The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding), Co-educational
Opened 1899
Bus Service No
Dr Sandra Hastie
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, French, German, Japanese
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Somerville House is a private girls' day and boarding school in Brisbane, offering a Prep to Year 12 education with boarding from Year 5 and an Early Learning Centre for Pre-Prep. The school delivers an IB framework, with Primary Years Programme in the Junior School and a Diploma Programme authorised from 2026, welcoming the first DP cohort that year. The Academic Program follows the Australian Curriculum framework and is guided by Engagement, Excellence, Empowerment, and Diversity. In the Junior School, specialist learning includes Visual Art, Music, Drama, Languages (French from Prep to Year 6 with immersion days in Chinese, Japanese and German) and Outdoor Environmental Learning. In the Senior School, students study English, Mathematics, Science, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Technologies, The Arts, and Music Extension, with pathways into VET and university subjects. Facilities include the Murray Evans Sports and Aquatic Centre, Tennis Centre, and SomerFields grounds, complemented by a co-curricular program.
Somerville House has 1,385 pupils, instruction in English.
Location
17 Graham Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia. The school is located in the heart of Brisbane. It is a Pre-Prep to Year 12, day and boarding school for girls. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA).
Stages
Pre-Prep to Year 12
Type
Private girls day and boarding school
Country affiliation
Australia
Religious affiliation
Presbyterian and Methodist (PMSA)
Fees
Annual tuition at Somerville House ranges from AUD 23,620 to AUD 31,872 for 2026/27.
Application and Enrolment Fees
- Registration fee (non‑refundable): AUD 350. - Enrolment fee (non‑refundable): AUD 1,200. - Confirmation fee (non‑refundable; credited against the first fee instalment in the year of entry): AUD 3,000.
Tuition fees (per quarter and per annum) — Domestic students domiciled in Australia
- Pre‑Prep: Quarterly AUD 5,905; Per annum AUD 23,620. (Pre‑Prep is a government‑approved kindergarten program; any Free Kindy subsidy and applicable Child Care Subsidy are shown as credits on fee statements and offset against the published Pre‑Prep fee.)
- Prep to Year 4: Quarterly AUD 6,100; Per annum AUD 24,400.
- Years 5 to 6: Quarterly AUD 6,755; Per annum AUD 27,020.
- Senior School (Years 7 to 11): Quarterly AUD 7,968; Per annum AUD 31,872. (Note: Years 3 to 12 tuition includes a fully supported laptop.)
- Year 12: Billed across three terms/quarters (Terms/Quarters 1 to 3) at Quarterly AUD 10,624; Per annum AUD 31,872.
Boarding fees (additional to tuition for boarders)
- Boarding (Years 5 to 11): Quarterly AUD 7,830; Per annum AUD 31,320. - Year 12 boarding: Billed across three quarters (Quarter 1 to 3) at Quarterly AUD 10,440; Per annum AUD 31,320.
Ancillary and other costs
- Voluntary Building Fund (Somerville House Foundation Ltd): Quarterly AUD 250; Per annum AUD 1,000 (tax‑deductible donation). - IB Diploma Programme Exam fee (Year 11 & 12 IB students only): AUD 700. - Uniforms (formal and HPE) — estimate only: approximately AUD 1,500. - Textbooks and stationery — estimate only: approximately AUD 600–900. - Camps and excursions — estimate only: approximately AUD 400. - Co‑curricular uniforms and some activity‑specific costs must be purchased separately and are charged in addition to the above estimates.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing frequency: Quarterly planned invoices. - 2026 planned invoice issue and payment due dates (example schedule used by the School): - January invoice issued Monday 19 January 2026; payment due Friday 30 January 2026. - April invoice issued Monday 13 April 2026; payment due Friday 24 April 2026. - July invoice issued Monday 06 July 2026; payment due Friday 17 July 2026. - September invoice issued Monday 28 September 2026; payment due Friday 09 October 2026. - A term's written notice is required when withdrawing a student; otherwise one term's fee may be charged in lieu of notice.
Discounts and concessions
- Upfront payment discount: 2.5% discount for annual payment of tuition and boarding fees when paid on or prior to Wednesday 14 January 2026 (applied after other concessions). - Sibling concession: 10% sibling discount for families with an older sibling attending a PMSA school; the sibling discount does not apply if any other scholarship, bursary or discount (except the upfront discount) is applied.
Refund information
- Registration, enrolment and confirmation fees are non‑refundable in general; the confirmation fee is credited against the first fee instalment in the year of entry where applicable. - International student refund rules (examples): - The Application for Registration fee is non‑refundable. - If a student's visa application is unsuccessful, the Enrolment Acceptance fee may be refundable in accordance with the School's international refund procedures. - If a visa is refused and evidence is provided, the School will refund the total amount of course fees received before the default day within four weeks of a written claim. If a visa is refused after course commencement, tuition fees will be retained proportionate to the portion of the course already undertaken and any unused tuition fees will be refunded within four weeks. - For non‑commencement without notification, registration and acceptance fees plus one term's tuition and boarding fees will be retained; the remainder will be refunded. For non‑commencement with notification at least four weeks prior to commencement, tuition fees received will be refunded less registration and acceptance fees. - All refund requests and notices of withdrawal must be made in writing to the Principal (international student refund procedures include timeframes and calculation rules). Refunds are generally reimbursed in the same currency in which they were paid.
Payment options and practical payment terms
- Preferred payment method: Credit card via Parent Lounge (credit card payments incur a surcharge of 1%). BPay is also accepted. A cash limit of AUD 10,000 per fee statement applies. - Fee accounts provide full details of available payment methods and instructions; contact the Finance Department at fees@somerville.qld.edu.au or +61 7 3248 9277 for billing enquiries.
GST and tax notes
- Fees and charges quoted are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST) except for registration fees and the portion of boarding fees relating to the provision of meals, which attract GST. Voluntary Building Fund donations are endorsed as tax‑deductible where applicable.
Academics
Somerville House teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum.
Curriculum
Somerville House offers a Prep to Year 12 education, with boarding available from Year 5 and a dedicated Early Learning Centre providing Pre-Prep. The Academic Program is built on the School's Curriculum Framework and guided by four principles: Engagement, Excellence, Empowerment, and Diversity. Junior School features Specialist Learning in Visual Art, Music, Drama, Health and Physical Education, Languages (French taught from Prep to Year 6 with annual immersion days in Chinese, Japanese and German), Chess, and Christian Education with Chapel, alongside the Somerville Outdoor Environmental Learning program for Prep to Year 2 and a strong wellbeing focus. Senior School covers English, Mathematics, Science, Commerce, Humanities, Christian Education, Health and Physical Education, Languages, Technologies, The Arts, and Music Extension, with Senior Pathways that include Vocational Education and Training (VET) and the option for Year 12 students to study university subjects. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School, with the Primary Years Programme in the Junior School and a Diploma Programme authorized from 2026, opening global pathways to study at universities worldwide; the first DP cohort is expected in 2026.
Student Teacher Ratio
Pre-Prep classes have a maximum of 22 children; there is one degree-qualified teacher and one diploma-qualified educator in each class, with a National Quality Standard ratio of one educator to eleven students. The Early Learning Centre can accommodate up to 88 students.
Exam Results
From the Class of 2025: 9.35% in Queensland's top 1% with an ATAR of 99+; 29.9% in Queensland's top 5% with an ATAR of 95+; 52.3% in Queensland's top 10% with an ATAR of 90+; 84.11% in Queensland's top 20% with an ATAR of 80+. The Class of 2025 achieved a median ATAR of 91.6 and 30 students achieved a Diploma of Business; 99% of students were ATAR eligible. All Year 12 students are enrolled in 5 or 6 academic subjects, with some electing a Diploma of Business as their fifth or sixth subject and 7 perfect scores across subjects being recorded.
Higher Education Progression
The 2024 Annual Report notes that the IB Programme opens global pathways for students to study at prestigious universities around the world, and Somerville House will be the only girls' school offering the IB Diploma Programme in Queensland from 2026, with a first cohort in 2026. Year 12 students can undertake university subjects as part of their program, and students have engaged in university-focused experiences such as the QUT Future You Summit (Year 11–12 participants).
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a Culture of Care Wellbeing Framework embedded in school life, guiding positive social and emotional wellbeing for all students, staff, parents, and community members. It promotes values of courage, compassion, inclusion, integrity, gratitude, and respect, grounded in Christian ethos. The framework is implemented across classrooms, Boarding, and campus life to build belonging, resilience, leadership, and the ability to meet life's challenges. Sisters Connect connects Big Sisters with Little Sisters across year levels to promote belonging, empathy, and communication through activities such as painting, reading, drawing and dancing.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Overseas students must provide an IELTS-based English proficiency report prior to entry, with minimum level requirements by year (for example Level 4+ for younger years and Level 7 for Years 11–12).
Mental Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Framework emphasises positive social and emotional wellbeing for the whole school community, fostering values such as courage, compassion, inclusion, integrity, gratitude and respect. It aims to help students be brave, initiate ideas, seek help when needed, build resilience, and connect with others; it also supports belonging and a culture of care across all school activities.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a priority. There is a zero-tolerance approach to harm and safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the school community. Dedicated Child Protection Officers are available, and staff receive regular child protection training. The school maintains a Child Protection Policy, Risk Management Strategy, and safeguarding processes; policies are publicly available; for concerns contact safeguarding@somerville.qld.edu.au or +61 7 3248 9200.
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1: Complete the Application for Registration Form. A non-refundable fee of $350 per student applies. The School admits girls into Pre-Prep, Prep, Year 3, Year 5 and Year 7, and boarding is available from Year 5.Placements commence approximately three years prior to entry. Step 2: For Years 3, 5 & 7, approximately three years prior to the expected start date you will be invited to complete an Application for Enrolment and additional required documentation will be requested; for Pre-Prep and Prep, approximately 12 months prior to start you will be invited to complete an Application for Enrolment. The completion of the Application for Enrolment does not guarantee acceptance. Step 3: Upon receipt of the completed Enrolment form, you and your child will be invited to interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team to discuss the application. Places are only offered after the interview and at the discretion of the School. Not all students interviewed will be offered places due to the limited number of placements. Step 4: Upon offer, sign the official Agreement and pay a non-refundable acceptance fee of $1,200. At the commencement of Term 3 in the year before entry, a non-refundable confirmation fee of $3,000 must be paid and will be credited to the first fee instalment. These payments are part of the enrolment process. For further information on additional avenues for school entry visit Scholarships.
Scholarships
The School offers Academic Scholarships, Boarding Scholarships, Foundation Scholarships, Music Scholarships and Sport Scholarships for Australian students entering Years 7 to 12. All scholarships are means-tested and awarded after assessment through the ACER Academic Scholarship Test, with scholarships available as full or partial and tenable for the duration of the student's education, subject to satisfactory academic progress and contribution to school life. A student may apply for multiple scholarships, but only one can be awarded per student. Boarding Scholarships are available for girls from regional or rural Queensland entering Years 7 or 8; Foundation scholarships are funded by the Somerville House Foundation; Music Scholarships and Sport Scholarships have specific criteria including ensembles and sporting achievement. Scholarship applications for 2027 have closed; submit interest for 2028 scholarships.
Waitlist
Placements are limited and waiting lists are carefully maintained and updated regularly.
FAQs
What age range does Somerville House serve?
Somerville House serves girls from age 4 in Pre-Prep through to Year 12. Boarding is available from Year 5, and the school is located in South Brisbane.
Does the school offer boarding?
Yes, boarding is available from Year 5 to Year 12, with around 100 local, rural, and overseas boarders. Modern bedrooms, shared leisure spaces, supervised study, and city views are provided.
What are the academic results?
The Class of 2025 achieved a median ATAR of 91.6, with 9.35% in the top 1% nationally, 29.9% in the top 5%, and 52.3% in the top 10%. 30 students achieved A in six or more subjects.
What are the tuition fees?
Registration is AUD 350, enrolment AUD 1,200, and confirmation AUD 3,000. Pre-Prep tuition is AUD 23,620 per year, rising through year levels to AUD 31,872 for Year 12.
Will the school offer the IB?
Yes, Somerville House will be the only girls' school in Queensland offering the IB Diploma Programme from 2026, with the first cohort beginning that year.
What languages are taught?
French is taught from Prep to Year 6 with annual immersion days in Chinese, Japanese, and German. Secondary students choose languages for further study.
What wellbeing framework does the school use?
The Culture of Care Wellbeing Framework promotes courage, compassion, inclusion, integrity, gratitude, and respect. Sisters Connect links Big Sisters with Little Sisters across houses.
What sporting facilities are available?
The Murray Evans Sports and Aquatic Centre features a 50m eight-lane pool with movable bulkhead, indoor sports hall, gymnastics annex, and strength and conditioning gym. SomerFields grounds are 10km away.
What co-curricular activities are offered?
Activities include chess, debating (QDU competitions), robotics, music ensembles, drama, and numerous sports. The College offers badminton, basketball, netball, tennis, and gymnastics clubs.
How do I apply?
Submit the Application for Registration with the AUD 350 fee. Entry points are Pre-Prep, Prep, Year 3, Year 5, and Year 7. Placements commence approximately three years before entry.
Are scholarships available?
Academic, Boarding, Foundation, Music, and Sport Scholarships are offered for Australian students entering Years 7-12. All are competitive and merit-based.
What is the school's history?
Founded in 1899 as The Brisbane High School for Girls by Miss Eliza Fewings, the school is now owned by the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association and has been in South Brisbane since 1919.
