experiences and raises funds for resources, and runs events such as the Welcome Back BBQ, Art Show, Trivia Night and Twilight Fete, with regular meetings and a 2026 AGM. The Radford Foundation funds Scholarships, a Building Fund and a General Fund to support equipment, staff, and facilities, guided by a board and the College Principal. The Radford Collegians alumni network connects graduates and hosts news, events and a Career & Networking Expo. The 500 Club also supports fundraising for the College's future.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Radford College Parents & Friends Association (P&F) operates as a formal committee with an executive (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Publicity Officer) and a P&F Administrator. It invites parents, carers and friends to join the committee and contribute to the life of the College. It runs events such as the Welcome Back BBQ, P&F Social Dinner, Art Show, Trivia Night, Twilight Fete and Volunteer Appreciation Evening, plus planning and AGM activities. Free coffee mornings are held during each term. AGM details and meeting dates are published; contact p&f@radford.act.edu.au and the P&F Administrator Monique Glavonjic for more information.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Radford College sits on approximately 46 acres in Bruce, ACT. The College was founded in 1983, and a continuing program of building and development has expanded facilities to meet the growing and changing needs of the College community. Age-appropriate learning, recreation and sporting spaces cater for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. Major academic facilities include the Morison Centre for the secondary school and the Collegians Centre, a large multi-purpose assembly and event venue. The Browning Early Learning Centre provides a purpose-built Pre-Kindergarten environment.

Sports Facilities
Mackinnon Oval and Parents & Friends Oval are on Radford College's campus. A new sports precinct playing courts are currently under construction to expand the on-site facilities. Earthworks are expanding the P&F Oval and planting native trees as part of the Oval Enhancement Project. The Collegians Centre hosts sporting events, including basketball.

Academic Facilities
The Morison Centre is a central campus facility used for teaching and events, including the Careers Fair. Heath Lecture Theatre and Leyshon Lecture Theatre are on-campus teaching venues. Mackinnon Senior School is a key on-campus educational facility. The TB Millar Hall is a dedicated performing arts hall on campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Radford Dance Academy Showcase is held in TB Millar Hall. The Junior School Co-curricular program includes sport from Kindergarten to Year 2 and from Year 3 in athletics, basketball, cricket, netball, tennis and more. The Radford Music Program offers instrumental and/or vocal ensembles and private music tuition. Performing arts opportunities are available for Years 1–6, including dance, drama and musical performances. Other co-curricular activities include chess, debating, oratory, Green Team, bushwalking and Radford Student Council.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Co-curricular is elective and runs outside school hours, enabling students to explore new interests, work toward goals and join the Radford community. Secondary School offers sport, a Music program with bands, orchestras and choirs, and performing arts with large productions and concerts. Leadership programs include Duke of Edinburgh and Round Square, which foster self-discipline, teamwork and values.

Arts & Creative
The Radford Music Program is extensive, and junior students can join instrumental and/or vocal ensembles. Private music tuition is offered weekly by visiting tutors, with lessons arranged between tutors and parents and scheduled to minimize class disruption. Secondary School offers bands, orchestras and choirs, with weekly rehearsals and opportunities to perform at concerts, eisteddfods and music festivals. Performing arts provide opportunities to work toward large school productions, including dance and drama events, musical productions, technical crew and public speaking competitions.

Cultural & Language
Languages Department tours to France, China and Japan include exchange arrangements. Curriculum-related tours cover the European Story of Science, the Earth and Environmental Sciences tour of New Zealand, and the Central Australia Cultural Awareness tour. Round Square offers international service projects, regional and international conferences, and opportunities for student and staff exchanges. Duke of Edinburgh and Round Square programs provide leadership experiences and global engagement.

Social & Hobbies
Junior School offers Chess, Debating and Oratory, along with Green Team, Bushwalking and Radford Student Council. Secondary School co-curricular includes sport and music programs, with ensembles and public performances, and there are many opportunities for groups to collaborate in productions and events. The program fosters social interaction and community involvement through these clubs and activities.

Community & Service
The Radford service-learning program connects students with local, national and international communities. Examples include assisting in classrooms at Black Mountain School, Cranleigh School and Pegasus; ACT Parkcare; visiting residents of local aged care facilities; OzHarvest meals; organising the Dirrum Festival of inspirational speakers; Timor-Leste and Northern NSW Indigenous communities; and partnerships with YMCA RAID Basketball and Lifeline Bookfair. There is a strong community service program across the College.

Leadership & Professional
Duke of Edinburgh is a rewarding activity for students aged 14 to 25 that challenges them to become active, community-minded members of society. Participation is voluntary. Round Square offers international service projects, conferences and exchanges, supporting leadership development. Radford Student Council provides leadership opportunities for students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Co-curricular runs outside school hours and develops self-discipline, teamwork and values. From Kindergarten to Year 2, a Fundamental Movement Skills program supports physical development, and from Year 3 coaching and competition are offered in athletics, basketball, cricket, futsal, netball, oztag, rowing, snowsports and tennis. Junior School also includes Bushwalking as part of co-curricular activities.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and French are taught at Radford College, alongside Ngunnawal. English is the language of instruction. Education Perfect is used for language home learning. The college hosts language assistants from Japan and France and maintains exchange arrangements with sister schools in France, China and Japan, including a Year 10 exchange to France and Japan.

Immersion Programs
Long exchange program to Japan for six weeks is available to Year 11 language students. Students study at Konko Gakuen in Okayama and at the Kure National College of Technology in Hiroshima. The program is reciprocal and includes hosting returning students. The Languages Department also runs exchanges and long tours with France, China and Japan and Year 10 exchanges to France and Japan; language assistants from Japan and France visit to support language learning.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions: Radford College is currently fully enrolled in all year levels for 2026. The enrolment process for entry point places (Pre-Kindergarten, Year 3, Year 7 and Year 11) for 2027 will commence in Semester 1 2025. Offers for places in other year levels are only made as vacancies arise. The College holds waitlists for all year levels. Registrations: To register children on the Radford College waitlist, complete and submit the online registration form with a $220 registration fee. If you require enrolment within the next two years, or your child is currently in Year 9 or above, contact the Registrar's office on (02) 6162 6212 for advice before submitting the registration form. The Registrar, Radford College, 1 College Street, Bruce ACT 2617, AUSTRALIA.

Scholarships
Scholarships: Boorer Foundation Scholarship 2027 — One student commencing Year 7 in 2027; 100% of Tuition & Capital Levy (Years 7–12); Up to 100% of additional fees; Applications close Friday, 27 March 2026; Application Form available; Designed for a student who will thrive at Radford and contribute to college life. Radford College Scholarship — For students entering Year 11 in 2027; 100% of Tuition & Capital Levy (Years 11–12); Up to 100% of additional fees; Applications close Friday, 27 March 2026; Applications open for 2027; Designed to recognise talent, potential and commitment while broadening access to a Radford education.

Waitlist
Waitlist: The College holds waitlists for all year levels. To register on the waitlist, complete the online registration form and pay the $220 registration fee. For advice about enrolment within the next two years or if the child is in Year 9 or above, contact the Registrar on (02) 6162 6212.
School Events
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