Apply Online
Application Process
We are currently finalising enrolments for Pre-School, Kindergarten, Year 3 and Year 7, in 2020. You can join any waitlist at any time, including waitlists for 2019, by submitting an application. We welcome you to contact the Admissions Office if you have questions.
STEP 1: EXPLORE THE SCHOOL
Families are invited to explore the School by browsing the website, attending an open day or regional visit, or by contacting the Admissions Office.
STEP 2: APPLICATION
Families are encouraged to submit an application as early as possible. Applicants will be placed on the Registration List, also known as Waitlist when an application is submitted and the non-refundable Registration Fee of $175 is paid. The submission of an application does not guarantee the offer of a place. From 1 May 2018, positions on the Waitlist are determined by age at application. Please note that applications will only be accepted once a child has been born. The School will contact families on the Waitlists for main entry points via email, to confirm their continued desire for entry to the School. For more information, please see our FAQs and Admissions Policy.
The main points of entry for the School are listed below. Applications for entry to all other year groups are welcome, though available places are limited.
The main points of entry for the School are:
| Year Group | Open to | Age requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-School | day students | must turn 3 by 30 April in year of entry |
| Pre-Kindergarten Northside | day students | must turn 4 by 30 April in year of entry |
| Kindergarten Southside | day students | must turn 5 by 30 April in year of entry |
| Year 3 | day students | must turn 8 by 30 April in year of entry |
| Year 7 | day students boarding (boys & girls from 2019) |
must turn 12 by 30 April in year of entry |
| Year 11 | day students boarding (boys & girls from 2019) |
must turn 16 by 30 April in year of entry |
Applications for entry to all other year groups are welcome. Applicants will be invited for assessment and interview as places become available.
Scholarships
Applicants wishing to apply for a scholarship in Years 7 or 11 should also apply online. The Scholarship exam is held at the School in March in the year before entry.
STEP 3: INTERVIEW
Applicants will only be invited to attend an interview if a place is available. Please note that for the main entry points, the interview may be completed after an offer has been accepted.
Canberra Grammar School offers an academically-oriented curriculum, focusing on all levels of academic effort. Through an interview and an analysis of previous reports and NAPLAN results, applicants must demonstrate sufficient academic aptitude, personal maturity and good conduct. The assessment and interview process differs depending on the desired entry level.
Pre-School to Year 2
Applicants for entry in any year at this stage attend, with their parents/guardians, an interview with a senior member of the Primary staff. Families are asked to send previous school, early learning centre or childcare centre reports for consideration prior to the interview. Parents/guardians must complete a questionnaire prior to the interview. During the interview, students will be observed during play and may undertake a cognitive and/or social assessment to determine their ability to access the School’s learning programme. If applicants are not yet thought to be ready, they may be offered the opportunity to defer their applications to a later year.
Year 3 to Year 6
Applicants for entry in any year at this stage attend, with their parents/guardians, an interview with a senior member of the Primary staff. Families are asked to send previous school reports, and NAPLAN results where applicable, for consideration prior to the interview. Parents/guardians, with the student, must complete a questionnaire prior to the interview. They may also undertake some aptitude testing to determine their ability to access the School’s curriculum or to assist with class placement.
Year 7 to Year 11
Applicants for entry in any year at this stage attend, with their parents/guardians, an interview with a member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team. The student must complete a questionnaire prior to the interview. The interviewer will discuss all areas of School life, the student’s interests and areas of potential support, subject selections where relevant, and the School’s expectations.
STEP 4: OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE
If an offer of a place is made, parents will be informed via email and asked to return the signed acceptance form with the payment of the non-refundable School Renewal Charge to secure the enrolment. Parents/guardians must also complete a Student and Family Information Form for each student commencing. Accepting a place at the School includes acceptance of the School’s formal terms and conditions of enrolment, provided with the offer.
Once a child’s offer of a place has been accepted, the School will provide login details to our information and communication portal, CGS Connect, which will contain information about orientation events, parent information sessions, uniform information, textbook requirements, co-curricular activities, and other relevant announcements. A year’s Fee Schedule is usually released in the preceding December and payment options are forwarded to families with the invoice for the first term’s fees in January.
ADMISSIONS OFFICE
Ms Huma Cheema - Registrar T +61 (2) 6260 9744 E admissions@cgs.act.edu.au Ms Lucy Welsh - Assistant Registrar T +61 (2) 6260 9617 E admissions@cgs.act.edu.au
