Information Guide Scholarships and Bursaries
Our History
A Proud 30 Year History …
In the 1990s, families in and around Jindabyne were seeking independent secondary education in the local area. Many families faced the choice of moving away or enrolling their children in boarding schools as there were no secondary options available. To address this, community members came together to reach out to the respected Sydney Church of England Co-educational Grammar School (SCECGS) Redlands for support.
In 1996, their vision came to life when Snowy Mountains Grammar School opened at the site of the former Snowy Mountains Authority Headquarters on Kosciuszko Road. The space was transformed into a modern educational centre while retaining its unique industrial character.
On day one, the School welcomed eleven students with this number growing to fifteen students by the end of the day. Snowy Mountains Grammar School has continued to thrive, with over 400 students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
In addition to offering affordable, highquality independent education, SMGS provides a unique alpine boarding experience and has significantly expanded its facilities. Recent additions include Stage 1 and Stage 2 of its Master Plan: The Curiosity Centre and Sports Precinct. Exciting opportunities in aviation, equestrian, mountain biking, snowsports and many other areas are also offered.
Snowy Mountains Grammar School acquired Gidgillys Early Education and Care Centre in 2023, offering long day care and a dedicated OSHC Centre program. The Centre is a warm and supportive environment, encouraging our youngest learners to grow and thrive so they can confidently step up into our Junior School.
For 30 years, Snowy Mountains Grammar School has built a reputation for academic excellence and nurturing well-rounded young people and has become an integral part of the Jindabyne community.
Timeline
1996 - Snowy Mountains Grammar School opens as a Years 7 to 12 co-educational Day and Boarding school – 15 students are enrolled by the end of the first day.
2000 - Kindergarten to Year 6 education is offered; SMGS now offers a full K-12 education
2007 – Aviation Program is introduced and run in conjunction with Jindabyne Aero Club
2008 – Snowy Mountains Grammar School becomes wholly independent of Redlands
2010 – Elizabeth Cornish Library opens
2015 – Elite Snowsports Academy (ESA) is established
2018 – Australian Education Awards Boarding School of the Year
2019 – First Master Plan is released
2019 – Aviation Academy is established for Years 7 to 12
2020 – Innovative Schools winner for Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Program: Let’s Explore
2021 – All classes are single stream in Junior School and double stream in Secondary School
2021 – Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s structure expands to include a Middle School
2021 – $4.5 million is received from NSW Government Building Grants Assistance Scheme to fund Stage 1 of Master Plan: Learning Hub
2021 – SMGS breaks ground on Stage 1: Learning Hub and Stage 2: Sports Precinct of Master Plan
2021 – Australian Education Awards Excellence Awardee for Best Use of Technology, Regional School of the Year and Primary School of the Year –Non-Government
2022 – 400 full-time students enrolled
2022 – Equestrian Development Academy and Mountain Bike Academy are established
2023 – Stage 2 Master Plan: Sports Precinct opens with multi-purpose courts, half-size oval and cricket net
2023 – Snowy Mountains Grammar School acquires Gidgillys Early Education and Care Centre, offering long day care and a dedicated OSHC Centre program
2023 – New SMGS Agricultural Technology plot is established, welcomes chickens, sheep and steers
2024 – The Curiosity Centre (Stage 1 Master Plan: Learning Hub) opens for use in Term 4 with state-of-the-art spaces and industrygrade equipment for Design & Technology, Mathematics, Science and Visual Arts
2024 – SMGS Fitness Centre is opens
2025 – Snowy Mountains Grammar School celebrates 30 years
School Information
Who We Are
Our Vision, Mission, Values and Motto
Vision
Mission
Snowy Mountains Grammar School will be recognised as a premier day and boarding school community, offering a diverse range of opportunities, leading to the development of outstanding citizens equipped for an ever-changing world.
Our mission is to work with families to develop well-rounded young people with active and creative minds, who have an understanding of and compassion for others, a passion for life-long learning and the courage and confidence to act on their beliefs.
Values
Courage is acting with conviction. To face our challenges with determination and to accept responsibility for our actions.
Authenticity is about being a genuine presence. To live in the moment with integrity and represent one’s true nature or beliefs.
Respect is valuing every member of our community. We celebrate diversity and difference, and demonstrate these in our attitude, relationships and environment.
Empathy is the willingness to understand others. Empathetic people are curious and possess a desire to know and understand another person’s perspective or circumstance.
Motto
Challenge Students and staff to achieve the best of their individual potential; students to take responsibility for their own actions.
Belong To the school and local community as a valued citizen; to a community that respects compassion, respect, honesty and integrity.
Explore How to be authentic and act with courage and conviction; how to develop life skills with flexible innovation and measured risk-taking; how to care for and learn from our natural environment.
07 Snowy Mountains Grammar
Challenge, Belong, Explore Our
School Crest
Challenge
The mountain peak represents the school’s commitment to providing a range of educational and personal challenges within a safe and supportive environment.
Environment
The snow gum leaf represents the unique natural environment of the school and its commitment to learning, both within and beyond the classroom.
Community
The figures represent the kinship of the school, its place within the broader Snowy Mountains community and the lasting relationships formed between students and staff, by giving through service and by the sharing of values and ideals.
Flexibility
The flowing river represents adaptability and versatility, key elements the school uses to nurture the individuality of students and the delivery of curriculum in an engaging and relevant manner.
The House Structures
Application Timeline
ACER Scholarship Test Registrations Open* November 2024
SMGS Scholarship and Bursary Applications Open December 2024
ACER Scholarship Test Registrations Close* Sunday 2 February 2025, midnight AEDST Sit the ACER Scholarship Test* Saturday 22 February 2025
SMGS Scholarship and Bursary Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned
Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
*For Academic Excellence Scholarship Applicants only
Scholarships and Bursaries Overview
Commencing 2026
2026 Scholarships
Snowy Mountains Grammar School offers a limited number of Scholarships in the Middle and Senior School each year to students commencing in Years 7 to 11. Scholarships are typically offered for the duration
Scholarship
Academic Excellence
General Excellence Merit
Music and Arts
Snowy Monaro Community Excellence
Snowy Monaro Community Citizenship
of a student’s remaining years at Snowy Mountains Grammar School until completion of Year 12, subject to periodic review based on behaviour, general application and continuation of the selected area of meritorious performance.
Entering grade from either
Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11
Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11
Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11
Years 7, 8, 9 or 10
Years 7, 8, 9 or 10
Excellence or Innovation in Science and Technology Year 11
2026 Bursaries
Snowy Mountains Grammar School also considers and provides for a limited number of bursaries for families who otherwise could not attend the School. These
Limited number
Limited number
Limited number
One per annum
One per annum
Two available per annum Bursary
Rural farming
Boarding
Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11
Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11
are means tested and reflect the circumstances of the individual family situation involving financial hardship. Whilst a bursary is not linked to any level of student excellence, student applicants are expected to be of good character.
Two active at any one time
Two active at any one time
Snowy Mountains Grammar
2026 Scholarship Opportunities
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Remission
Between 10% and 50% remission of the annual Tuition Fee dependent on academic performance in the ACER test and review of other documents supporting academic performance.
Applications Close
Sunday 30 March 2025
External Testing
All applicants for this scholarship must have taken the ACER test on Saturday 22 February 2025.
Register for the ACER Scholarship Test HERE.
Submit
Applicants are required to submit the following for an applicationtobeprocessed:
• Most recent NAPLAN results (additional years preferred
• ICAS results if Distinction or High Distinction (other external academic competitions may be included).
• The two most recent full school reports (which have teacher comments)
• Any other supporting academic-related documentation
• A cover letter written by the student, outlining interest in the scholarship and, if not yet attending SMGS, also why they are interested in SMGS as a school – max. 2 pages.
Note: ACER results are sent both to the School and the parent by ACER and are not therefore required to be provided by the parent.
Interview
Students shortlisted based on academic performance will be invited for an interview with the Principal.
Application Timeline
Academic Scholarship Applications
ACER Scholarship Test Registrations Open* November 2024
SMGS Scholarship Applications Open December 2024
ACER Scholarship Test Registrations Close* Sunday 2 February 2025, midnight AEDST
Sit the ACER Scholarship Test* Saturday 22 February 2025
SMGS Scholarship and Bursary Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews
April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned
Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
*For Academic Excellence Scholarship Applicants only
General Excellence Merit Scholarships
Remission
Between 10% and 40% remission of the annual Tuition Fee, dependent on meritorious performance and review of other documents supporting excellence in the chosen area/s of performance relavent to SMGS.
Applications Close
Sunday 30 March 2025
Areas
of Merit
Applicants are welcome to apply in areas relevant to the SMGS co-curricular program, which can be accessed on the school website HERE
Submit
Applicants are required to submit the following for an application to be processed:
• List of relevant performance results in the chosen areas of interest. Provide an overall summary page/s of major event results. Also include evidence to verify the results via a web page link or scanned document
• Most recent NAPLAN results (additional years preferred)
• ICAS results if Credit, Distinction or High Distinction
• The two most recent full school reports (which have teacher comments)
• Any other supporting Merit-related documentation
• A cover letter written by the student only, outlining interest in the scholarship and, if not yet attending SMGS, also why they are interested in SMGS as a school – max. 2 pages
Interview
Students shortlisted based on overall meritorious performance will be invited for an interview with the Principal.
Application Timeline
Merit Scholarship Applications
SMGS Scholarship Applications Open December 2024
SMGS Scholarship Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned
Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
Music & Arts Excellence Merit Scholarships
Remission
Between 10% and 40% remission of the annual Tuition Fee, dependent on meritorious performance and review of other documents supporting excellence in the chosen area/s of relevant performance to SMGS.
Applications Close
Sunday 30 March 2025
Areas of Merit
Applicants are welcome to apply in areas relevant to the SMGS Music & Arts Program. Identified areas are:
• Strings
• Vocal
• Brass/Woodwind
• Keyboard/Piano
• Percussion
• Contemporary Music
• Drama
• Visual Arts Submit
Applicants are required to submit the following for an application to be processed:
• Summary of the level of achievement in the area of Music/Drama involved, including any examinations sat and results attained
• Submit a digital link that shows two performances to demonstrate the level of proficiency (Music and Drama only)
• Visual Arts applicants should submit a relevant digital portfolio of original works
• Most recent NAPLAN results (additional years preferred)
• ICAS results if applicable - Credit, Distinction or High Distinction
• The two most recent full school reports (which have teacher comments)
• A cover letter written by the student only, outlining interest in the scholarship and, if not yet attending SMGS, also why they are interested in SMGS as a school – max. 2 pages
Interview
Students shortlisted based on overall performance will be invited for an interview and where relevant, an audition.
Application Timeline
Music & Arts Scholarship Applications
SMGS Scholarship Applications Open December 2024
SMGS Scholarship Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
Snowy Monaro Community Excellence Scholarships
Remission
Up to 90% remission of the annual Tuition Fee dependent on the level of outstanding performance, and review of other documents supporting excellence in the chosen area/s of relevant performance to SMGS. This does not include boarding fees, if applicable.
Applications Close
Sunday 30 March 2025
Areas of Merit
It is anticipated the successful applicant will demonstrate excellence in a relevant chosen field, as well as show clear evidence of dedication and commitment for at least the most recent three years and that they will make a significant contribution to the life of the School.
Submit
Applicants are required to submit the following for an application to be processed:
• List of relevant performance results in the chosen areas of interest nominated for application. Please provide an overall summary page/s of significant results. Also include evidence to verify the results via a web page link or scanned documents
• Most recent NAPLAN results (additional years preferred)
• ICAS results at Credit, Distinction or High Distinction levels if applying on an Academic basis.
• The two most recent full school reports (which have teacher comments)
• Any other supporting documentation
• A cover letter written by the student only, outlining interest in the scholarship and, if not yet attending SMGS, also why they are interested in SMGS as a school – max. 3 pages
Interview
Students shortlisted based on meritorious performance will be invited for an interview with the Principal.
Application Timeline
Community Scholarship Applications
SMGS Scholarship Applications Open December 2024
SMGS Scholarship Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned
Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
Snowy Monaro Community Citizenship Scholarships
Remission
Up to 90% remission of the annual Tuition Fee dependent on community engagement, with review of other documents supporting the application. This does notincludeBoardingfees,ifapplicable.
Applications Close
Sunday 30 March 2025
Areas of Merit
It is anticipated the successful applicant will demonstrate a high level of participation and engagement in the areas of service and citizenship in the School and wider community.
Submit
Applicants are required to submit the following for an application to be processed:
• List relevant community contributions in your school and wider community of some significance, including volunteer work and how you have helped others
• Most recent NAPLAN results (additional years preferred)
• ICAS results at Credit, Distinction or High Distinction
• The two most recent full school reports (which have teacher comments)
• Any other supporting documentation
• A cover letter written by the student only, outlining interest in the scholarship and, if not yet attending SMGS, also why they are interested in SMGS as a school – max. 3 pages
Interview
Students shortlisted based on community citizenship, participation and engagement will be invited for an interview with the Principal.
Application Timeline
Community Citizenship Scholarship Applications
SMGS Scholarship Applications Open December 2024
SMGS Scholarship Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned
Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
Excellence or Innovation in Science & Technology Scholarships
For a Year 11/12 student intent on pursuing a career in Science, Medical or Technology fields.
Remission
Either 15%, 25% or 50% remission of the annual Tuition Fee dependent on academic performance and review of active involvement in Science & Technology-related learning supporting overall academic performance. Those demonstrating innovation in this field are also encouraged to apply.
Applications Close
Sunday 30 March 2025
Submit
Applicants are required to submit the following for an application to be processed:
• Active areas of involvement in Science and/or Technology learning of some significance that demonstrates a passion and advancement in learning (which may include excellence and/or innovation)
• Most recent NAPLAN results (additional years preferred)
• ICAS results in Science & Technology (if completed) (other areas welcomed)
• The two most recent full school reports (which have teacher comments)
• Any other supporting academic-related documentation
• A cover letter written by the student only, outlining interest in the scholarship and, if not yet attending SMGS, also why they are interested in SMGS as a school and this scholarship area – max. 2 pages
Interview
Students shortlisted will be invited for an interview with the Principal.
Application Timeline
Science & Technology Scholarship Applications
SMGS Scholarship Applications Open December 2024
SMGS Scholarship Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
2026 Bursary Opportunities
Rural Farming Bursary
In primary agriculture production.
Remission
Day students only: Up to 40% remission of the Tuition Fee.
Boarding students only
Up to 50% remission of the Full-Time / Weekly Boarding Fee, with normal Tuition Fees to apply. (Students remain eligible for other scholarship applications.)
Applications Close
Sunday 30 March 2025
Areas of Merit
Applicants should be in a situation that, without the support of the Bursary, they could not otherwise come to SMGS or continue to remain at SMGS in the day and/ or boarding environment.
Means test
Awarding this Bursary will be conditional on a means test of financial information provided in confidence to the Business Manager.
Submit
Applicants are required to submit the following for an application to be processed:
• A confidential cover letter written by eligible parents, outlining the need for a Rural Farming Bursary, or, this may be communicated in person at a scheduled meeting at the School with the Principal and Business Manager. (Financial information will be requested in confidence as part of this process.)
• Any other supporting documentation
• Outline of any working contribution on the property during school holiday periods by the student enrolled / to be enrolled
Interview
The Principal or Business Manager will make contact directly with the parents. Students will not be involved in this process, other than the usual interview for enrolment with the Principal.
Application Timeline
Rural Farming Bursary Applications
SMGS Bursary Applications Open December 2024
SMGS Bursary Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews
April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned
Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
Boarding Bursary
Remission
Boarding students only: Up to 50% remission of the Full-Time / Weekly Boarding Fee with normal Tuition fees to apply.
Applications Close
Sunday 30 March 2025
Areas of Merit
Applicants should be in a situation that, without the support of the Bursary, they could not otherwise come to SMGS in the boarding environment.
Means test
Awarding this Bursary will be conditional on a means test of financial information provided in confidence to the Business Manager.
Submit
Boarding bursary applications are by an application form on request of the Registrar and submitted to the accounts manager.
Interview
The Principal or Business Manager will make contact directly with the parents. Students will not be involved in this process, other than the usual interview for enrolment with the Principal.
Application Timeline
Boarding Bursary Applications
SMGS Bursary Applications Open December 2024
SMGS Bursary Applications Close Sunday 30 March 2025
Interviews
April and May 2025
Offers Sent June 2025
Acceptance Returned
Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
SMGS Alumni A Legacy of Inspiration
Graduates of SMGS leave our school armed with the tools to take on any aspiration and trial that life beyond our school grounds presents. We are proud of the citizens that graduates of SMGS have become, as they confidently challenge, belong and explore the world.
Lucy Schroeder
Class of 2016
Lucy held the position of Academic Captain in her final year at SMGS and was the Dux of the 2016 cohort. Lucy is currently completing a degree in Law from the Women’s College within the University of Sydney and is a Katrina Dawson Foundation Scholar.
Read more about Lucy here
Joshua Matthes
Class of 2015
Joshua held the position of Cascades House Captain in his final year at SMGS. Joshua went on to study Aeronautical Engineering through the ADF Academy and worked as an Aerospace Engineer with the Royal Australian Air Force and is aspiring to transfer to RAAF pilot in the future.
Rowan Haydon
Class of 2011
Rowan held the position of House Captain in his final year at SMGS. While at SMGS, Rowan was a member of the Aviation program and is now a Second Officer at Qantas, currently flying the Dreamliner, Boeing 787.
Isidore Tillers
Class
of 2002
Isidore, was the Dux of the 2002 cohort and is a member of the Munich Symphony Orchestra and a private violin/viola teacher. Isidore studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She completed a Masters of Music in Germany in viola performance and an Advanced Studies (orchestral instruments) Certificate at the Musikhochschule in Freiburg.
Read more about Isidore here
Dr Katherine Booker
Class of 2001
Dr Katherine Booker was one of SMGS’ first-ever students when the school commenced operations in 1996. She was also the 2001 School Captain.
Katherine went on to complete a BSc and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Newcastle and a postdoctoral fellowship in Solar Cell Technology research with ANU.
Read more about Catherine here
Adam Dickson
Class of 2013
Adam held the position of Mowamba House Captain in his final year at SMGS. While at SMGS, Adam was an integral member of the Snowsports Program. Adam is currently a member of the Australian Snowboard Cross Team and an OWIA Performance Contract Athlete. In 2020, Adam had a breakthrough performance, recording the first World Cup podium of his career, claiming bronze in Veysonnaz, Switzerland.
Lauren Tomasi Class of 1999
Lauren held the position of School Captain in her final year at SMGS. Lauren went on to completed a Bachelor of Media, Communications and Journalism at UNSW and then continued her studies at University of Colorado Boulder where she graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism, Broadcast Journalism. Lauren is now a journalist with Nine News.
Alicia French Class of 1999
Alicia French’s passion for the Snowsports industry and love for the outdoors led her to the USA where she is now a Senior Human Resources Business Partner for Vail Resorts.
Alicia says that her time at SMGS made her curious about the larger world and that the school gave her confidence in how to be independent and open to exploring the world.
Read more about Alicia here
Julia Weber Class of 2014
Julia is a student ambassador for the University of Newcastle Finance Lab and is writing a financial literacy course that she is delivering in high schools right across her region.
Julia’s work in the financial literacy sector has seen her being named as a finalist in the 2020 NSW Young Women of the Year Award.
Read more about Julia here
Brooke Kennedy Class of 2014
Brooke Kennedy, held the position of Arts Captain in her final year at SMGS and was one of the school’s first–ever Band 6 recipients in Drama.
After completing her teaching degree in 2019, Brooke returned to her alma mater where she now teaches Year 4.
Read more about Brooke here
Interested? Application Process
2026 Scholarships and Bursaries Application Process
Step 1: Review the 2026 Scholarships and Bursaries Information Guide
Step 2: Identify the scholarship(s) and/or bursar(y/ies) you would like to apply for and note the opening and closing date for applications.
Step 3: Review the scholarship and bursary submission requirements.
Academic Scholarships
All students wishing to apply for an academic scholarship must sit the ACER Scholarship Test either at SMGS or at another testing location.
Students applying for non-academic scholarships do not need to sit the ACER Scholarship Test.
The ACER Scholarship Test
The ACER Scholarship Test for Years 7 to 11 Academic Scholarships will be held at Snowy Mountains Grammar School on the morning of Saturday 22 February 2025.
ACER Scholarship Test registrations are now open, and close Sunday 2 February 2025, midnight AEDST
An application fee of $140 is required when registering with ACER. Applicants are required to register online HERE through the ACER website before the closing date.
The test starts at 9:00 am and finishes at 12:00 pm. We ask that all test participants report to the notified meeting place at SMGS by 8:45 am on Saturday 22 February 2025.
Step 4: Prepare your scholarship and/or bursary submission requirements.
Step 5: Complete the online Scholarship and Bursary Application form.
Current Students
All current students will be required to enter their student number to gain access to the online application form. Students are to then submit applications to scholarships@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Prospective Students
AllprospectivestudentswillberequiredtoreadtheTermsandConditionsofEnrolment, completean online application form, and submit the application fee, in addition to completing the online scholarship and bursary form.
Please ensure you review the application form requirements in addition to the Scholarship and Bursary Application requirements.
Step 6: Shortlisted Candidates’ Interviews
After the Scholarship and Bursary Aapplications close, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the Principal.
Interviews will occur in April and May 2025 and all candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application as soon as practicable.
Rural and Farming and Boarding Bursaries
The Principal or Business Manager will make contact directly with the parents. Students will not be involved in this process other than the usual interview for enrolment with the Principal.
Step 7: Offers Sent
Following the interviews, an offer will be sent to all prospective students.
Step 8: Acceptance Returned
Acceptance letters must be returned within two weeks of receipt.
