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Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Mandarin, German, Indonesian, Latin, Spanish
Typical class size 22
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Canberra Grammar School is an independent Anglican day and boarding school in Canberra, Australia, educating about 2,000 students on two campuses. The Red Hill campus houses girls' boarding and refurbished boys' housing, with Wi-Fi, study spaces and modern bathrooms. The school offers an IB World School program—PYP, MYP (candidate in Years 7–9) and DP—integrated with the Australian Curriculum. Year 11–12 provides a choice between the IB Diploma Programme and the NSW Higher School Certificate, making CGS the only Canberra school to offer both options. Facilities include the Snow Concert Hall and Music Centre (1,400 seats), Tim Murray Theatre, on-site libraries, a Health Clinic, and an indoor heated pool, plus eight tennis courts and six ovals. Signature features include the co-curricular Education Programme linked to IB CAS, extensive performing arts, languages with international tours and exchanges, and a broad outdoor education and service program.
Canberra Grammar School has 2,250 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.
Location
Canberra Grammar School is located in Canberra, ACT, Australia. The Red Hill campus at 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill 2603 houses the Senior School and Red Hill Primary School (Pre-School to Year 6). The Campbell Campus – Northside is in Campbell (33 Blamey Crescent, Campbell 2612) and provides the Northside Primary Campus (Pre-K to Year 2).
Stages
Primary School operates across two campuses: Red Hill Campus (Pre-School to Year 6) and Campbell Campus – Northside (Pre-K to Year 2). Senior School is located on the Red Hill campus (Year 7 to 12).
Type
Independent Anglican day and boarding school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Students from more than 40 nations are represented.
Additional learning support
Inclusive Learning Department provides additional learning support.
Country affiliation
Australia
Religious affiliation
Anglican
Fees
Annual tuition at Canberra Grammar School ranges from AUD 13,775 to AUD 34,880 for 2026/27.
Enrolment / Application fees
- Registration Fee: AUD 220 (non‑refundable, payable with each application). - School Renewal Charge (SRC): AUD 3,200 (compulsory, non‑refundable, payable on confirmation of enrolment). For students entering in Year 11 who have not previously paid the SRC: AUD 1,600.
Tuition fees (annual and per‑term / instalment by year group)
- Early Learning (Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten): - Part‑time (annual): AUD 13,775. Invoiced fortnightly in arrears (Early Learning and CGS Care). - Full‑time (annual): AUD 27,550. Invoiced fortnightly in arrears (Early Learning and CGS Care).
- Primary School (annual / per term = annual ÷ 4): - Kindergarten – Year 2: AUD 24,825 (per term: AUD 6,206.25). - Years 3 – 4: AUD 27,875 (per term: AUD 6,968.75). - Years 5 – 6: AUD 29,050 (per term: AUD 7,262.50).
- Senior School (annual / per term): - Year 7: AUD 33,705 (per term: AUD 8,426.25). - Years 8 – 10: AUD 34,350 (per term: AUD 8,587.50). - Year 11: AUD 34,880 (per term: AUD 8,720.00; Year 11 tuition is billed in four equal instalments). - Year 12: AUD 34,880 (billed in three equal instalments over the first three terms; per instalment approximately AUD 11,626.67).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Early Learning and CGS Care: invoiced fortnightly in arrears. Kindergarten – Year 11 tuition: billed in four equal instalments; Year 12 tuition: billed in three equal instalments over the first three terms. Boarding follows the same instalment pattern (Years 7–11 billed in four instalments; Year 12 boarding billed in three instalments). Statements are emailed monthly and are available on CGS Connect. - 2026 tuition/boarding due dates (terms): 3 February (Term 1), 20 April (Term 2), 21 July (Term 3), 12 October (Term 4). Tuition and boarding fees are to be paid in full on the first day of term unless paying by direct debit. Additional charges are billed on monthly statements and are due 14 days from statement date. - Late fee: a late fee of AUD 160 may be charged if an account is not paid in full by the first day of term or where payment arrangements lapse.
Boarding fees
- Senior School boarding (annual): - Full‑time (annual): AUD 36,485. - Weekly (annual): AUD 30,975. - Casual boarding: AUD 250 (casual rate). - Boarding billing: Years 7–11 billed in four equal instalments; Year 12 boarding billed in three instalments over the first three terms. Year 12 boarders are expected to continue boarding until the end of their exams in Term 4; boarders who leave prior to exams are not eligible for boarding fee remission.
Compulsory ancillary charges and levies
- School Resource and Excursion Charge (compulsory, non‑refundable): applied in four equal instalments to student accounts. Per term charges: Pre‑School (per term) AUD 95; Kindergarten – Year 2 (per term) AUD 92.50; Years 3 – 4 (per term) AUD 112.50; Years 5 – 6 (per term) AUD 117.50. This charge covers book packs, core student resources and compulsory incursions/excursions (does not cover outdoor education or voluntary activities). - School Learning Device Programme (SLDP) levy (compulsory, non‑refundable; applied in four equal instalments): Year 3 (per term) AUD 125; Years 4–5 (per term) AUD 117; Year 6 (per term) AUD 102; Year 7 (per term) AUD 200. - Music and co‑curricular charges: instrument hire (per semester) AUD 200; refundable bond for instrument hire AUD 300; private music tuition billed by teacher; Instrumental Opportunities Programme AUD 1,050; Co‑curricular levy (Kindergarten – Year 12) AUD 200 per year. Parents and Friends Levy: AUD 35 per family, charged annually.
CGS Care and Early Learning additional fees
- Before School Care (per session): permanent booking AUD 27; casual booking AUD 30. After School Care: permanent booking AUD 45; casual booking AUD 48. School Holiday Programme: AUD 120; expanded School Holiday Programme AUD 150–AUD 175. Late pickup fee (after 6:00pm): AUD 60. Early Learning and CGS Care charges are invoiced fortnightly.
Other likely family costs (estimates where listed)
- Uniform (approximate on commencing at the School): AUD 1,000 – AUD 1,500 (estimate shown for full‑fee overseas students schedule). - Textbooks (Years 7 – 12): approximate family purchase cost AUD 300 – AUD 600. - Co‑curricular sport charges (approx per semester): AUD 350 – AUD 500. Outdoor Education: charged by number of days and billed separately; typical range shown AUD 175 – AUD 300 per day for domestic schedule and AUD 350 – AUD 1,500 in the overseas schedule depending on program; outdoor education fees are billed separately to school fees over four instalments. Additional excursions, camps, medical/travel costs for boarders and optional activities will be charged to the student account as applicable.
Refunds, remissions and special cases
- General refund policy: tuition and boarding fees are non‑refundable and are not subject to pro‑rata payments. There is no discount for pre‑payment of fees. Special consideration for remission may be given in circumstances such as long‑term student illness, but no general remission is offered for absences due to leave or suspension. - Leave of Absence / Withdrawal / Change of boarding status: written notice one full term prior to absence, withdrawal or boarding change is required. In the absence of required notice, half a term's applicable tuition and/or boarding fees may be payable (and other specific conditions apply for re‑entry or change of status). - Overseas student (FFPOS) refund and provider default rules: specific protections and refund processes apply for full‑fee overseas students, including provider default provisions and references to the Tuition Protection Service for unresolved refund issues. Overseas students must also maintain private health cover for the duration of enrolment in compliance with visa requirements.
Payment methods and charges
- Early Learning and CGS Care fees: payable by direct debit only. Kindergarten – Year 12 fees: payable by direct debit, cheque, BPay or credit card. Credit card surcharge at time of payment: Visa/Mastercard 0.755% plus GST; AMEX 1.95% plus GST. If direct debit payments fall more than two payments in arrears the School may cancel the direct debit agreement and standard payment terms will apply. All signatories to the Enrolment Contract are jointly and severally liable for fees. Family discount on tuition and boarding for K–Y12: 7.5% for second child, 15% for third child, 20% for fourth and subsequent children (Pre‑School / Pre‑Kindergarten students are not eligible for the family discount).
Additional notes on billing frequency and account handling
- Kindergarten – Year 11 fees and most ancillary charges are applied in four equal instalments across the year; Year 12 tuition and Year 12 boarding are split into three instalments (first three terms). Statements are issued monthly; additional charges are billed on those statements with a 14‑day payment term. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the Business Office if experiencing difficulty meeting payment dates. Outstanding fees may result in discontinuation of enrolment and debt recovery action.
Academics
Canberra Grammar School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum.
Curriculum
IB World School – PYP (Primary), MYP (Candidate in Years 7–9), and IBDP (Years 11–12); NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) for diverse university pathways. The school integrates the IB framework with the Australian Curriculum. Year 11–12 offers a choice between the IB Diploma Programme and the NSW HSC, and CGS is the only school in Canberra to offer both the IB and HSC.
Exam Results
2023 Year 12 results showed significant improvements in HSC Economics and IBDP Global Politics. IBDP results included 60% of students in the top two bands. The IBDP Dux, Jessica Li, achieved 45/45 (equivalent to an ATAR of 99.95). HSC and IB pathways continued to show strong performance across subjects, with multiple students placing on merit lists; in 2024, over 90% of CGS graduates attend university or further study.
Higher Education Progression
Post School Destinations show offers to universities including University of Canberra (78), Australian National University (72), University of Sydney (58), Macquarie University (33), University of NSW (33), University of Wollongong (32), Monash University (18), University of Newcastle (16), University of Technology Sydney (13), Charles Sturt University (8), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (7), Western Sydney University (5), Deakin University (5), and others. The school notes that >90% of CGS graduates choose to attend university or further study.
Gifted and Talented
The Learning Development Team supports all students with evidence-based teaching and learning, with a focus on meeting the needs of gifted and talented students. The team uses universal screening, tracking and a three-tiered intervention model to support diverse learning needs, including gifted and talented students.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school knows and nurtures students as individuals, focusing on intellectual, spiritual, cultural, social and physical aspirations. Educators, Campus Directors, the Chaplain, the Individual Learning Team and other staff work in partnership with families to help each child reach their full potential. Parental and community partnerships create a strong sense of connectedness and belonging based on shared expectations, values and respectful communication. Knowledge of the child is central; educators forge positive relationships to foster belonging, security and wellbeing, listening to students' feelings and backgrounds. The school challenges learners with curiosity and courage, supports persistence, and encourages learning from mistakes to sustain independent learning. An international perspective is embedded in the program to prepare students to be global citizens in a connected world.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Support for learners with individual needs is delivered through the Individual Learning Team with involvement of Support Services and families. Educators build positive relationships to foster belonging, security and wellbeing. The program emphasises challenging students with curiosity and persistence while supporting learning from mistakes to optimise potential. The school strives to ensure each child can achieve their full potential in partnership with families.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Overseas students receive English as an additional language (EAL) support. The school offers specific EAL assistance to students for whom English is a second language. Counselling and mental health support are available on site through psychologists and counsellors. Overseas admissions include capability and achievement tests to assess language proficiency and course readiness. These supports are part of CGS's approach to welcoming international students.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental health support is provided on site through psychologists and counsellors. Support staff, including Campus Directors, the Chaplain and the Individual Learning Team, work to promote wellbeing. The Student Care & Development program emphasises positive self-concept, belonging and security. The Chaplain and support services collaborate with families to support students' emotional and social growth.
Safeguarding
The school has a Child Safe Policy and a Child Safe Programme. These safeguarding policies are publicly listed under CGS School Policies. The school commits to safeguarding and promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Explore the school. Browse CGS, attend an Open Day or Regional Visit, and contact the Admissions Office for further information. Main entry points are Pre-School (must turn 3 by 30 April in the entry year), Pre-Kindergarten Northside (must turn 4 by 30 April), Kindergarten Red Hill (must turn 5 by 30 April), Year 3 (must turn 8 by 30 April), Year 5 (must turn 10 by 30 April), Year 7 (must turn 12 by 30 April), Year 11 (must turn 16 by 30 April), and any year for boarding.
Scholarships
3. Confirm Continued Interest. Waitlisted families are contacted two years prior to entry to submit a Confirmation of Interest form and to update contact details if needed. If applying within two years of entry, this step may not be required. 4. Letter of Offer. Offers are issued in the order set out in the Admissions Policy and, ultimately, by age at application, as early as 20 months from entry year; remaining places are filled from the waitlist in later months. A place is secured when the Enrolment Contract and School Renewal Charge are paid, but finalisation requires an interview. 5. Interview. Every applicant is interviewed in the year prior to entry; overseas families may be interviewed online and boarders may tour the Boarding House. 6. Enrolment Finalised. Enrolment is finalised after endorsement from the interviewer and signing of the Enrolment Contract; orientation is arranged for calendar-year entrants and induction is provided for other entry times.
Waitlist
2. Submit an online application and join the nominated waitlist with a $220 registration fee. Applicants are added to the waitlist upon submission and receive a Confirmation of Registration email and receipt.
FAQs
What curricula does Canberra Grammar School offer?
The school offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and the Australian curriculum at senior levels, giving students flexibility in their academic pathway.
Does the school offer boarding?
Yes, CGS operates a comprehensive boarding programme with high-quality facilities staffed by qualified teachers. Boarding students come from across Australia and internationally.
What age range does the school serve?
The school serves students from Pre-School (age 3) through to Year 12 (age 18), covering early childhood, primary, and secondary education.
How diverse is the student body?
Students come from more than 40 nations, creating a culturally diverse and globally-minded community that enriches the learning environment.
When was the school founded?
Canberra Grammar School was established around 1929 and is approaching its centenary in 2029, bringing nearly a century of educational tradition and heritage.
Is the school co-educational?
Yes, CGS is a fully co-educational school welcoming both boys and girls across all year levels from Pre-School through Year 12.
What co-curricular activities are available?
The school offers extensive co-curricular programmes including sports, creative and performing arts, outdoor education, leadership programmes, and international tours.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships are available for students entering Years 7-12 across academic, co-curricular, and boarding categories. Contact the admissions office for details.
What learning support is available?
The school's Inclusive Learning programme provides tailored support for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring all students can access the full curriculum.
Where is the school located?
CGS is located at 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill, in Canberra's inner south, ACT 2603, occupying a magnificent campus with outstanding facilities.
What is the school's religious affiliation?
Canberra Grammar School is an Anglican school that welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds within an inclusive community.
How can I arrange a visit?
Prospective families can book campus tours, attend open days, or participate in regional visits and international education expos through the school's admissions pages.
