COEDUCATION AT CRANBROOK
ESSE QUAM VIDERI
TO BE CO ED
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF COEDUCATION
It is a very exciting time for Cranbrook School, as we commence coeducation in 2026. While our Pre-Schools have been coeducational since their founding, our transition to coeducation in the Senior School will begin in 2026 with a fully coeducational campus by 2029.
A Cranbrook education, and the Cranbrook values, prepare students for coeducation. Our school motto Esse Quam Vider i is not gendered. Neither are our school values. Cranbrook has always celebrated the individual, and the spectrum of adolescence, it has never narrowed students’ interests or subjects. In fact, we are constantly expanding our offerings. We strive for excellence across academics, sports, and co-curricular. We model and expect respect from all our students and will continue to do so. Similarly, when we think about global mindedness, we are not just thinking about other languages, or other cultures internationally, but the various languages, cultures, and experiences that exist within our own community. Cranbrookians are encouraged to lead through service, from the Junior School through to Year 12.
It is in this progressive and inclusive context that Cranbrook is readying itself for coeducation. From uniforms, to sports, to student leadership, we are ensuring that all Cranbrookians can fully participate in the life of the School.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum School, we want our students to leave school as citizens of the world – team players who relish the chance to work collaboratively, appreciating the differences and strengths of others.
We believe coeducation at Cranbrook offers families a new educational option for their children in Sydney. We look forward to commencing this journey with you.
Daisy Turnbull Director of Coeducation
The Cranbrook Difference
We believe that Cranbrook offers an exceptional educational opportunity for all students, regardless of gender.
Cranbrook School is known for strong academic results, an extensive and rich Co-Curricular programme, Service Learning, and experiential learning programmes that build courage, compassion and commitment. Our ambition for girls joining the School is that their experience of Cranbrook will be every bit as engaging, challenging and fulfilling as it is for boys.
For those wanting to study the IB Diploma, Cranbrook gives students an opportunity to join a larger coeducational cohort than any nearby schools, offering a wider range of subjects. We offer a particularly wide selection of subjects, across both the HSC and IB Diploma. Cranbrook Senior School encourages learners in all fields and offers students opportunities across disciplines. Facilities at Bellevue Hill have been designed to accommodate boys and girls with world class learning spaces and sports facilities.
The Coeducation Transition
The transition to coeducation at Cranbrook has been approached with careful planning and a deep commitment to maintaining our School’s tradition of excellence. This process has ensured that we can thoughtfully integrate new programmes, provide the necessary resources, and create a supportive environment for all students.
From adjustments to curriculum and co-curricular offerings to facility enhancements and professional development, every step has been taken with the goal of fostering an enriching experience for all members of our community.
By taking these intentional steps, we are not only embracing coeducation but also strengthening our school’s ability to prepare all students for a diverse and interconnected world.
Intake Years
Cranbrook is entering an exciting new phase of coeducation, with girls entering at both Year 7 and Year 11 in 2026. By 2029 our first coeducational Year 7 cohort will be in Year 10 and the Senior School will be fully coeducational.
Coeducation Transition Timeline
The table below outlines the progression of coeducation across Year Groups, with full coeducation achieved by 2029.
Projected Growth
For our first Year 7 intake, we anticipate a strong representation of female students who will be matched with incoming Year 11 girls as part of a Big Sister/Little Sister programme within the House system.
As coeducation continues throughout the coming years, we expect to enrol more than 40% girls through the Year 7 intakes.
Our Year 11 intakes will provide students with the opportunity to join a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
We are encouraged by the strong interest from our inaugural cohorts and look forward to the coming years of a coeducational Cranbrook.
A Thoughtful Approach to Orientation
We know that transitioning to coeducation is a big step, and we want every student to feel welcomed, supported, and excited about their journey at Cranbrook. That’s why we’ve introduced our Long Orientation – a series of events designed to help our incoming Year 7 and Year 11 students build connections, experience school life, and feel at home before their official first day.
For Year 7: Building Friendships Early
To make the move to coeducation as smooth as possible, we invite students to join us for afternoon teas once a term during Years 5 and 6. These informal gatherings are a chance to get to know future classmates, meet teachers, and start feeling part of the Cranbrook community.
From playing Bin Ball and touch footy to learning dance routines and singing in a coeducational choir, these activities are not just fun – they help students gain confidence and form friendships before they even set foot in a Year 7 classroom.
For Year 11: Immersion in Cranbrook Life
For girls joining in Year 11, orientation starts early in Year 10 through involvement in key school events. Whether it’s stepping into the world of theatre with our Senior School productions, enjoying live music at our AMPED concert in Term 2, or cheering on teams at sports matches, these experiences allow students to immerse themselves in Cranbrook’s vibrant culture before their first day.
As they prepare for the academic journey ahead, incoming Year 11 students are fully engaged in the subject selection process. This includes the IB Information Evening, Subject Selection Fair, and other academic events, ensuring they feel confident about their studies from day one.
By the time formal orientation begins, with a bespoke girl’s Cranbrook in the Field (CITF) and Tomorrow Man/Woman sessions, our new students are already familiar with Cranbrook, its people and its traditions – turning what could feel like a big leap into a seamless and exciting transition.
Coeducational Uniform
We are pleased to introduce Cranbrook’s new coeducational uniform, designed with both tradition and inclusivity in mind. From 2026, students will have a choice of trousers, shorts, a skirt, or a short-sleeved dress – giving them flexibility and comfort in their daily wear. Following consultations with our incoming female students, the dress is a navy design with a white collar, which can be worn year-round.
When and Where to Purchase
From Term 4, 2025, the Cranbrook Uniform Shop will begin selling the new coeducational uniform for students in our Pre-Schools and Senior School. To ensure a smooth transition, current students will have a two-year phase-out period (2026 and 2027) before the existing uniform is fully retired.
If you’re purchasing uniforms before Term 4, 2025, consider checking out the Second-Hand Uniform Sale, run by the Cranbrook School Parents’ Association (CSPA) every Friday at the Senior School campus.
Uniform Guidelines for Senior Students
For students entering Year 11 in 2026, white shirts will become a part of the uniform. While Year 12 students in 2026 are not required to adopt the new uniform, they are strongly encouraged to wear white shirts as well. We understand that this is an additional purchase, but many students naturally replace their shirts when moving into the senior years.
Sustainability and Second-Hand Uniforms
As we transition to the new uniform, we are exploring options for repurposing existing Cranbrook uniforms. By 2028, second-hand sales should have a good stock of the updated uniform, making it more accessible for families. In addition, the CSPA is working on ways to donate excess current uniforms to communities in need, ensuring they continue to serve a purpose.
Sports Uniform: Minimal Changes, Maximum Performance
For boys, the sports uniform will remain largely unchanged. Girls’ sports uniforms – designed to complement the existing sports gear – will be available from Term 4, 2025, ensuring all students have the appropriate attire for their chosen activities.
We look forward to seeing our students wear the new Cranbrook uniform with pride, comfort, and confidence.
The Student Wellbeing Programme
At Cranbrook, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that a truly enriching education goes beyond academics – it nurtures personal growth, emotional intelligence, and a deep sense of belonging.
Our Student Wellbeing Programme is built around four key pillars:
To be Courageous.
— To be Balanced.
To be Connected.
To be You.
Our wellbeing initiatives span from Years 7–12, providing students with age-appropriate tools to navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence and clarity. With the transition to coeducation, we are thoughtfully enhancing these programmes to ensure that all students feel equally supported and prepared for success.
Through strong character education, mentorship, and open conversations about social and emotional wellbeing, we are equipping our students with the skills they need not just for school, but for life beyond the gates of Cranbrook. Our commitment to wellbeing ensures that every student has the foundation to flourish in an environment where they are seen, heard, and valued.
Empowering Student Leadership
At Cranbrook, we believe that student voice is at the heart of our school culture. Through the House system, leadership opportunities give students the chance to make a meaningful impact on their community while growing into confident, capable leaders.
Coeducational Day Houses
The House System is foundational to Cranbrook and defines a student’s experience. From 2026, all of our Day Houses will be coeducational, with female students joining mentor groups in Years 7 and 11. This will mean that even if a cohort isn’t yet coeducational, all students will experience coeducation in their Houses, House Chapels, Assemblies and the inter-House competition, the Pitt Cup.
A Strong Student Leadership Structure
Our student leadership team includes:
SRC Representatives from Years 7–11.
House Leadership with a Student Head of House and House Prefects.
Head Prefect, Second Head Prefect, Academic, Co-Curricular, and Community Prefects.
These leaders work closely with students, staff, and parents to embody our school values and create a positive and inclusive environment.
Welcoming Female Leaders in 2026
When our first female students join Year 11 in 2026, they will be fully included in our leadership programmes. Just like their peers, they’ll receive the same leadership training and have the opportunity to apply for House Prefect and Senior Prefect roles.
There will be female Prefects across the Day Houses from 2027. This isn’t a new concept – Cranbrook has always welcomed Year 11 students into leadership roles, and this tradition will continue as we embrace coeducation.
We know that visible female Prefect representation across the Day Houses from 2027 will be key in supporting a rich, diverse school culture, as well as modelling gender equality.
A Fair and Inclusive Selection Process
To ensure fairness, our leadership selection process will:
Recognise leadership experience from students’ previous schools.
Maintain a voting structure where students select at least one male and one female prefect.
— Ensure equitable opportunities for all students, in line with best practices for leadership selection.
Student Representative Council (SRC) Updates
Each year, SRC representatives are chosen from: Years 7–9 (one per House).
— Years 10–12 (one per House).
This will expand to include female representatives across cohorts.
Academic Excellence at Cranbrook
At Cranbrook, we are committed to providing every student with an outstanding education that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning.
Our culture of academic excellence is supported by dedicated teachers, small class sizes, and a dynamic curriculum designed to inspire and challenge. With a strong track record of success, we empower our students to reach their full potential, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to excel in an ever-changing world.
For all students in Years 7 - 10, Cranbrook runs the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate. The MYP develops active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathise with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning.
For girls joining Cranbrook in Year 11, our dual academic pathways – the HSC and the IB Diploma Programme – offer the flexibility to choose a course of study that best suits their strengths, ambitions, and learning styles. As one of only a handful of schools in Sydney to offer both options, we provide a truly personalised approach to education, ensuring every student can thrive. Whether pursuing the internationally recognised IB Diploma or the HSC, Cranbrook students are supported and challenged to achieve their best, setting them up for success at university and beyond.
The Year 11 College provides students with the opportunity to be tutored by exstudents, to research careers pathways and the university admission process, and to study in an environment unlike a classroom, with a more collegiate approach.
The Year 12 College represents the pinnacle of a student’s academic journey, providing an environment that emulates the rigours and independence of university study. This dedicated space fosters a culture of focused and quiet study, essential for the intensive preparation required in the final year of Senior School, whether studying the HSC or the IB Diploma.
Sport at Cranbrook
Sport is foundational to a Cranbrook education, with mandatory sport in both Summer and Winter seasons.
As a founding member of the Combined Associated Schools (CAS), Cranbrook has a proud sporting tradition, and our boys will continue to compete in the sports they have always loved. Now, as we embrace coeducation, we are thrilled to offer our girls the same opportunities to strive, excel, and experience the joy of sport. We are delighted to have been accepted into the Independent Sporting Association (ISA), where our girls will compete in Saturday sporting competitions and carnivals.
To begin this exciting new chapter, our girls will take part in the ISA in Basketball, Tennis, and Touch Football during Summer, and Netball and Football (soccer) in Winter. Girls will be able to compete in the ISA for Swimming, Athletics, and Cross Country Carnivals. In addition, students will have access to independent competitions in Rowing, Sailing, and Snowsports, opening up a world of sporting experiences. There may also be opportunities for girls to compete in some of our CAS teams, which will be considered on an individual basis.
Sport Offerings
At Cranbrook, we are incredibly proud of our commitment to ensuring every student participates in a sport each season. We know that sport is more than just competition – it builds resilience, teamwork, and lifelong friendships. The benefits of physical activity are undeniable, yet research shows that 85% of girls aged 5 to 15 do not achieve the recommended levels of exercise*. Our sports programme is not just a requirement, rather it is an essential part of our students’ physical, mental, and academic development because research shows girls do not achieve the recommended levels of exercise.
Our training will be coeducational, meaning boys and girls will train side by side, learning from one another and developing their skills together. For example, all Year 7 basketballers will train as one squad, even though girls will compete in the ISA and boys in the CAS. This inclusive approach fosters camaraderie, mutual respect, and a true sense of unity within our school.
We are excited about the future of coeducational sport at Cranbrook and look forward to seeing our students embrace these new opportunities with passion and determination. As we step onto the fields, courts, and waterways alongside other great coeducational schools in the ISA, we are confident that Cranbrook Sport will continue to thrive.
Co-Curricular
At Cranbrook, education extends far beyond the classroom. Our co-curricular programme is a vibrant and essential part of school life, providing students with opportunities to discover their passions, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.
We believe that learning happens in many forms – on stage, in the newsroom, at the chessboard, or while debating a thoughtprovoking issue. These experiences help shape well-rounded individuals who are curious, creative, and confident in their abilities.
From Music and the Arts to STEM, Debating, and Student Journalism, there is something for everyone at Cranbrook. Whether students are composing music, coding an app, or tackling ethical dilemmas in our Ethics Club, they are encouraged to think critically, collaborate, and express themselves in meaningful ways. Our diverse range of clubs and lunchtime groups – including the Investment Club, the Duke of Edinburgh programme, and our student-run newspaper, The Cranbrook Chronicle – ensures that every student can find a space where they belong and thrive.
As we embrace coeducation, we remain committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, feel empowered to participate in every co-curricular activity. To support this, we have taken proactive steps, including training our co-curricular staff in unconscious bias and refining our audition processes to be fully inclusive and based on merit. Every Cranbrookian should feel confident that their talents and passions will be recognised and nurtured.
Co-curricular activities are not just an add-on to a Cranbrook education – they are an integral part of who we are. They provide students with the chance to lead, to innovate, and to contribute to something larger than themselves. Through these experiences, students develop resilience, teamwork, and a sense of purpose – skills that will serve them well long after they leave our School.
Cranbrook in the Field (CITF)
Cranbrook in the Field (CITF) is at the heart of a Cranbrook education – a tradition that has shaped generations of students for over fifty years. From constructing bivvies under the stars to hiking through rugged landscapes, cooking over open flames, and sharing stories around a crackling campfire, CITF is more than just an outdoor programme. It’s where lifelong memories are made, friendships are forged, and resilience is built.
We have been working closely with our outdoor education providers to ensure CITF can be run equitably in coeducation. We are expecting Year 7 to be run as coeducational groups and will be nimble in our approach to later years.
Regardless of gender, all Cranbrookians will be part of our CITF programmes. Every Cranbrookian will be part of this treasured programme, developing independence, leadership, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
To help our first intake of Year 11 girls form strong connections before the school year begins, we will be running a special “mini CITF” experience – an opportunity for them to bond, build confidence, and immerse themselves in the Cranbrook spirit from day one.
CITF has always been about adventure, camaraderie, and self-discovery, and as we step into this new chapter, we are excited for all our students to share this experience together.
CITF is fundamental to ensuring Cranbrook is a truly coeducational school, encouraging young men and women to work together throughout their journey at our school. The story of coeducation is not one that will remove opportunities from any current students, but instead broaden the experience all students have working together.
Empowering our Educators
At Cranbrook, we know that an exceptional education starts with dedicated, well-prepared teachers. As we transition to coeducation, we are committed to ensuring our staff have the tools, training, and insights to create a truly inclusive and enriching learning environment for every student. Since 2022, our faculty has been actively engaging in professional development programmes tailored to support this exciting change.
Most of our staff already have experience teaching in coeducational settings, but we believe in continuous growth. That’s why we have sought out leading experts in education, gender equity, and student experience to help shape our approach. We have worked with Felicity Menzies for gender bias training, ensuring our teachers are equipped to foster equality and confidence in every student. Additionally, we have collaborated with Dr. Victoria Rawlings from the University of Sydney on the ‘Corridor Cultures’ programme, a research-based initiative helping us understand the lived experiences of our students and refine our school culture to be even more inclusive, welcoming, and empowering.
Beyond these expert-led programmes, Cranbrook teachers are actively learning from other leading coeducational schools, spending time in their classrooms and exchanging best practices with experienced educators. As an IB Continuum school, we also engage with both coeducational and single-sex IB schools, sharing insights on delivering an internationally minded and balanced education in a dynamic, coeducational setting.
This commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that when our first female students arrive in 2026, they will step into a learning environment where every teacher is prepared, every student feels valued, and every classroom is a place of opportunity, growth, and belonging.
A Coeducational Campus
Cranbrook is fully prepared to welcome girls into our school with a Senior School campus designed to support a vibrant and inclusive coeducational environment.
Thoughtful upgrades and new facilities ensure that all students – both current and future – have access to the very best learning, sporting, and social spaces. From state-of-the-art classrooms to modern common areas, every detail has been considered to create a place where all students feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.
Across the campus we have updated our facilities allowing for both boys’ and girls’ changerooms and toilets. We have also created a Senior precinct in the campus for students in Years 11 & 12.
Beyond the physical environment, our school community is ready to embrace this exciting new chapter. Teachers, staff, and students have been actively preparing to make the transition to coeducation a seamless and positive experience. With leadership opportunities, tailored support systems, and a commitment to fostering a culture of respect and collaboration, Cranbrook is more than ready to welcome our first cohort of girls in 2026.
ESSE
QUAM VIDERI
CRANBROOK.NSW.EDU.AU
CRANBROOK@CRANBROOK.NSW.EDU.AU
+61 2 9327 9000