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Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Introduction
Ballarat Grammar is a boarding school in Australia with a history dating to 1876 and a campus strategy spanning Wendouree, Mount Rowan Farm, and City Cite for Year 9. The Senior School offers multiple Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority pathways, including the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the VCE Vocational Major, with VET options in Years 10–12 as part of VCE pathways, VCE VM, or School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships. Languages can be studied by Distance Education through the Victorian School of Languages. The school combines heritage buildings with modern learning spaces, a science wing, libraries, performing arts venues, and specialist arts facilities, plus sports facilities, a 25m indoor pool, and a rowing and sailing centre on Lake Wendouree. Co-curriculars emphasize Outdoor Education, the Arts, Service and Wellbeing, with a Round Square program guiding leadership, international exchanges, and global projects. A strong service ethos sits alongside pastoral support and boarding houses.
Ballarat Grammar has 1,800 pupils, typical class sizes of 8.
Location
201 Forest Street, Wendouree, VIC 3355, Australia
Stages
Junior School, Middle School and Senior School
Type
Boarding
Additional learning support
Learning Enhancement supports students with additional needs; English Co-ordinator provides classroom support; English as a Second Language support is offered; International students join boarding and have after-hours ESL classes with specialist teaching staff.
Country affiliation
Australia
Religious affiliation
Anglican
School day structure
Primary classes operate 8:45am–3:25pm with supervision 8:15am–8:45am and 3:25pm–4:00pm; Camp Australia OSHC runs 3:40pm–6:00pm after school.
Bus service
Directly outside Gate A on Howitt Street is the Ballarat bus service running into the city proper.
Fees
Annual tuition at Ballarat Grammar ranges from AUD 9,380 to AUD 28,240 for 2026/27.
Application fees and admission deposit
- Application Fee: AUD 250 per child (non‑refundable). - Admission Deposit: Junior School (entry into Prep) AUD 4,000; Middle and Senior School AUD 6,000. - Additional Admission Deposit for Boarding Students: AUD 3,000. - Minimum payment on acceptance: 50% of the Admission Deposit, with the balance payable within 90 days or by 31 October (whichever is earlier); the Deposit is credited to the Tuition and Boarding Fees on commencement.
Tuition fees (per instalment and annual) — Day students (2026 schedule)
- CEEd (Centre for Early Education): see separate schedule.
- Prep: per instalment AUD 2,345 — Annual AUD 9,380. - Year 1: per instalment AUD 2,470 — Annual AUD 9,880. - Year 2: per instalment AUD 2,675 — Annual AUD 10,700. - Year 3: per instalment AUD 3,135 — Annual AUD 12,540. - Year 4: per instalment AUD 3,550 — Annual AUD 14,200. - Year 5: per instalment AUD 3,785 — Annual AUD 15,140. - Year 6: per instalment AUD 3,940 — Annual AUD 15,760. - Year 7: per instalment AUD 4,630 — Annual AUD 18,520. - Year 8: per instalment AUD 5,685 — Annual AUD 22,740. - Year 9: per instalment AUD 5,940 — Annual AUD 23,760. - Year 10: per instalment AUD 6,760 — Annual AUD 27,040. - Year 11: per instalment AUD 6,900 — Annual AUD 27,600. - Year 12: per instalment AUD 9,200 (Year 12 fees are allocated in three equal instalments) — Annual AUD 27,600.
All instalment figures above represent the termly instalment amounts (except Year 12 which is charged in three instalments).
Boarding fees (per instalment and annual) — where applicable (2026 schedule)
- Year 7 Boarding: per instalment AUD 3,535 — Annual AUD 14,140. - Year 8 Boarding: per instalment AUD 3,880 — Annual AUD 15,520. - Year 9 Boarding: per instalment AUD 4,510 — Annual AUD 18,040. - Year 10 Boarding: per instalment AUD 6,320 — Annual AUD 25,280. - Year 11 Boarding: per instalment AUD 6,320 — Annual AUD 25,280. - Year 12 Boarding: per instalment AUD 8,427 (charged in three instalments) — Annual AUD 25,280.
- The Boarding Fee incorporates a standard laundry allocation; excess laundry, damage to boarding facilities and other boarding‑specific additional costs will be charged to individual accounts as required.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual Tuition and Boarding Fees are normally charged in four equal instalments (one per school term). Year 12 Tuition and Boarding Fees are charged in three equal instalments (beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3). Each term's fees are payable prior to the commencement of that term. - A term's written notice to the Principal is required prior to removal of a student; failing to provide this notice will result in one Term's fees being charged. - A student will not be permitted to commence a new term unless the term's fees have been paid or a formal direct debit instalment arrangement has been agreed with the Finance Department prior to the commencement of that term. - Late Payment Fee: 1.5% per month charged on accounts not paid by the commencement of each term. - For Full‑Fee Paying Overseas Students, fees are charged in two equal instalments (per semester) with specific semester payment deadlines and a requirement that fees not be in arrears.
Other compulsory or recurring levies and charges
- Netbook (device) Levy: Years 7–12 AUD 640 per annum; Years 3–6 AUD 420 per annum (covers device allocation, support and compulsory insurance; excess may be charged for claims not covered by warranty). - Music lessons: AUD 54.50 per half‑hour lesson (payable at the commencement of the relevant term). - Voluntary Building Fund Donation: AUD 90 per term (non‑compulsory, tax‑deductible when claimed). - Ancillary charges that may appear on school accounts: Uniform Shop purchases, House Dinners, Boarder's Activities, excursions, trips, printing/volume charges, and other miscellaneous items. - City Cite (Year 9 Melbourne Experience): core program costs covered by fees, but accommodation and meal costs for City Cite are additional and not included in the standard tuition fee; boarders receive a rebate where accommodation/meals are not required. - VET (Vocational Education & Training) contributions: Ballarat Grammar contributes a subsidy for eligible VET subjects (a percentage cap applies); balance payable via the School Account. - Fee Payment Protection (Fees Trust): charged at 2.5% of total fees (recommended) to provide payment of school fees in the event of a fee‑paying parent's death or total incapacity, and provides fee refunds where a student is absent from school for more than two consecutive weeks due to illness or accident.
Refunds and special refund-related rules
- Application Fee: non‑refundable. - Admission Deposit: non‑refundable but is credited to the student's Tuition and Boarding Fees upon commencement. - Year 12 full annual fee is payable in full regardless of the date the Year 12 student departs, once the year has commenced. - Fee refunds for prolonged medically certified absence (more than two consecutive weeks for illness or accident) are available under the Fees Trust cover, subject to the terms of that protection. - Failure to provide a full term's written notice of withdrawal will result in one Term's fees being charged.
These refund rules, late payment and notice requirements operate in conjunction with the School's standard account terms and any specific arrangements agreed with the Finance Department.
Fee payment options and methods
- Cheque payable to: Ballarat Grammar. - Bank direct deposit / bank transfer (families are asked to quote the payer name or family number and notify the school when making payment). - BPay. - MasterCard and Visa: accepted with no surcharge. - American Express: accepted with a surcharge of 0.95% on Amex transactions. - Direct debit instalment arrangements can be established with the Finance Department for regular payments.
Contact details for the Finance or Business Office are provided for setting up payment plans or discussing account matters.
Other relevant fee-related terms
- Sibling rebates on Tuition Fees: second child 15%, third child 30%, fourth and subsequent children 45% (applied where siblings are enrolled concurrently on the same family account). A 10% reduction of Boarding Fees applies to second and subsequent boarding children of the one family boarding concurrently. - Fees paid in advance: a discount is applied on amounts paid in advance (2026 rate example: 4.50% p.a. on amount in excess of AUD 1,000; nil under AUD 1,000). - Insurance and liability: the School does not accept responsibility for loss/damage to personal property; parents are advised to maintain private health/accident insurance for students. - The School reserves rights to pursue overdue accounts, including legal proceedings where necessary; families are encouraged to contact the Finance Department early if experiencing financial hardship to discuss support options.
Academics
Curriculum
The Senior School tailors learning through multiple VCE pathways and offers the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major as an alternative pathway. VET options can be taken in Year 10–12 as part of a VCE pathway, VCE VM pathway or School Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship, including VET Ag Studies, VET Sport & Recreation, VCE VET Music Industry (Performance) and VCE VET Music Industry (Sound Production). A language may be studied through Distance Education with the Victorian School of Languages. The curriculum is broad to meet the abilities, interests and needs of all students.
Exam Results
In 2022, 11% of Ballarat Grammar Year 12 leavers achieved ATARs of 95 or above.
Higher Education Progression
The Career Centre provides guidance on tertiary study and careers; Heads of House, House mentors and subject teachers assist senior students with choices for university or TAFE and other pathways.
Gifted and Talented
The Inclusive Education Team provides remediation, gifted education and oversight and organisation of Special Provision.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing skills and mindsets are taught explicitly through the Positive Education Program, the House Mentoring System and Year 7 homerooms in the Senior School, as well as through Junior School and CEEd Programs. The aim is to equip students to flourish, handle setbacks and achieve their goals. Wellbeing themes at Senior School focus on Relationships, Respect, Resourcefulness, Resilience, Responsibility and Resolve. The House system provides weekly meetings and house activities that support mentorship, leadership and a sense of belonging. The Health Centre and counselling services support students' social, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Enrichment, Intervention and Support classes are conducted at various year levels to provide additional opportunities and/or support. A comprehensive Reading Intervention program occurs in Year 1, and the English Co-ordinator works with teachers to address the needs of all students, particularly those making slower progress. Teacher Assistants are used for extra support in classes where students have special needs. Learning Enhancement identifies and supports students with additional needs, with goals set collaboratively and an appropriate educational plan agreed.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International Students join local students on campus and receive dedicated pastoral support and after-hours ESL classes with specialist teaching staff. English language benchmarks and AEAS testing determine whether intensive English study is required with Avalon College; offers are conditional upon completing the required English study.
Mental Wellbeing
The Health Centre provides medical support during school hours and extends to support students' social, mental and emotional health. The School Chaplain and fully qualified School Psychologists are available for counselling, and counsellors are involved in the wellbeing program and provide professional learning for staff.
Safeguarding
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and is committed to protecting students from all forms of harm. Policies and procedures promote a child-safe culture, including safeguarding officers and training and screening for staff, volunteers and contractors; the school ensures that students with disabilities and those from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds have access to special care and support.
Admissions
Admissions
The school has an enrolment process. There are waiting lists for a number of year levels, and the application should be submitted at least two years before prospective commencement. The enrolment application is not an offer of place and does not guarantee an offer of place. Key entry points are Prep and Year 7. Prep – Apply now for 2027 and 2028 Prep. Year 7 – First round interviews for entry 2027 have concluded; final opportunities for Year 7 2027 entry are closing fast. Apply – Prep to Year 12 – Applications for Prep to Year 12 take approximately 10–15 minutes. Apply – Centre for Early Education (CEEd) – Complete the application form and email the completed form to [email protected] with requested documents. For enquiries regarding Prep to Year 12 entry contact the Admissions Office on +61 3 5338 0830 or complete an enquiry form. For CEEd enquiries contact the CEEd office directly on 03 5338 0896 or [email protected].
Scholarships
Ballarat Grammar offers a range of scholarships and bursaries across Academic, Art & Design, Drama, Dance, Music, Boarding General Excellence Bursary, Indigenous Scholarships, and Bursaries. They are open to new and current day and boarding students who demonstrate the school's values, leadership potential and a commitment to service to the School community. Applications are open for new and current students entering Years 5 to 11 in 2027 for Academic; Drama, Dance and Music scholarships for Years 7 to 11 in 2027. Boarding General Excellence Bursary is available; Indigenous Scholarships – Expression of Interest; Bursaries; Named Scholarships. The Scholarships Information Brochure provides more information. Next scholarship testing for 2028 occurs in October and registrations open later this year. For more information contact [email protected].
Waitlist
There are waiting lists for a number of year levels; strong encouragement to submit the application at least two years prior to prospective commencement. The enrolment application is not an offer of place and does not guarantee an offer of place.
FAQs
What year levels does Ballarat Grammar offer?
Ballarat Grammar offers Junior School, Middle School, and Senior School. Boarding is available, and the school operates across the main Wendouree campus, Mount Rowan Farm, and the City Cite for Year 9.
Does Ballarat Grammar offer boarding?
Yes, the school has five boarding houses on the Wendouree campus: three for girls (Larritt, Hayhoe, Woodbridge) and two for boys (Dart, Wigan). Each house is supervised by a Head of House with tutor support.
What curriculum pathways are available in senior school?
Senior students can choose from the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), VCE Vocational Major, and VET options including Agricultural Studies, Sport and Recreation, and Music. School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships are also available.
What are the school fees?
Application fees are AUD 250 per child. Admission deposits range from AUD 4,000 for Junior School to AUD 6,000 for Middle and Senior School, with an additional AUD 3,000 for boarders. Tuition fees start at AUD 9,380 per year.
What languages can students study?
French is taught from Prep with immersion in the Junior School. In Middle School, students choose from Mandarin Chinese, French, or Latin. Year 5 students may participate in a French exchange programme.
What learning support is available?
The Inclusive Education Team provides remediation and gifted education. Learning Enhancement supports students with additional needs, and Teacher Assistants offer in-class help. A Reading Intervention programme runs in Year 1.
What sporting facilities does the school have?
Facilities include The Rintel Centre indoor stadium, an all-weather multi-sport area with running track, hockey and soccer pitches, tennis courts, cricket nets, the 25m RG Bath indoor pool, and multiple ovals.
What arts programmes are offered?
Dance, Drama, and Music are integral parts of the curriculum. The Beckworth Centre for the Arts houses specialist spaces, and students can join choirs, bands, and ensembles from an early age.
Is there a house system?
Yes, Year 7-8 students have homeroom teachers, while Years 9-12 belong to one of fifteen houses. The house system supports mentoring, community building, and inter-house activities.
What scholarships are available?
Ballarat Grammar offers scholarships and bursaries across Academic, Art and Design, Drama, Dance, Music, Boarding, Indigenous, and General Excellence categories. Applications are encouraged well in advance.
What is the school's religious affiliation?
Ballarat Grammar is an Anglican school. It was formed from the amalgamation of Queen's College (1876) and Ballarat Grammar School (1911), both with Anglican heritage. The campus includes the Chapel of St. Mark.
What wellbeing support does the school provide?
The Positive Education Program teaches wellbeing skills through six themes: Relationships, Respect, Resourcefulness, Resilience, Responsibility, and Resolve. School psychologists, a chaplain, and the Health Centre provide counselling and medical support.
How do I apply for enrolment?
Applications should be submitted at least two years before the intended start date. Key entry points include Prep and Year 7. There are waiting lists for many year levels, so early application is recommended.
Does the school have an outdoor education programme?
Yes, the Mount Rowan Farm campus spans 50 hectares and offers farm and environmental learning. The Year 9 programme includes the City Cite campus, and Round Square activities provide adventure and service opportunities.
