Our future is bright
Welcome
We are delighted you are considering our School for your child.
At Geelong Grammar School we do things differently; knowing it takes more than theory to make an impact beyond the classroom. Our educational philosophy is intentional and enduring; we exist to enable wisdom.
We invite you to partner with us to ignite the wisdom of acquired skills; of acquired knowledge. Wisdom that emerges from the challenge of adventure; wisdom awakened from a deliberate commitment to wellness; wisdom that ignites through curiosity and creative imagination; and the wisdom of a life lived ethically, usefully, kindly.
I hope this booklet allows you better insight into our School values and a sense of the deep care we have for our learners. I am equally hopeful that in the future we can share further with you the vibrancy and vigour that is Geelong Grammar.
Yours towards the promise of Exceptional Education.
Rebecca Cody Principal
Our future is bright
Geelong Grammar School Character
For more than 165 years, Geelong Grammar School has been pioneering transformative experiences and progressive choices in education. These choices are grounded in a balanced and holistic approach, where optimising a student’s academic agency and efficacy is intrinsically linked to recognising the importance of supporting their development athletically, creatively, emotionally, intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually.
COURAGE
Strengthening agency and grit
COMPASSION
Seeking to understand CURIOSITY
Supporting shared humanity
As our students venture into the world, we strive to have strengthened in them courage, compassion and curiosity, empowering them as individuals who will proactively seek to make a positive difference in shaping a better world.
One school, seamless pathways
Geelong Grammar School offers a seamless, integrated journey from early learning to Year 12, currently delivered across four specialist campuses. In 2026, our dynamic learning environments will be streamlined into three campuses, ensuring a coherent and progressive educational experience for every student.
BOSTOCK HOUSE, Newtown, Geelong
ELC to Year 4
Within our small, nurturing and supportive learning community, we are dedicated to deeply understanding each child’s unique needs, gifts and talents. Our students enjoy a broad range of enriching learning opportunities, such as music, drama, language, visual arts, sport, leadership and various cultural, social and community-based activities.
In 2026, the School will transition from Bostock House to the new Junior School at Corio Campus.
TOORAK CAMPUS, Toorak, Melbourne
ELC to Year 6 | Year 7 from 2027 | Year 8 from 2028
Our Toorak Campus is specially designed to provide an exceptional learning environment for students from ELC to Year 6. We focus on supporting our young learners to become critically minded, confident and compassionate young people who are competent and connected to the world around them. Toorak Campus was among the first schools in Victoria to implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) across all year levels.
From 2027, we will expand our offering to include Year 7, followed by Year 8 in 2028.
CORIO CAMPUS, Corio, Geelong
Junior School
Nestled among native grasslands, trees and wetlands, our Junior School will provide rich learning experiences for students from ELC to Year 4 and is opening in 2026.
Middle School
Middle School, for students from Years 5 to 8, is an exciting time of discovery and exploration. Students are offered a broad curriculum with a strong academic foundation, complemented by an extensive sports and co-curricular programme that fosters teamwork, leadership and personal growth.
Senior School
Senior School in Years 10 to 12 is an energising time of choice, challenge and opportunity. Students engage in a broad, stimulating programme supported by strong pastoral and wellbeing frameworks. In Years 11 and 12, they pursue pathways aligned to their goals through the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
TIMBERTOP CAMPUS, Victorian Alps
Year 9
Timbertop provides a unique opportunity to experience a rigorous academic programme alongside a challenging outdoor education stream. Whilst hiking, skiing and running dominates weekends, for five days a week our students are engaged in a full Year 9 academic timetable, free from the distractions of the modern world. Our full boarding residential campus is located in the foothills of Mt Timbertop in the Victorian High Country and can be an incredibly powerful and formative experience for students fortunate enough to spend time in this unique and isolated community.
A holistic learning journey
From early childhood to Year 12, our structured curriculum fosters the comprehensive development of each student. Every learner is supported in achieving their personal best while exploring their individual passions and goals.
PRIMARY
Laying a strong foundation
At Toorak Campus and Bostock House, which will soon become the Junior School, our Early Learning and Primary Programmes nurture the whole child through dynamic and engaging learning experiences. Literacy and numeracy are foundational during these formative years, guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Reggio Emilia approach in the Early Learning Centre (ELC). Our educators blend intellectual rigour with creativity, curiosity and collaboration, ensuring a strong academic and personal foundation.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Building ability and responsibility
The transition from primary to secondary education is a significant milestone. Our Middle School provides a seamless progression, fostering independence, resilience and a love for learning. Our dedicated staff guide students through these crucial years, ensuring they develop the confidence and capabilities needed for future academic challenges.
TIMBERTOP
Strengthening academic endeavour
Timbertop offers a distinctive Year 9 experience that integrates academic rigour with the opportunities of a unique outdoor setting. The programme prepares students for the demands of Senior School, fostering critical, analytical and creative thinking while reinforcing subject-specific knowledge.
YEAR 10
Preparing for success
Year 10 provides an innovative and engaging curriculum designed to develop the skills and attitudes essential for success in the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) or the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Students explore a balanced range of subjects across academic disciplines, maintaining breadth in their studies while identifying areas of personal interest. This approach ensures a solid foundation before selecting their preferred pathway for Years 11 and 12.
VCE
Flexible and diverse pathways
The VCE programme offers a broad selection of subjects, allowing students to specialise in areas of interest or pursue a general course of study to keep their tertiary options open. Apart from English, no subjects are compulsory, ensuring students can tailor their education to suit their strengths and ambitions.
IB DIPLOMA
A global perspective
The IB Diploma is a two-year programme that emphasises academic breadth, depth of knowledge and international awareness. Recognised by leading universities worldwide, the IB DP requires consistent effort across Years 11 and 12, preparing students for global opportunities and higher education success.
VCE WITH A VOCATIONAL FOCUS
Industry-ready qualifications
For students pursuing apprenticeships, traineeships, further education through non-ATAR pathways or direct entry into the workforce, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications can be undertaken alongside the VCE. This provides the advantage of graduating with both a VCE and an industry certification.
GRADUATE PATHWAYS
Success beyond schools
Graduates of our School have gained entry into some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including: Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale in the United States; Oxford, Cambridge, Central Saint Martins and Edinburgh in the United Kingdom; and Melbourne, Sydney, Monash and Australian National University (ANU) in Australia
Living and learning together
We are proud to be the largest co-educational boarding school in Australia, with over 1,500 students across four campuses. At Corio Campus alone, 900 students live and learn together as part of our Middle School and Senior School community.
Boarding is at the heart of the Corio Campus experience, with 70 per cent of students residing on campus and the remaining 30 per cent attending as day students or day boarders. Each student, whether boarding or day, becomes part of one of our 14 houses, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
HOUSE SYSTEM AT CORIO
Students at Corio Campus are welcomed into one of our dedicated boarding or day houses.
Senior School co-educational day houses: Allen and Fraser
Senior School boarding houses:
- Female boarding houses: Clyde, Elisabeth Murdoch, Garnett and The Hermitage
- Male boarding houses: Cuthbertson, Francis Brown, Manifold and Perry
Middle School co-educational day houses: Highton and Otway
Middle School boarding houses:
- Parrwang for male and Kunuwarra for female students
A THRIVING RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
Set within 262 hectares, Corio Campus is not just a place of learning but a home for nearly 100 staff members and their families. Living in or near the boarding houses, staff contribute to a warm and supportive environment where every student is known, valued and safe.
Each boarding house is led by a dedicated team of compassionate staff who invest deeply in the care and wellbeing of every student. Much like a family, these houses thrive on meaningful human connection, fostering respect, trust and understanding. Through the boarding experience, students develop essential life skills, including relationship-building and social navigation, preparing them for life beyond school.
Our educators do more than teach. They live and learn alongside our students, serving as mentors, tutors, sports coaches and boarding house supervisors. By engaging with students in multiple contexts throughout the day, they cultivate strong and lasting relationships that enrich the learning experience.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
In today’s evolving academic landscape, universities seek students who excel beyond academics, valuing extracurricular engagement and service. At Geelong Grammar School, we provide an education where students can explore their passions beyond the classroom, supported by exceptional facilities and extended learning opportunities.
A RICHLY DIVERSE COMMUNITY
Our school community consists of a vibrant tapestry of students, educators and staff from across Australia and around the world.
This diversity fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment where each individual’s identity, life experience and perspective is valued and celebrated.
Whether from rural, metropolitan, international or interstate backgrounds, our students learn to embrace differences, challenge biases and build meaningful connections. We are committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive community that embraces the opportunities diversity brings to learning and personal growth.
We believe that to live and learn together is to develop deeper insights, break down barriers and celebrate both our differences and shared humanity. Our unwavering commitment to inclusivity is at the core of shaping a better world.
The heart of a GGS education
Student wellbeing and strengthening community wellbeing is a whole-school priority at Geelong Grammar School; critical to shaping a positive future for our students, ultimately shaping a positive future for our world.
Our commitment is to support every young person to flourish, thrive and achieve. We recognise that true success is only possible when a student’s social-emotional, ethical and physical development is valued equally alongside their academic growth.
Research underscores the reciprocal relationship between wellbeing and learning. A strong sense of wellbeing enhances student learning outcomes, while academic success further reinforces personal wellbeing. This philosophy is deeply embedded in our school culture, influencing our strategies, structures, programmes and policies.
PIONEERING POSITIVE EDUCATION
Our School is proud to be a pioneer in the field of Positive Education, an evidence-based, proactive approach to wellbeing centred on the cultivation of competencies, knowledge and skills to flourish.
From 2006 to 2009, we collaborated with Professor Martin Seligman and his team at the University of Pennsylvania to integrate the science of Positive Psychology into education. This pioneering work has since become ingrained in the way we connect with students, empowering them to realise their full potential.
The GGS Student Wellbeing Model
Building on our expertise in Positive Education, we introduced the GGS Student Wellbeing Model in 2021. This whole-school approach integrates the principles of Positive Education with a network of people, programmes and policies designed to support students’ emotional and physical wellbeing.
A key element of this model is the introduction of coaching in the secondary years, supported by research that highlights its role in enhancing wellbeing, goal-setting, resilience and hope.
In Middle School, the Navigate programme helps students develop essential skills for learning, personal wellbeing and a sense of belonging within a community.
In Senior School, the Pathways programme supports students in academic achievement, personal wellbeing, career exploration and preparation for tertiary education.
Through these initiatives, students engage with Learning Coaches who guide and mentor them in setting and achieving their personal and academic goals. This holistic support system ensures that every student is equipped with the skills, mindset and resilience to thrive both at school and beyond.
Building self-efficacy through Adventure Education
Founded in 1953, Timbertop offers an unforgettable and often transformative learning adventure for all our Year 9 students. Surrounded by the peace and beauty of the Australian bush, our learners experience a dynamic year-long programme of intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual challenge, at a pace that understands the strength and vulnerability of adolescence.
Timbertop students live and study together in self-contained Units in groups of 15 or 16 boys or girls. Units are the essence of Timbertop; rustic in appearance and spartan in nature. Organising rosters and chopping wood for the slow-combustion heaters and boilers are part of the daily routine.
At Timbertop, we provide a comprehensive academic programme coupled with a strenuous outdoor education programme that takes full advantage of our natural setting. The academic programme runs from Friday to Tuesday. A typical day can include morning classes, cleaning across lunchtime, singing practice in the Chapel, running together in the afternoon and dinner duties in the evening. Wednesday and Thursday are ‘weekends’ for Timbertop students. Depending on the time of year, a weekend may consist of bushwalking, skiing, camping or participating in our service learning programme in the local comunity.
In total, the students camp for more than 50 nights during the year in all conditions and in a variety of spectacular locations. At Timbertop, electronic entertainment is not permitted nor provided. This creates a radical new silence in which our learners revert to writing and reading letters to parents and family, formulating meaningful connection through genuine conversation. Removed from modern day distractions, Timbertop presents students with the freedom to move and the time to breathe.
A central component of the Timbertop experience is the running programme which involves the whole campus. Each week, runners will participate in cross-country runs on bush tracks across the rugged terrain. The length and difficulty of the runs increase steadily to culminate at the end of the year in a 33-kilometre Timbertop Marathon, which learners anticipate eagerly and remember with pride.
The spirit of Timbertop
Timbertop was founded on the principles of isolation, connectedness to nature, life in the Units and service to others. In this age of significant technological and societal change, we continue to uphold these values as fundamental to shaping courageous and compassionate young people, well prepared for their Senior School years and, most importantly, the adventures and challenges that lie beyond.
Enlivening camaraderie and school spirit
Sport is a fundamental part of student life at Geelong Grammar School. It fosters a lifelong appreciation for active living while instilling values of sportsmanship, commitment, resilience and teamwork. Through sport, students experience both the joy of success and the lessons of perseverance, learning to navigate challenges with determination and support for one another.
While competition is embraced, the focus extends beyond winning. Sport at Geelong Grammar School is about character development, fostering friendships and deepening students’ understanding of themselves and each other.
Sport is a compulsory component of our School programme, with all students expected to participate from Year 7 to Year 12. This commitment includes weekly training sessions and Saturday morning competitions, ensuring students remain engaged in regular physical activity.
A strong House Sport programme further enriches the sporting culture, with major competitions in swimming, athletics and cross-country. Many students have gone on to compete at state, national and international levels in sports such as athletics, kayaking, triathlon, netball and football.
The sporting programme is structured into three seasons—Summer, Winter and Spring—offering a diverse range of sports across different year levels. This seasonal approach allows students to explore multiple disciplines, develop new skills and cultivate a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.
SUMMER SPORT
Badminton
Cricket
Equestrian
Rowing
Sailing
Swimming
Tennis
Touch Football
WINTER SPORT
Australian Rules Football
Cross Country
Equestrian
Hockey
Netball
Rugby
Soccer
SPRING SPORT
Athletics
Water Polo
Snow Sports
THE POWER OF TEAM
Finding ways to express what lies within
The Arts are an integral part of Geelong Grammar School’s curriculum and identity, fostering creativity, self-expression and cultural awareness. Our dynamic Visual Arts, Drama and Music programmes provide students with opportunities to explore their talents, build confidence and engage with diverse perspectives.
An education enriched by the Arts nurtures imagination, strengthens social connections and broadens students’ understanding of the world. Through artistic expression, students develop the ability to see new possibilities and help others see the world in new ways.
Drama
From simple role-playing in Early Learning to stagecraft and full-scale musical productions in Senior School, the Drama programme fosters creativity, confidence and collaboration.
The School hosts a vibrant and diverse range of theatrical productions. These include musicals, classic and contemporary plays, house productions and small-cast physical theatre pieces. Students not only develop performance skills but also gain hands-on experience in stagecraft, set design, lighting, costume, make-up and sound production.
Each year, we work with students who are dedicated not only to their individual contributions but also to the collective effort of theatre. They embrace the collaborative process, sharing in both the challenges and the triumphs of each production.
Music
The Music School is a dynamic and energetic space, committed to excellence in both performance and academic study. At Corio Campus alone, more than 40 specialist instrumental staff conduct over 320 private music lessons each week, providing students with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of musical disciplines, from bagpipes and brass to cellos and choral singing.
Our comprehensive Music curriculum spans from Early Learning to Senior School, offering pathways through both the IB Diploma and VCE, including the VCE/VET Music Industry programme.
Participation in instrumental and choral ensembles fosters dedication, teamwork and artistic growth. Students have the opportunity to perform in a variety of styles through ensembles such as the Symphony Orchestra, Senior Jazz Band, McKie String Ensemble and Senior School Band, while the Senior School Choir continues the School’s strong choral tradition.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts department at Corio Campus provides an inspiring and engaging environment where students are encouraged to be bold, original and open to new artistic experiences. Through exploration of diverse methods, media and materials, they expand their creative boundaries and develop their artistic voice.
Beyond the academic curriculum, students can participate in an extensive co-curricular programme, which includes Life Drawing, Printmaking, Henna Art, Digital Art and Ceramics. The Open Studio programme offers access to the Art School’s facilities during afternoons and weekends, fostering independent creative practice.
The Visual Arts programme at Corio Campus is further enriched by a variety of creative events, including the Middle School and Senior School exhibitions, the Coriobald and Primed exhibitions, the Artist-in-Residence programme and the House Art Competition.
Exploring passions and purpose
The Student Experience and Engagement Co-Curricular (SEECC) Programme at Geelong Grammar School extends learning beyond the classroom, providing students with opportunities for growth, self-discovery and personal development.
Rooted in the principles of wisdom, character, purpose, skill development and community connection, SEECC empowers students to take ownership of their journey.
With a diverse range of activities across six domains, the SEECC framework encourages students to challenge themselves, explore new talents and cultivate their passions.
ADVENTURE EDUCATION
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Lorne 160
Sunday Adventures
Year 10 Adventures
COGNITIVE PURSUITS
Middle School Chess
Debating
Literature Club
Maths Club
Middle School Design Club
Middle School Japanese Club
Middle School STEM Club - Robotics
Philosophy Club
Plain English Speaking
Senior School STEM Club - Robotics
Year 10 STEM team
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Middle School Agriculture and Vegetable
Gardening
Aviary Café (Norlane Community) - Local
Environmental Action Group
Fiji Book Drive - International
Middle School First Nations Programmes
Global Citizens Council
Stand Out Group
Student Wellbeing Action Team
Surf Coast Trek
YAM Service at Karrong Kanyool
CREATIVE PURSUITS
Music Concerts and Events
Middle School Creativity in the Art Room
Dance
Film Festival
Middle School Music
Music - Private lessons
Music ensembles
Musical - Senior School
Musical - Junior School
HOBBIES AND LIFETIME PURSUITS
Clay Target Shooting
Middle School Cultural Cooking
Fishing Guild
GGS Agriculture and Show Cattle Team
Golf
Polo
Middle School Self Defence
Winter Sailing
PHYSICAL PURSUITS
APS Sport
Equestrian
Middle School Eton Fives
Fencing
Middle School Fitness at the Handbury
Running Club
Snow Sports
XSOAR Tennis - Private lessons
Yoga
Our Anglican tradition and spirit
Geelong Grammar School is an Anglican school that warmly welcomes students from a variety of Christian denominations and other faith traditions.
Being part of Geelong Grammar School means living and learning in a community where Christian values such as kindness, inclusivity, compassion, integrity, respect and generosity are central to our identity. These values shape our actions and interactions, fostering a culture of care and respect.
The Chapel of All Saints at Corio Campus and the Chapel of St John the Baptist at Timbertop campus play an integral role in the rhythm of school life. These sacred spaces provide a setting for regular worship, where our community comes together to give thanks, sing, celebrate, reflect and seek wisdom.
SERVING OTHERS
Serving others is a fundamental expression of our Christian values and an integral part of the SEECC Programme’s Community Service domain. We encourage students not only to recognise the world as it is, but to actively contribute to shaping a better future through meaningful service and engagement.
A powerful example of this commitment is Lorne 160, the School’s largest student-led fundraising initiative. Established in 1991, this annual event showcases the capacity, creativity and determination of our students in making a tangible impact.
Each year, a group of Year 11 students dedicates a term to raising funds for a chosen charity. With a shared sense of purpose, they organise and lead various fundraising activities such as bake sales, babysitting and silent auctions. Their efforts culminate in the Lorne 160 challenge, a 160-kilometre run from Corio Campus along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne and back, celebrated by a warm and supportive school community upon their return.
Through initiatives like Lorne 160, students experience firsthand the power of service, leadership and collective action, developing a lifelong commitment to making a positive difference.
Educational Pillars
An education at Geelong Grammar School is shaped by three guiding pillars: Adventure Education, Positive Education and Creative Education. Together, these pillars foster dynamic learning experiences and opportunities that underpin our commitment to an exceptional education.
Experiential learning through and with nature.
Placing wellbeing at the heart of our learning community.
Cultivating the skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem posing and problem solving.
Our welcoming community
The connections made at Geelong Grammar School last well beyond the school years. When a child joins the School, their family becomes part of an inclusive and welcoming community that values connection and shared experiences.
There are many ways for parents, near and far, to engage with school life and be part of their child’s journey. Each campus hosts a variety of social gatherings, including cocktail nights, picnics, luncheons and dinners, providing opportunities to meet other families, build friendships and deepen connections within the School.
Parents and friends are also invited to join our ‘Friends of’ support groups, which are unique to each campus. These groups play a vital role in fostering relationships, strengthening school spirit and supporting events throughout the year. Whether through social activities, special events or fundraising efforts, families can contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.
Beyond the school years, these connections continue. Graduates become part of the Old Geelong Grammarians Association, ensuring lifelong ties to the community. Families can also stay involved through the Past Parents’ Network, which offers opportunities to reconnect and remain engaged.
Wherever life takes our students and families, they remain part of our distinctive light blue community.
CORIO
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