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Santa Maria College

Australia, Perth

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$7,728 - 17,727
Ages 10 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1300
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1938
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Italian
Typical class size 24
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Santa Maria College is a Catholic day and boarding college for girls in Years 5–12, located in Attadale. The school teaches the Australian Curriculum aligned to WA standards, with core learning areas Religion, English, Mathematics, Science and HaSS, plus electives and co-curricular programs. In Years 7–10, four Science electives extend STEM study, while Connecting Learning to Life and the emPOWER program develop life skills and leadership. The IGNITE Gifted & Talented program (Years 5–8) provides project‑based enrichment, with elective access in Year 8. The college houses the Djinda Theatre (642 seats), Trocaire Studio, Kaarlak Studio and Catherine Courtyard in its Cultural Centre, plus a renovated Chapel and dedicated science labs (Superlab). Arts and music spaces support creative study, and outdoor areas complement learning for Years 5–6. Mercy heritage underpins Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service and Excellence, with Transformative Learning Partnerships linking students to industry and community partners and a service ethos.

18 Stoneham Road, Attadale, WA 6156, Australia

The Essentials

Santa Maria College has 1,300 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
Attadale, Western Australia. The College is located at 18 Stoneham Road, Attadale WA 6156. Postal address: Locked Bag 1, Melville WA 6956.

Stages
Years 5-12.

Type
Catholic day and boarding college for girls (Years 5-12).

Additional learning support
Learning Enrichment teachers provide literacy and numeracy support within the classroom and in small groups. The Enrichment Centre provides support to students from Years 5–12.

Country affiliation
Australia

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
The day consists of six periods with Homeroom each morning, alternating between Week A and Week B timetables.

Bus service
Students may ride or walk, catch Transperth buses, use Santa Maria private chartered buses, or be dropped off by their parents.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Santa Maria College offers day and boarding for girls in Years 5–12. Four boarding houses—Sylvester House, Bertrand House, Catherine House and Ursula House—provide living quarters, study spaces, and recreation areas. The boarding community is led by a Director of Boarding with dedicated Boarding Supervisors and includes around 150 boarders.

Uniform Requirement
The uniform is a sign of identity and should be worn with pride at school and when representing the College. The blazer is worn as the outer garment; shirts are tucked in, and dresses or skirts are knee‑length; hair must be restrained and accessories should be in red, white or bottle green. The Uniform Shop is on campus and open during term time.

Food Options
Weekday lunches are available from the College Cafe; meals are provided in the boarding houses and at school, with morning tea and afternoon tea available in both settings. Houses have fully equipped kitchens for baking or cooking if students wish. The College is allergy aware and accommodates special dietary requirements.

House System
Pupils are grouped into four boarding houses: Sylvester, Bertrand, Catherine and Ursula. The houses provide living spaces and a basis for house activities within the boarding community.

Governance and Ownership
Santa Maria College is administered by Mercy Education Ltd, a Catholic education network.
Fees

Annual tuition at Santa Maria College ranges from AUD 7,728 to AUD 17,727 for 2026/27.

Application and enrolment fees
- Application for Admission (GST inclusive): AUD 150 — non‑refundable and payable on submission of the application form.
- Enrolment Confirming Fee: AUD 2,000 — non‑refundable and non‑transferable, payable within two weeks of acceptance to secure the place.

Tuition fees and compulsory annual charges by year group (annual amounts)
- Year 5: Tuition Fee AUD 6,603; Digital Learning Levy AUD 790; Curriculum & Resource Fee AUD 275; Parent Council Levy (per family) AUD 60; TOTAL AUD 7,728.
- Year 6: Tuition Fee AUD 6,603; Digital Learning Levy AUD 790; Curriculum & Resource Fee AUD 775; Parent Council Levy (per family) AUD 60; TOTAL AUD 8,228.
- Year 7: Tuition Fee AUD 15,299; Digital Learning Levy AUD 790; Curriculum & Resource Fee AUD 1,200; Parent Council Levy (per family) AUD 60; TOTAL AUD 17,349.
- Year 8: Tuition Fee AUD 15,299; Digital Learning Levy AUD 790; Curriculum & Resource Fee AUD 565; Parent Council Levy (per family) AUD 60; TOTAL AUD 16,714.
- Year 9: Tuition Fee AUD 15,299; Digital Learning Levy AUD 790; Curriculum & Resource Fee AUD 1,578; Parent Council Levy (per family) AUD 60; TOTAL AUD 17,727.
- Year 10: Tuition Fee AUD 15,635; Digital Learning Levy AUD 790; Curriculum & Resource Fee AUD 489; Parent Council Levy (per family) AUD 60; TOTAL AUD 16,974.
- Year 11: Tuition Fee AUD 15,898; Digital Learning Levy AUD 790; Curriculum & Resource Fee AUD 265; Parent Council Levy (per family) AUD 60; TOTAL AUD 17,013.
- Year 12: Tuition Fee AUD 15,898; Digital Learning Levy AUD 790; Curriculum & Resource Fee AUD 565; Parent Council Levy (per family) AUD 60; TOTAL AUD 17,313.
- Compulsory Facilities & Grounds Levy (per family): AUD 1,950 (applied in addition to the totals above). This levy is not tax deductible.

Per‑term fee amounts (calculation)
- The per‑term amount shown below is calculated by dividing the annual TOTAL by four, consistent with a four‑term school year used in Western Australia. These per‑term figures are a calculated guide rather than listed instalment invoices.
- Year 5 per term (calculated): AUD 1,932.00.
- Year 6 per term (calculated): AUD 2,057.00.
- Year 7 per term (calculated): AUD 4,337.25.
- Year 8 per term (calculated): AUD 4,178.50.
- Year 9 per term (calculated): AUD 4,431.75.
- Year 10 per term (calculated): AUD 4,243.50.
- Year 11 per term (calculated): AUD 4,253.25.
- Year 12 per term (calculated): AUD 4,328.25.

Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Annual boarding fee: AUD 30,434 per boarding student (applies to the boarding programme as published). Boarding fees are calculated on a whole‑year basis.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Payment Option 1 — Annual payment in advance: full payment required by 20 February 2026. A 3% discount applies to the tuition fee component only for families who pay in full by that date (bursary recipients are not eligible for this discount). Payments may be made via the College Direct Debit Scheme, by providing credit card details for automatic processing on 20 February 2026, or by cash, cheque, or direct deposit into the College bank account.
- Payment Option 2 — Three instalments: payments due on 18 February, 18 May and 18 August 2026. Payments may be made via direct debit, credit card (automatic processing) or by cash, cheque, or direct deposit.
- Payment Option 3 — Nine equal monthly instalments: commencing 20 February 2026 and processed monthly to 20 October 2026. Option 3 payments can only be made via the College Direct Debit Scheme or by providing credit card details for automatic processing.
- Payment Option 4 — Eighteen equal fortnightly instalments: commencing 13 February 2026 and processed fortnightly to 9 October 2026. Option 4 payments can only be made via the College Direct Debit Scheme or by providing credit card details.
- Accepted credit cards: Mastercard and Visa only.
- Special fee payment arrangements can be made in advance with the College Finance Office. Split billing between two parents/guardians is available with signed written authorisation returned by the specified date.

Other costs and optional charges
- Subject and curriculum fees: the Curriculum & Resource Levy covers many incidental charges; subject‑specific fees (for example, Design & Technology workshop, Outdoor Education, Marine Studies) are listed for particular year groups and, where charged, are generally non‑refundable after subjects commence. Examples include: Year 9 Outdoor Education AUD 200; Marine Studies AUD 90; Year 12 Outdoor Education AUD 700; other subject‑related charges vary by subject and year.
- Music tuition: private instrumental lessons incur additional fees; details and costs are available from the Music Department. Optional excursions and tours (e.g., Canberra trip, language tours, drama tours) are charged separately. Students are not eligible to participate in optional excursions unless tuition and compulsory charges are fully paid or payments are up to date.
- Parent Council Levy: AUD 60 per family (annual).
- Compulsory Facilities & Grounds Levy: AUD 1,950 per family (annual, not tax deductible).

Sibling discounts and financial assistance
- Sibling discount on the tuition component only: 10% reduction for the second sibling and 20% reduction for the third and subsequent siblings (conditions apply; to receive the 20% reduction all siblings must be enrolled in senior school). All other fees and charges remain payable in full. The College offers the Catherine McAuley Bursary and Financial Hardship Concessions for eligible families; bursaries and concessions apply to the tuition component only and have separate application requirements and deadlines.

Withdrawal and refund information
- Application fee (AUD 150) and Enrolment Confirming Fee (AUD 2,000) are non‑refundable.
- Day students: written notice of withdrawal to the Principal requires a full term's notice. If a full term's notice is not provided, one‑third of the current annual tuition fee will be charged in lieu of notice. All remaining levies remain payable in full.
- Boarding students: boarding fees are calculated on a whole‑year basis. Withdrawal from the boarding house during the year requires a full semester's written notice. If due notice is not provided, full annual boarding fees will be charged in lieu of notice. All remaining levies remain payable in full. There is no pro‑rata adjustment for students enrolling or leaving part way through the year.

Consequences of unpaid fees and insurance
- The College may take legal action to recover unpaid fees; any recovery costs (including debt collection and solicitor fees) will be charged to the family account. Continuance of enrolment cannot be guaranteed while fees remain outstanding unless an alternative arrangement is agreed with the Principal.
- Student Care Insurance: students are covered by Catholic Church Insurance Student Care Insurance with limited cover; families are advised to check personal health and property insurance arrangements.

Payment methods
- Direct Debit via the College Direct Debit Scheme (required for some instalment options).
- Credit card (Mastercard and Visa only) when authorised for automatic processing on scheduled payment dates.
- Cash, cheque, or direct deposit into the College bank account (available for certain payment options).

(Amounts and terms presented above reflect the College's published 2026 fees, charges and business arrangements.)
Academics

Santa Maria College teaches Australian Curriculum for students aged 10 to 18.

Curriculum
Curriculum is aligned with the Western Australian curriculum. Core learning areas are Religion, English, Mathematics, Science and HaSS (Humanities and Social Sciences), complemented by electives and co‑curricular activities. Years 7–10 offer four Science electives. Connecting Learning to Life guides learning, and the emPOWER program teaches life skills and leadership. IGNITE provides enrichment for Gifted and Talented students in Years 5–8 (withdrawal in Years 5–7, elective in Year 8). Learning Enrichment supports literacy and numeracy, and Curriculum Handbooks are available for Years 5–6, 7–9, 10, and 11–12.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class sizes are 24–25 in Years 5–6, 22–24 in Years 7–9, and fewer than 24 in most senior classes.

Exam Results
In 2024, Year 12 comprised 190 students: ATAR pathway 129 students (68%), ACCESS (VET) 46 students (25%), UniReady 15 students (8%). Median ATAR 87.8; Highest ATAR 98.95; ATAR 95+ 21%; ATAR 90+ 40%; ATAR 80–90 34.8%; ATAR 70–80 13.9%; ATAR less than 70 11.6%. 65 Awards; Certificates of Excellence 5; Certificates of Distinction 21; Certificates of Merit 39. NAPLAN 2024 results were above national averages with 100% participation.

Higher Education Progression
ATAR pathway to university remains common; in 2024 Year 12 breakdown was ATAR 68%, ACCESS (VET) 25%, UniReady 8%. Median ATAR 87.8; Highest ATAR 98.95. The College provides pathways to university via ATAR, ACCESS (VET), UniReady and UniPath.

Gifted and Talented
IGNITE is Santa Maria College's enrichment program for Gifted and Talented students in Years 5–8. In Years 5–7 IGNITE is offered through a withdrawal program and in Year 8 as an elective, with units focused on creative work, high‑order thinking and problem‑solving, including STEM and creative arts.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school prioritizes wellbeing and personal development within a Mercy-values community. Learning extends beyond the classroom through co-curricular opportunities, leadership pathways, and service initiatives that help students thrive. The Mercy values of Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service, and Excellence guide daily interactions and student wellbeing. The College emphasizes a safe, supportive environment where girls are known, cared for, and supported to grow in confidence and character.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Enrichment is provided through the Enrichment Centre, with literacy and numeracy support delivered by Learning Enrichment teachers for Years 5–12. Enrichment Centre offers literacy and numeracy support inside the classroom and in small groups to help students progress. IGNITE provides Gifted and Talented extension for Years 5–8, including STEM and creative arts, to challenge and extend students.

Mental Wellbeing
Santa Maria College provides a safe, supportive learning environment so students can thrive. Wellbeing and personal development are central to the College's approach, reinforced by Mercy values that guide relationships and care. The College supports student resilience and emotional growth through pastoral care and a broad program of co-curricular opportunities and service initiatives. These elements collectively underpin the school's focus on student wellbeing and mental health.

Safeguarding
The school follows the Mercy Education Limited (MEL) Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy. The policy rests on six Safeguarding Pillars—Compassion, Justice, Respect, Hospitality, Service, and Courage—driving governance, culture, and practice. Leadership at board, executive, and school levels champions child safety and wellbeing and monitors safeguarding performance. Recruitment and screening are rigorous, including Working With Children Checks, reference checks, and verification of qualifications. Clear, accessible pathways exist for families to raise concerns, and safeguarding information is publicly available; the policy applies to all environments, including online and off-campus activities.
Parent Experience

History
Mercy heritage began with seven Sisters of Mercy arriving in Perth in 1846, led by Mother Ursula Frayne. They opened their first school on St George's Terrace in February 1846. As enrolments grew, a boarding school and other facilities were built, and Santa Maria College opened its doors in Attadale in 1938. The post-war period brought rapid expansion around the College; today Santa Maria College is a vibrant community of over 1200 students from Years 5 to 12 with modern facilities and leadership in technology and innovative education.

Community
Santa Maria College is a community of belonging formed by students, alumni, parents, volunteers and staff. It lives by Mercy values: Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service and Excellence, and provides a safe, supportive learning environment for students to thrive. The community is built on strong traditions and a welcoming atmosphere, with volunteering and groups that reflect the College's faith and values.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent Voice is an active platform for dynamic discussions on important community matters, with gatherings three times a year in Terms 1–3 and a fourth session in Term 4 to decide projects to fund with the Parent Levy through democratic voting. Parent Representatives are two or three representatives per year group who work with administrative staff to organise functions that encourage parent get-togethers and other community-building activities. Women of Santa and Men of Santa host termly social networking evenings with guest speakers; Men of Santa also runs a Years 5 and 6 Father–Daughter camp in Term 1. Santa Ministry works with the Mothers' Retreat and supports families in need through Santa Assist. The Boarding Committee meets each term with the Director of Boarding to share feedback and discuss boarding issues. These groups enhance community involvement and ensure parent voices are heard. For more information, contact Santa Maria College.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has beautiful, modern facilities and leads in technology and innovative education. The Cultural Centre houses Djinda Theatre (a 642-seat theatre), Trocaire Studio (black box theatre), Kaarlak Studio (dance studio), and Catherine Courtyard. Public art in the entry spaces, Knowledge Walk, welcomes students and connects them with the College's story. Recent enhancements include new bus bays on Moreing Road, refurbished Village rooms, air conditioning in Music tutor rooms, and new lockers and boarding bedroom doors. The Chapel has been renovated to support Masses and spiritual gatherings.

Sports Facilities
The College pool, gymnasium, courts and oval are used for Physical Education and co-curricular activities. The College competes in athletics, cross-country, swimming, basketball, netball, cricket, soccer, hockey and AFL football as part of the JIGSSA.

Academic Facilities
Science facilities include the Superlab and dedicated science labs with specialised equipment and access to science teachers and technicians. There are spaces for Art, Drama and Music, including a theatre and music rooms designed for individual lessons. The Years 5 and 6 classrooms open directly onto outdoor spaces to support flexible learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts and performing arts spaces include Djinda Theatre (642-seat theatre), Trocaire Studio (black box theatre), Kaarlak Studio (dance studio) and Catherine Courtyard. The culture centre and arts facilities enable performances and creative learning in music, movement and imagination. Arts spaces include an art gallery, theatre and music rooms designed for individual lessons. Co-curricular activities include athletics, cross-country, swimming, basketball, netball, cricket, soccer, hockey and AFL football.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Co-curricular Activities include faith, academic, cultural and sporting activities. Debating teams and science electives support intellectual engagement beyond the classroom. The IGNITE Gifted & Talented Program (Years 5–8) blends STEM and creative arts with project-based assessments to foster growth. Transformative Learning Partnerships connect students with industry leaders and community organisations for authentic, real-world learning.

Arts & Creative
Makers Studio provides after-school arts and design activities for Years 5 and 6, giving girls a dedicated space to create, experiment and bring ideas to life. Sessions run weekly on Tuesdays from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm and focus on hands-on crafts and design projects. Students explore media such as drawing, painting and sculpture, building confidence and creative skills. Makers Studio reflects the college's co-curricular emphasis on creativity and making.

Cultural & Language
Co-curricular Activities include faith-based and cultural activities alongside academic and sporting options. These offerings enable students to engage with cultural experiences during their time at Santa Maria. The Mercy heritage informs campus life with the values of Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service and Excellence guiding student interactions and service.

Social & Hobbies
The Co-curricular Program includes a debating team and music ensembles. Students can engage in community service projects through the co-curricular program. There are student clubs such as the Santa Maria College Book Club. IGSSA sports provide additional social and recreational opportunities through team participation.

Community & Service
Community service projects are part of the co-curricular program. Santa Maria emphasises Mercy values—Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service and Excellence—in student life and service initiatives. Students engage in service projects and partnerships with community organisations to support others. These activities reinforce social responsibility and community connection.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership pathways are offered as part of the Learning for Life framework. Transformative Learning Partnerships connect students with industry leaders, community organisations and educational institutions for authentic, real-world learning. The emPOWER program develops social, personal, thinking and technical attributes to prepare students for leadership and responsible citizenship. The IGNITE Gifted & Talented Program also fosters leadership and initiative through challenging, project-based learning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a central focus with a Mental Health Strategy that supports mental, emotional and social wellbeing. The strategy provides a range of supports and programs to help students flourish within and beyond the school environment. A caring school culture, Mercy values and supportive staff contribute to a safe, inclusive learning community.
Languages

Language Provision
French and Italian are taught within the Languages Learning Area. Language study is compulsory for all Year 7 and 8 students and optional in Year 9. The Year 7 French course is a beginner course, and the Year 7 Italian course is also a beginner course.

Immersion Programs
An exchange program provides language immersion experiences for French learners. The College maintains exchanges with France and with a French-speaking country (Réunion Island) to support language learning in real-life settings.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit the Application for Enrolment. Applications for enrolment can be submitted at any time, and families are encouraged to apply early to improve the chance of securing a place. The enrolment process is online and begins by registering with an email address and submitting the form, with a non-refundable fee of $150. 2. Understand how offers are prioritised. Offers are made according to the Enrolment Policy priorities when applications exceed available places. Priority is given to children and families who support the Catholic Mission of the College, current or previously enrolled students, alumni, or staff members, children of families who have supported Catholic Education, and children who value the all-girls environment. 3. Prepare for interviews. Interviews for Year 5 occur one year before starting, and for Year 7 three years before commencement; entry at other year levels may be considered if places are available. The Parish Priest Reference Form can be downloaded and forwarded to your Parish Priest or Church Minister, but this recommendation is not mandatory. 4. Complete enrolment steps and access resources. To complete your enrolment, register and submit the online application; after submission, use the Parent Dashboard to access or update the application. Families may book a campus tour and request an enrolment pack for additional information. 5. Contact for personalised support. For questions or personalised support, the Admissions team is the first point of contact; contact details are provided for assistance.

Scholarships
The Catherine McAuley Bursary provides financial assistance to families of current students who require help and hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. Bursaries and Concession are not continuous and require annual reapplication if further assistance is needed, with a meeting with the Business Manager required before assessment. Bursaries close on 1 April of the current year and are not available for Years 5, 6, 7, or in the first year at the College. Financial Hardship Concession is available for short-term fee relief and also requires annual reapplication if needed.
School Events
The school has not added events
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