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Rivercrest Christian College

Australia, Melbourne

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The school at a glance
Fees A$4,200 - 10,540
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Rivercrest Christian College sits on 138 acres in Clyde North, forming part of the Crest Education precinct with Hillcrest Christian College. The co-educational, non-denominational Christian college serves ages 3 to 18 and delivers the International Baccalaureate continuum: PYP, MYP and DP, within a Christian worldview. The Early Learning Centre and dedicated IB learning spaces support inquiry-based learning across campus. The PYP Programme of Inquiry and the MYP subject areas—Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Design, Health and PE, and Language Acquisition in French or Chinese—foster inquiry, problem-solving and real-world application. All students participate in SALT, the spiritual, social and emotional skills program. Distinctive facilities include an on-site Equestrian Centre, an Environmental Centre and an Environmental Reserve, with expansive outdoor fields for sport and activity. The school operates a House system and offers Service Learning, Performing Arts, Enrichment and sport as core co-curriculars. This combination supports holistic student growth.

81 Ferdinand Drive, Clyde North VIC 3978, Australia

The Essentials

Location
Rivercrest Christian College is located in Clyde North, a southeast suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The campus sits on the Crest Education precinct on a 138-acre site that includes the Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre and CREST Environmental Reserve. The address is 81 Ferdinand Drive Clyde North, VIC 3978.

Stages
ELC to Year 12; Primary Years (ELC–Year 5), Middle Years (Year 6–10) and Diploma Years (Year 11–12).

Type
Non-denominational, co-educational, open-enrolment Christian College.

Additional learning support
Learning Support is provided, including Speech Therapy and Phonological Awareness Groups.

Country affiliation
Australia

Religious affiliation
Christian (non-denominational)

School day structure
Opening hours are 8:15am–4:15pm, Monday to Friday.

Bus service
Bus service is provided through a partnership with Dhillon Bus Charters. Buses are GPS-tracked and equipped with heating and air-conditioning, and students tap on and off with their College ID. A Bus Fee Schedule is published for families.
Diving Deeper

House System
All students enrolled at Rivercrest are placed into one of four Houses – Booth (Blue), Luther (Red), Fry (Yellow) or Lewis (Green).

Governance and Ownership
Rivercrest Christian College is governed by the Crest Board. It is part of Crest Education, a 138‑acre educational precinct that includes Hillcrest Christian College, Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre, CREST Environmental Centre and CREST Institute. Rivercrest is described as part of the Crest Family, with Rivercrest Primary Years (ELC–Year 5) at the Primary Campus and Rivercrest Middle Years (Year 6–10) at the Middle Years Campus; the Diploma Programme for Years 11–12 is planned.
Fees

Annual tuition at Rivercrest Christian College ranges from AUD 4,200 to AUD 10,540 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment charges
- Application Fee: USD not applicable — AUD 100 per child (payable on submission of the Enrolment Application).
- Acceptance Fee: AUD 300 per child (charged on offer; non-refundable).
- Confirmation of Placement Payment: AUD 500 per child (paid on acceptance, credited to the family school account in Term 4 of the child's first year).

Tuition fees (annual) and compulsory levies by year level — published 2026 amounts
Note: each line shows the published annual Tuition amount, followed by the Resource Levy and any Stationery & Texts charge or Laptop/iPad contribution where listed.
- 3YO ELC — Tuition: AUD 4,200; Resource Levy: AUD 100; Stationery & Texts: - .
- 4YO ELC — Tuition: AUD 6,300; Resource Levy: AUD 100; Stationery & Texts: - .
- Prep — Tuition: AUD 6,920; Resource Levy: AUD 150; Stationery & Texts: AUD 125.
- Year 1 — Tuition: AUD 7,255; Resource Levy: AUD 150; Stationery & Texts: AUD 104.
- Year 2 — Tuition: AUD 7,255; Resource Levy: AUD 300; Stationery & Texts: AUD 136.
- Year 3 — Tuition: AUD 7,545; Resource Levy: AUD 600; Stationery & Texts: AUD 124.
- Year 4* — Tuition: AUD 7,545; Resource Levy: AUD 550; Stationery & Texts: AUD 89. (*Year 4 iPad charge noted.)
- Year 5* — Tuition: AUD 8,365; Resource Levy: AUD 700; Stationery & Texts: AUD 83. (*iPad charge where applicable.)
- Year 6* — Tuition: AUD 8,365; Resource Levy: AUD 1,200; Stationery & Texts: (Year 6–12 booklist costs distributed before commencement and not included in the schedule).
- Year 7 — Tuition: AUD 8,985; Resource Levy: AUD 900; Laptop contribution: AUD 450.
- Year 8 — Tuition: AUD 9,300; Resource Levy: AUD 750; Laptop contribution: AUD 400.
- Year 9 — Tuition: AUD 9,995; Resource Levy: AUD 1,050.
- Year 10 — Tuition: AUD 10,035; Resource Levy: AUD 950.
- Year 11 (DP/VCE) — Tuition: AUD 10,540; Resource Levy: AUD 800.
- Year 11 (VCE-VM) — Tuition: AUD 7,540; Resource Levy: AUD 800.
- Year 12 (DP/VCE) — Tuition: AUD 10,540; Resource Levy: AUD 1,050.
- Year 12 (VCE-VM) — Tuition: AUD 7,540; Resource Levy: AUD 1,050.

Per-term tuition (derived)
- Per-term amounts below are derived by dividing each published annual Tuition figure by four (four school terms per year). This gives the standard per-term charge used for termly billing. The College publishes four school terms per year for 2026.
- 3YO ELC — AUD 1,050.00 per term.
- 4YO ELC — AUD 1,575.00 per term.
- Prep — AUD 1,730.00 per term.
- Year 1 — AUD 1,813.75 per term.
- Year 2 — AUD 1,813.75 per term.
- Year 3 — AUD 1,886.25 per term.
- Year 4 — AUD 1,886.25 per term.
- Year 5 — AUD 2,091.25 per term.
- Year 6 — AUD 2,091.25 per term.
- Year 7 — AUD 2,246.25 per term.
- Year 8 — AUD 2,325.00 per term.
- Year 9 — AUD 2,498.75 per term.
- Year 10 — AUD 2,508.75 per term.
- Year 11 (DP/VCE) — AUD 2,635.00 per term.
- Year 11 (VCE-VM) — AUD 1,885.00 per term.
- Year 12 (DP/VCE) — AUD 2,635.00 per term.
- Year 12 (VCE-VM) — AUD 1,885.00 per term.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment arrangements: all families are required to participate in a Direct Debit arrangement, with monthly payments as the default option. Families who pay fees upfront (annual or bi‑annual) are exempt from the Direct Debit requirement. Early-payment discounts apply for annual and bi‑annual payments.
- Early-payment discounts: Bi‑annual payment receives 2% off tuition if paid by 16 February and 24 July; Annual payment receives 3% off tuition if paid by 16 February. Discounts apply to tuition only and are not granted if the account is in arrears or paid after the due date.
- Invoicing: Resource levies, additional levies (subject/extra‑curricular), bus charges and compulsory family charges are billed to the family's annual school fee account and invoiced as part of the school account. Additional levies for subject selections and extracurricular activities are invoiced separately as applicable.

Mandatory family charges and common additional levies
- Compulsory family charges: Capital Levy AUD 1,050 per family; Parent Involvement Programme AUD 350; Associate Member AUD 6 per family; Full Member AUD 5 per parent. These are charged as compulsory family charges.
- Resource Levy: compulsory and includes camps (Years 2–12), classroom materials and digital learning resources; billed to the annual school fee account.
- Additional levies: may include subject-specific charges, excursions, replacement badges, lost library books, and co‑curricular activity charges; charged separately as applicable and must be paid before commencement.
- Equestrian (enrichment): AUD 600 per semester for Years 6–9 where applicable.
- VET SLC course charges (where applicable): Equine Studies Cert III — AUD 2,150 per year; Sport/Business/Aquatics & Recreation Cert III — AUD 1,150 per year; Cookery Cert III (2nd year) — AUD 1,150 per year. VET course costs for completion within VCE are billed to the annual account; other external VET providers may charge differing fees.
- Bus fees: Bus fee schedule is published separately and bus charges are invoiced to the annual school fee account.

Boarding fees
- Boarding: no boarding fees are listed in the College's 2026 Fee Schedule; the published schedule contains no boarding or homestay charges. Day‑school arrangements (including bus services) are covered in the published fee schedule.

Refunds and withdrawal terms
- Application Fee: charged on submission; identified as an application charge in enrolment documentation and treated as non-refundable where so specified in the enrolment guidance. Acceptance Fee: AUD 300 is charged on offer and is non‑refundable. Confirmation of Placement Payment: AUD 500 is applied to the family account (credited in Term 4 of the child's first year).
- Withdrawal notice: families must provide written notice of at least one full term to withdraw a student. If written notice is not received within that timeframe, the College will charge one term's tuition fees in lieu of notice.

Fee payment mechanisms (published requirements)
- Direct Debit: the College requires a Direct Debit arrangement as the default (monthly instalments). Families paying annual or bi‑annual in advance are exempt from the Direct Debit requirement. Specific card, BPAY or bank transfer channels are not itemised within the published 2026 Fee Schedule; invoicing and the College's finance office provide the payment‑authority setup for Direct Debit and account credits.

Practical notes for parents (declarative)
- Sibling discount: applies (excluding 3YO and 4YO ELC). Tuition sibling discounts: 2nd sibling 20%; 3rd sibling 50%; 4th sibling 75%; 5th sibling 100% (the discount applies to tuition only and the highest year level is classified as the 1st child).
- Timing of discounts and penalties: to receive the annual or bi‑annual tuition discount, payment deadlines (16 February; and for bi‑annual also 24 July) must be met; discounts do not apply if accounts are in arrears. Failure to provide proper withdrawal notice will incur one term's tuition charge.

(End of fee overview)
Academics

Rivercrest Christian College teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers an IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Learning Centre to Year 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Year 6–10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Year 11–12. The PYP provides a transdisciplinary, inquiry-led framework with a Programme of Inquiry for K–5. The MYP includes Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, The Arts, Performance and Visual, Health and PE, Language Acquisition – French or Chinese and Design. All students participate in SALT, the spiritual, social and emotional skills programme. The curriculum framework emphasises inquiry, problem solving and real‑world application to develop independent and collaborative learners.

Exam Results
In 2024 ninety-two students completed Year 12; eighty-two completed their VCE, with three registered as Certificate Only (Unscored) and seven completing the VCE VM pathway. The VCE completion rate was 100%. The top ATAR for 2024 was 98.35; the Dux for 2024 was Shaelee Skeggs with an ATAR of 98.35 and Emma Lindsay was Proxime Accessit with an ATAR of 96.85. There were eighty-two ATAR recipients in 2024, up 13.4% from last year, with the lowest ATAR rising to 43.65 and fifteen study scores of 40+ recorded. VTAC outcomes show seventy-nine students paid for and submitted VTAC preferences and 101 offers were made, with offers distributed among Monash (26%), Deakin (23%), Swinburne (17%), RMIT (16%), La Trobe (5%), Victoria University (5%), and Federation (3%). In 2024 the college launched an IB Diploma Programme cohort as part of the CREST Senior Learning Precinct.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates progress to tertiary study via VTAC; offers were received from Monash, Deakin, Swinburne, RMIT, La Trobe, Federation and other institutions. VTAC data show offers by institution and pathways, with Monash (26%), Deakin (23%), Swinburne (17%), RMIT (16%), La Trobe (5%), Victoria (5%), and Federation (3%).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a holistic curriculum that develops students academically while fostering personal, emotional and spiritual growth. The student wellbeing approach underpins all activities and links directly to the IB Learner Profile. The school aims to graduate empowered, capable, confident, creative and well-rounded students. Chaplaincy provides pastoral care for spiritual, social and emotional well-being, offered individually or in groups, with Chapel sessions on a fortnightly cycle. A nurse attends to medical needs and a school psychologist works with leaders and staff to provide proactive and responsive care for students. There is a strong, proactive approach to bullying to maintain a safe and caring environment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The College provides support for students through a School Psychologist who works with leaders and staff to deliver proactive and responsive care. The psychologist maximises educational outcomes by using psychological expertise and assessment in education. A Nurse attends to students' medical needs and oversees health policies. All staff hold Level 2 First Aid qualifications and receive annual training for asthma, anaphylaxis and CPR, with additional training in epilepsy and diabetes. These supports contribute to a safe and supportive environment for students with diverse needs.

Mental Wellbeing
The Chaplain supports the spiritual, social and emotional well-being of students by providing pastoral care on an individual basis and in groups. If needed, the Chaplain may refer students for further specialist support in consultation with the Deputy Head of Primary (Wellbeing) or Head of College. Chapel is held on a fortnightly rotating cycle, providing opportunities to participate and deepen faith. The School Psychologist works with leaders and staff to provide proactive and responsive care for students, using psychological expertise to support mental well-being. The discipline approach promotes safe, caring relationships and supports positive self-esteem.

Safeguarding
Child safety is an ongoing key focus at Rivercrest Christian College. Providing a safe and supportive environment for children is a priority, and the College aims to embed Child Safety into the organisation's culture beyond compliance. A formal Child Safe Framework details the measures and procedures. The College employs a Nurse to address health needs and staff have Level 2 First Aid qualifications with annual updates for asthma, anaphylaxis and CPR. The Chaplain and School Psychologist provide pastoral care and referrals in safeguarding matters, in consultation with College leadership.
Parent Experience

History
Rivercrest Christian College is part of the Crest Education precinct located on 138 acres in Clyde North, sharing the site with Hillcrest Christian College and other Crest units. The Crest Family comprises five distinct organisational units, including Rivercrest Primary Years (ELC–Year 5) at the Primary Campus and Rivercrest Middle Years (Year 6–Year 10) at the Middle Years Campus, all governed by the Crest Board. The Crest Education precinct offers an International Baccalaureate programme and Rivercrest aims to introduce the Diploma Programme (Years 11–12) by 2024. The curriculum is delivered within a Christian framework, incorporating IB alongside biblically based beliefs. Rivercrest operates as a non-denominational, co-educational, open-enrolment Christian College within Crest Education.

Community
Rivercrest values its community and facilitates ongoing family engagement in a vibrant, diverse environment. The Community Association is a voluntary group of Rivercrest Parent Members and College Staff Representatives that promotes community, provides support and fellowship, and assists with fundraising, meeting monthly. Each Primary Year Level has a Year Level Representative who helps organise a community event and supports hospitality and acts of kindness within the class. The Parent Involvement Programme invites parents to participate in excursions, resource preparation, class reading, and events such as the Athletics Carnival, Mother's/Father's Day Stall and College Carols, with a suggested 10 hours of volunteering per year. Crest members can also connect via the CREST B2Me Community directory to strengthen relationships within the Crest Education network.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Rivercrest's parent–teacher association is the Community Association. It is a voluntary group comprising Rivercrest Parent Members and College Staff Representatives. The Association promotes a genuine sense of belonging, provides support and fellowship, and assists with fundraising. It meets monthly for a formal meeting and coordinates parent involvement and community-building activities across the College. Parents can engage through the Parent Involvement Programme, which includes activities such as accompanying class excursions, preparing resources, assisting with reading programs, and helping at events like the Athletics Carnival and College Carols. The Crest network is further reinforced through the CREST B2Me Community directory, which links Crest families and local vendors.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Rivercrest campus sits on 138 acres. It includes an on-site Equestrian Centre, an Environmental Centre, and open sports fields. The facilities were established in 2014 and are described as modern and well-resourced. The campus supports learning across academic, arts and wellbeing disciplines. An Environmental Reserve on site supports environmental learning and outdoor activities.

Sports Facilities
Rivercrest has open outdoor sports fields on site. There is an on-site Equestrian Centre for equestrian activities. The 138-acre property provides expansive outdoor spaces for physical education and team sports. The Equestrian Centre supports equestrian programs and activities.

Academic Facilities
Rivercrest delivers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP covers Early Learning through Year 5; the MYP covers Years 6–10; the DP covers Years 11–12. An Early Learning Centre and dedicated IB learning spaces support Primary, Middle and Diploma Years on campus. The IB curriculum is delivered within a Christian worldview and emphasizes inquiry-based learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Enrichment, Performing Arts, and Sport are offered as part of the school's co-curricular program. The Environmental Reserve on campus supports outdoor and environmental learning. Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre provides on-site equestrian programs. Service Learning and Wellbeing initiatives are part of student life. Co-Curricular activities integrate these offerings across the year levels.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
All students have enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom. Year 5 participates in an Enrichment program in Term 4 designed to challenge thinking and develop new skills, including Cooking, Bike Education, Outdoor Education, Debating, and Problem Solving (Maths/Engineering) plus HTML and CSS Coding. Private instrumental lessons are available in Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano and Voice. Equestrian lessons are offered as part of this enrichment programme.

Arts & Creative
Choir runs Tuesdays before school; String Ensemble meets Friday lunchtime; and Dance Club takes place Friday lunchtime. After-school options include Code Camp, Chess Ideas, and Creative Art & Crest Dance, with Equestrian at Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre. Private instrumental lessons in Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano and Voice are available.

Social & Hobbies
Code Club runs Wednesday lunchtime. Choir runs before school on Tuesdays and String Ensemble meets Friday lunchtime. Dance Club also meets Friday lunchtime.

Community & Service
Service Learning is a co-curricular offering. The school uses a House system to build community and leadership, with four Houses named Booth (Blue), Luther (Red), Fry (Yellow), and Lewis (Green).

Leadership & Professional
House system fosters leadership, teamwork and community, with four Houses named Booth (Blue), Luther (Red), Fry (Yellow), and Lewis (Green). The Houses provide opportunities to lead initiatives and contribute to school life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Regular physical education begins in the early years and continues into the Middle Years. From Year Three onwards, students compete in CSEN and State Schools Victoria (SSV) sporting events. House sporting carnivals and swimming events are part of the program, and middle years students participate in team sports such as soccer, netball and volleyball. Equestrian lessons are offered through Ayr Hill Equestrian Centre as part of enrichment.
Languages

Language Provision
Rivercrest Christian College offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Learning Centre to Year 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 6–10, and the Diploma Programme for Years 11–12. Language Acquisition in the MYP is French or Chinese. The 2025 PYP Programme of Inquiry includes French as a transdisciplinary unit. The IB framework is used to develop internationally minded learners across the school.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enrolment Application and waiting pool. Families can submit an Enrolment Application form online for the waiting pool at any time. The form requires all requested documents and a $100 application fee per child at submission. Families are encouraged to apply for future children to assist with planning. 2. Pre-commencement preparation. Between 1 and 2 years before commencement, the CREST Admissions Department will contact suitable families to request updated contact details, reports and assessments in preparation for an enrolment interview. 3. Interview and vacancy status. When places are available, families are contacted for an enrolment interview with a member of the College leadership team. If no vacancies arise, applications automatically roll over for consideration in subsequent years, unless advised otherwise. 4. Offer and acceptance. Successful applicants are offered a firm place. A non-refundable $300 Acceptance Fee and a $500 Confirmation of Placement Payment per child (total $800) are required to confirm acceptance, and the Confirmation of Placement Payment is credited to the school account in Term 4 of the child's first year.

Scholarships
Access Awards are means-tested and may provide up to 50% off tuition fees until Year 12. Eligibility applies to Years 9–12, with evidence of family financial circumstances (income tax statements) required; continuation depends on meeting the criteria each year. Access Awards are granted to students who demonstrate full support of the College's philosophy, the capacity to contribute positively to College life, evidence of exemplary effort and behaviour, and participation in school or community service activities. To learn more about Access Awards, contact the Admissions team. Students who are not yet enrolled must complete an Expression of Interest or Enrolment Application Form prior to submitting an application for Access Awards. CREST Education offers Scholarships and Awards to students who demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics, arts, sport, spiritual leadership, or community service. The process is student-led and closely aligned with the American college application model. Eligibility: Scholarships are available to internal and external students in Years 7–12; Awards are available to internal and external students in Years 9–12; Applicants must demonstrate outstanding achievement in one or more areas: Academic (high grades), Arts/Sport (state or national representation or AMEB Grade 7+), Spiritual Leadership and/or Community Service (award pathway). Application process: All scholarship applicants must submit a personal statement (max 500 words) and two referees; Sport and Performing Arts scholarships require a CV; Internal applicants must submit a student CV; External applicants must also submit an online enrolment form and CV. Selection criteria: Decisions are based on academic records, standardised test scores, co-curricular performance, Christian character and leadership, community service, internal assessment tools and references. Scholarship and Award Levels: Students may be awarded more than one scholarship or a scholarship in conjunction with an award; Confidentiality is maintained for all materials. EduTest Registration: Applications are managed through Edutest; Registration for the 2027 CREST Scholarship Test is available online; Date: Saturday, 25 July 2026; Format: Online testing (approx. 2 hours) including Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics. For any questions regarding Awards or Scholarships, contact the Admissions Team.

Waitlist
Rivercrest uses a waiting pool for enrolment. Families submit an Enrolment Application form online for the waiting pool, with all required documents and a $100 per-child application fee. If vacancies exist, families are contacted for an enrolment interview; if there are no vacancies, applications roll over for consideration in subsequent years.
School Events
The school has not added events
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