Carey Baptist Grammar School vs Presbyterian Ladies' College Melbourne

	C Carey Baptist Grammar School Melbourne, Australia	P Presbyterian Ladies' College Melbourne Melbourne, Australia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year A$200 - 50,784	Fees / year A$27,960 - 43,420
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Australian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,344	Pupils 1,550
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1923	Opened 1875
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Carey Baptist Grammar School operates across two Melbourne campuses: Kew (ELC–Year 12) at 349 Barkers Road, Kew VIC 3101, and Donvale (ELC–Year 6) at 9 Era Court, Donvale VIC 3111. The Kew campus sits in Melbourne's leafy eastern suburbs, about 8 kilometres from the CBD. It is accessible by public transport and private school bus routes. Carey also uses the Bulleen Sports Complex and outdoor education sites such as Camp Toonallook (Banksia Peninsula) and Mission Beach for Carey Zero.	Location 141 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
Stages	Stages Kew campus: Early Learning Centre, Junior School (Prep–Year 6), Middle School (Years 7–9), Senior School (Years 10–12). Donvale campus: Early Learning to Year 6.	Stages Early Learning to Year 12
School type	School type independent co-educational day school	School type Independent day and boarding school for girls
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Development staff support any student who has a genuine difficulty with their learning, including literacy and numeracy.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Australia	Country affiliation Australia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Baptist	Religious affiliation Presbyterian (Christian)
School day structure	School day structure Classes start at 8.20am. Daily timetable includes Period 1 (8.20am–9.35am), Period 2 (9.40am–10.55am), Recess (10.55am–11.15am), Period 3 (11.20am–12.35pm), Community Time (12.40pm–1.05pm), Lunch (1.05pm–1.45pm), Period 4 (1.50pm–3.05pm). Co-curricular activities run after official classes on most days (roughly 3.05pm–5.00pm).	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Private school bus routes are available; the Kew campus is accessible by public transport and private bus routes.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Application fee: AUD 200 per student (payable when submitting an application; non-refundable and non-transferable). - Enrolment fee (on offer): AUD 1,800 per student to confirm enrolment (non-refundable and non-transferable). - Tuition deposit: AUD 2,000 payable on entry into three- and four-year-old Kindergarten, Preparatory, Year 5 and Year 7; this deposit is credited to the April school fee account in the nominated year (or to the Prep year account for Kindergarten entrants) and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Tuition fees and compulsory annual charges by year group (local students) — annual totals and per-term amounts Notes: Compulsory Fees comprise the Tuition Fee plus the Consolidated Fee (and any taxable portion of that fee), the Digital Device Rental (where applicable) and State Tax & Surcharges. Compulsory Fees (ELC–Year 11 and Years Prep–11) are billed in four equal instalments; Year 12 tuition and State Tax & Surcharges are billed over three instalments and Year 12 Consolidated Fee / Digital Device Rental are billed over two instalments (50% in January and 50% in April). All figures in Australian dollars. - Preparatory — Tuition: AUD 27,560; Consolidated Fee: AUD 684; Digital Device Rental: AUD 150; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 30,154. Per term (four instalments): AUD 7,538.50. - Year 1 — Tuition: AUD 32,576; Consolidated Fee: AUD 900; Digital Device Rental: AUD 360; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 35,596. Per term: AUD 8,899.00. - Year 2 — Tuition: AUD 32,576; Consolidated Fee: AUD 880; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 16; Digital Device Rental: AUD 360; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 35,592. Per term: AUD 8,898.00. - Year 3 — Tuition: AUD 32,576; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,228; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 56; Digital Device Rental: AUD 360; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 35,980. Per term: AUD 8,995.00. - Year 4 — Tuition: AUD 36,344; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,420; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 60; Digital Device Rental: AUD 700; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 40,284. Per term: AUD 10,071.00. - Year 5 — Tuition: AUD 36,344; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,748; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 84; Digital Device Rental: AUD 620; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 40,556. Per term: AUD 10,139.00. - Year 6 — Tuition: AUD 36,344; Consolidated Fee: AUD 2,048; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 332; Digital Device Rental: AUD 668; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 41,152. Per term: AUD 10,288.00. - Year 7 — Tuition: AUD 39,716; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,900; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 188; Digital Device Rental: AUD 920; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 44,484. Per term: AUD 11,121.00. - Year 8 — Tuition: AUD 41,276; Consolidated Fee: AUD 2,420; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 360; Digital Device Rental: AUD 900; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 46,716. Per term: AUD 11,679.00. - Year 9 — Tuition: AUD 41,276; Consolidated Fee: AUD 2,200; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 148; Digital Device Rental: AUD 880; State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 46,264. Per term: AUD 11,566.00. - Year 10 — Tuition: AUD 41,276; Consolidated Fee: AUD 6,200 (includes Carey Zero program); Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 628; Digital Device Rental: AUD 920 (HP) or AUD 900 (Mac); State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: approximately AUD 50,784 (using HP device) or AUD 50,764 (using Mac). Per term (four instalments): approximately AUD 12,696.00 (HP) or AUD 12,691.00 (Mac). - Year 11 — Tuition: AUD 42,660; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,096; Consolidated Fee (taxable supply): AUD 0; Digital Device Rental: AUD 900 (HP) or AUD 1,132 (Mac); State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total: AUD 46,416 (HP) or AUD 46,648 (Mac). Per term: AUD 11,604.00 (HP) or AUD 11,662.00 (Mac). - Year 12 — Tuition: AUD 42,660; Consolidated Fee: AUD 1,098; Digital Device Rental: AUD 880 (HP) or AUD 1,128 (Mac); State Tax & Surcharges: AUD 1,760. Total compulsory annual amounts: AUD 46,398 (HP) or AUD 46,646 (Mac). Billing for Year 12 differs: - Tuition and State Tax & Surcharges are billed in advance over three instalments (October, January, April). Example: tuition + state tax (AUD 42,660 + AUD 1,760 = AUD 44,420) divided by three = AUD 14,806.67 per instalment. - Consolidated Fee and Digital Device Rental are billed over two accounts (50% in January and 50% in April). Example: Consolidated Fee AUD 1,098 → AUD 549 in January and AUD 549 in April; Device rental (HP AUD 880) → AUD 440 in January and AUD 440 in April. Early Learning Centre (ELC) — Kew campus (annual total and per-term amounts) - Three-year-old group — Two full days: Tuition AUD 13,500; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 704. Compulsory annual total AUD 14,204. Per term (four instalments): AUD 3,551.00. - Three-year-old group — Three full days: Tuition AUD 20,260; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,056. Compulsory annual total AUD 21,316. Per term: AUD 5,329.00. - Four-year-old group — Three full days: Tuition AUD 20,260; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,056. Compulsory annual total AUD 21,316. Per term: AUD 5,329.00. - Four-year-old group — Four full days: Tuition AUD 27,020; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,408. Compulsory annual total AUD 28,428. Per term: AUD 7,107.00. - Five full days: Tuition AUD 33,776; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total AUD 35,536. Per term: AUD 8,884.00. Early Learning Centre (ELC) — Donvale campus (annual total and per-term amounts) - Two full days: Tuition AUD 11,792; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 704. Compulsory annual total AUD 12,496. Per term: AUD 3,124.00. - Three full days: Tuition AUD 17,692; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,056. Compulsory annual total AUD 18,748. Per term: AUD 4,687.00. - Four full days: Tuition AUD 23,596; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,408. Compulsory annual total AUD 25,004. Per term: AUD 6,251.00. - Five full days: Tuition AUD 29,496; State Tax & Surcharges AUD 1,760. Compulsory annual total AUD 31,256. Per term: AUD 7,814.00. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: Compulsory Fees (ELC–Year 11 and Prep–Year 11) are issued in four equal instalments (October, January, April and July accounts) with payment due dates typically about one month after the account is emailed. Year 12 Tuition and State Tax & Surcharges are billed over three instalments (October, January and April); Year 12 Consolidated Fee and Digital Device Rental are billed over two instalments (50% in January and 50% in April). Specific invoice issue dates and due dates are listed in the school fee schedule and the school calendar. Late fee: Fees not paid by the due date incur a non-reversible late fee of AUD 125. For ongoing payment-plan arrangements, the school recommends (and provides contact details for) an external school-fee management service (Edstart). Withdrawal, cancellation and refund information - Enrolment fee and tuition deposit are non-refundable and non-transferable. A tuition deposit that is not applied (if the student does not commence in the nominated year) is forfeited. Cancelled or deferred enrolments forfeit the tuition deposit. - Withdrawal: One term's written notice to the Admissions Office is required for permanent withdrawal. If the required notice is not received, a fee equivalent to one half of a term's fee is payable. Specific notification deadlines for intended leaving dates are set out in the Fee Schedule. Other costs and typical additional charges - School uniform (compulsory Prep–Year 12): indicative cost for a new uniform AUD 900–1,000 (second-hand uniform options are available). - School books: up to about AUD 450 per annum (booklists published annually). - Additional/optional charges: items outside the standard program are charged separately, for example individual music tuition, participation in rowing, selective trips and camps, elective excursions, unreturned library books and similar extras. Student travel insurance for excursions more than 100 km from the Kew campus is included in fees; other insurances (personal items, instruments) are the family's responsibility. - Family discount: Families with three or more siblings concurrently full-time from four‑year‑old Kindergarten to Year 12 are eligible for a 20% discount on Tuition Fees only for the third and subsequent students. Fee payment options - Cash payments are not accepted. Preferred payment method: BPAY (Biller Code 3418; use your account number as the reference). Cheques accepted (payable to Carey Baptist Grammar School Ltd) with account number noted on the back. Credit card payments (Mastercard, Visa, UnionPay and American Express) can be made in person at the Accounts Office (over‑the‑counter payments incur a surcharge); credit card payments cannot be accepted by phone, email or by written authority. Online American Express payments are supported via the school's Amex payment portal. Direct Debit arrangements can be organised through the Accounts Office (fees are normally deducted approximately 10 days prior to each due date). For payment-plan assistance (Edstart) or any billing enquiries contact the school Accounts/Fees Office. Late-payment recovery may include reasonable recovery steps up to legal action as per the Enrolment Terms and Conditions.	Fee details Application & enrolment fees - Application fee (Prep to Year 12 and international applications): AUD 150 (non‑refundable). - Acceptance / Enrolment fee payable on acceptance of an offer: AUD 1,500 (non‑refundable and non‑transferable). A holding deposit is charged one year prior to commencement for Prep, Year 5 and Year 7; the holding deposit is credited back to school fees in Term 2 of the year the student commences. Early Learning Centre (ELC) — tuition - ELC School Term Program (2026 rates): - 5 days: AUD 29,908 per annum. - 4 days: AUD 23,926 per annum. - 3 days: AUD 17,945 per annum. - 48‑week program rates: Per day (part‑time) AUD 191; Per week AUD 917. - ELC invoicing: fees are billed every two weeks, payable on receipt of the invoice; direct debit or credit card preferred; BPAY also accepted. Child Care Subsidy is available to eligible Australian residents who register with Centrelink. Tuition fees by Year level (per term and per annum, 2026 domestic student schedule) - Prep: Tuition per term AUD 6,243 / per annum AUD 24,972. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 747 / per annum AUD 2,988. Total per term AUD 6,990 / per annum AUD 27,960. - Year 1: Tuition per term AUD 6,243 / per annum AUD 24,972. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 747 / per annum AUD 2,988. Total per term AUD 6,990 / per annum AUD 27,960. - Year 2: Tuition per term AUD 6,243 / per annum AUD 24,972. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 747 / per annum AUD 2,988. Total per term AUD 6,990 / per annum AUD 27,960. - Year 3: Tuition per term AUD 6,812 / per annum AUD 27,248. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 747 / per annum AUD 2,988. Total per term AUD 7,559 / per annum AUD 30,236. - Year 4: Tuition per term AUD 7,593 / per annum AUD 30,372. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 747 / per annum AUD 2,988. Total per term AUD 8,340 / per annum AUD 33,360. - Year 5: Tuition per term AUD 8,274 / per annum AUD 33,096. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 747 / per annum AUD 2,988. Total per term AUD 9,021 / per annum AUD 36,084. - Year 6: Tuition per term AUD 8,274 / per annum AUD 33,096. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 747 / per annum AUD 2,988. Total per term AUD 9,021 / per annum AUD 36,084. - Year 7: Tuition per term AUD 9,065 / per annum AUD 36,260. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 1,039 / per annum AUD 4,156. Total per term AUD 10,104 / per annum AUD 40,416. - Year 8: Tuition per term AUD 9,065 / per annum AUD 36,260. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 1,039 / per annum AUD 4,156. Total per term AUD 10,104 / per annum AUD 40,416. - Year 9: Tuition per term AUD 9,065 / per annum AUD 36,260. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 1,039 / per annum AUD 4,156. Total per term AUD 10,104 / per annum AUD 40,416. - Year 10: Tuition per term AUD 10,000 / per annum AUD 40,000. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 855 / per annum AUD 3,420. Total per term AUD 10,855 / per annum AUD 43,420. - Year 11: Tuition per term AUD 10,000 / per annum AUD 40,000. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 855 / per annum AUD 3,420. Total per term AUD 10,855 / per annum AUD 43,420. - Year 12: Tuition per term AUD 10,000 / per annum AUD 40,000. Consolidated Levy per term AUD 855 / per annum AUD 3,420. Total per term AUD 10,855 / per annum AUD 43,420. - Boarding (where applicable): Boarding fees per term AUD 9,197 / per annum AUD 36,788. - Note: the Consolidated Levy varies by year level, reflects resources/programs (including Outdoor Education) and payroll tax contributions, and is non‑refundable. Tuition, Consolidated Levy and Boarding Fees are charged one term in advance (ELC invoicing follows its separate schedule). Billing schedule & payment terms - Standard billing: Tuition, Consolidated Levy and Boarding Fees are invoiced one term in advance; ELC is invoiced fortnightly (after service) and payment is due on receipt of each invoice. - 2026 example billing dates (approximate): - Term 1 fees issued Fri 10 Oct 2025; due Fri 31 Oct 2025. - Term 2 fees issued Fri 13 Feb 2026; due Fri 6 Mar 2026. - Term 3 fees issued Fri 1 May 2026; due Fri 22 May 2026. - Term 4 fees issued Fri 24 Jul 2026; due Fri 14 Aug 2026. Fees are due within 21 days of receiving the account. A late fee of AUD 125 applies to accounts unpaid after 21 days. If fees are not paid within 62 days of issue, the student cannot continue at the College under the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. Boarding fees & what is included - Boarding fees (per term AUD 9,197 / per annum AUD 36,788). Boarding fees cover accommodation and meals during term time, two home visits each year by the College (additional visits incur extra cost), and staying in the Boarding House during mid‑term breaks. GST is included on some items within the Boarding Fees. Other compulsory and common additional costs - Consolidated Levy (listed above) is compulsory and non‑refundable; it covers programs and resources including most Outdoor Education costs that the College pays upfront. - School bus charges (per term, 2026 zones): - Zone A: Part time AUD 483 / Full time AUD 852. - Zone B: Part time AUD 543 / Full time AUD 938. - Zone C: Part time AUD 616 / Full time AUD 987. - Casual trips: AUD 12.50 each. - Music program charges (per semester, sample items): - Instrumental lessons 30 minutes: AUD 940; 40 minutes: AUD 1,220; 50 minutes: AUD 1,525. - Shared lessons: AUD 550; Instrument hire: AUD 180; Music theory and speech lesson fees also apply. - Uniform and associated costs: the PLC Uniform and Stationery Shop supplies uniform items, bags and crested goods; example price ranges (indicative) include dresses AUD ~55–62, jumpers AUD ~63–68, blazers AUD ~160–180, polo/house shirts AUD ~25–38, track tops AUD ~55–60, and other items sold or available second‑hand. Families should budget separately for full uniform purchase, seasonal replacements and footwear. - Other possible additional costs: optional co‑curricular activities, excursions beyond those covered by the Consolidated Levy, some external examinations, special camps or extra home‑visit costs for boarding beyond the two included visits, and any individual tuition or charges (e.g., extra music lessons, instrument hire). These charges appear as separate line items on student accounts. Refunds & non‑refundable items - The Consolidated Levy is not refundable. The Acceptance / Enrolment fee (AUD 1,500) is non‑refundable and non‑transferable. Holding deposits for specified intake years are credited back to school fees in Term 2 of the student's commencement year. Specific refund entitlements and conditions are governed by the College's Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. Fee concessions & sibling discount - A 10% sibling discount is applied to the basic annual tuition fee for younger sisters while an older sister attends PLC, subject to conditions (the discount does not apply if any student in the family is already receiving another fee discount or scholarship, and it does not apply to children attending the ELC). Accepted payment methods and surcharges - Preferred payment method: BPAY (PLC biller code 58800; unique BPAY reference provided on fee notices). WYSE is used for accessing fee statements and payments. Direct debit and credit card payments are accepted; MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted. Cash is not accepted for fee payments. Credit or debit card payments incur a surcharge that equals PLC's transaction cost. When paying through WYSE, credit card details are handled securely by National Australia Bank. Important final notes on timing and changes - The College reserves the right to amend fees and terms; parents are given one term's notice of any changes to Terms and Conditions or fees. Council sets ELC and future year fees at specified times (for example, ELC 2027 fees are set in October 2026). Families are invoiced according to the published billing schedule for each year.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Carey offers a continuous learning program from Early Learning to Year 12 across its Kew and Donvale campuses. The Junior School uses an inquiry-based approach to learning within a tailored curriculum, with Donvale campus characterized by small class sizes and Kew by cross-age learning and strong facilities. In Year 10, students build on prior learning and select from a wide range of subjects to guide Years 11 and 12. In Years 11 and 12, students can study the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the Victorian Certificate of Education, with over 30 Year 11 subjects and around 40 Year 12 subjects. The Senior School emphasizes wellbeing and co-curricular opportunities and includes a University Extension program offering subjects from La Trobe University, RMIT and the University of Melbourne. Talent Development supports highly able students through curriculum differentiation and extension.	Curriculum details The school provides a connected learning journey from Early Learning Centre to Year 12 on a single-site campus. Across every age and stage, the curriculum balances academic excellence with creativity, character and care. Focused learning is delivered through explicit teaching, with individual learning pathways and structured progression that guide increasing independence and leadership. Cross-age connections are fostered through a House system, student-led clubs and cross-year mentoring, complemented by integrated wellbeing programs such as Empowered Changemakers, Wellness in Motion and Faith in Life. The school prepares girls for life after school through a holistic approach, with graduate outcomes defined as Scholar, Thinker, Citizen, Advocate and Leader.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Class of 2025 combined IB and VCE results show 15 students achieved ATAR 99+ (top 1% of the state), 8% achieved 98+ and 21% achieved 95+; 40% achieved 90+ and 64% achieved 80+ with a median ATAR of 86; 36 students received early offers. IB results highlights include an average IB score of 37, with 68% of subject scores at 6 or 7 and six students awarded a Bilingual Diploma; 48% of IB students achieved ATAR 95+ and 98% achieved ATAR 80+. VCE results highlights include 12% ATAR 95+ and 54% ATAR 80+, with five perfect study scores and 15 VCE students awarded the VCE Baccalaureate.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The University Extension program is open to Year 12 students and offers additional study through La Trobe University, RMIT and the University of Melbourne to extend beyond the standard IB or VCE program. Benefits include an ATAR increase of up to 5.5 points, greater access to tertiary opportunities and accelerated pathways.	Higher education progression The school offers both the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) pathways and publishes results for these programs. Graduate outcomes are defined as Scholar, Thinker, Citizen, Advocate and Leader. The College maintains relationships with tertiary institutions, notably Melbourne and Monash Universities, and provides Higher Education Studies (University Extension) for academically gifted students.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Talent Development at Carey encourages students to think and research and provides extension within the curriculum to support highly able learners, including differentiated learning in the classroom and targeted opportunities as part of the school's Learning Development framework.	Gifted and talented Programs for academically gifted students are offered throughout PLC, with opportunities to explore interests and talents beyond the curriculum through extension studies and co-curricular activities. Extension programs include competitions and activities such as da Vinci Decathlon, Tournament of Minds, and Future Problem Solving.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school uses a four-step enrolment process. Step 1: Apply online and pay the $200 application fee. Step 2: Assigned to waitlist according to year level preference and the Enrolment Policy, with a receipt letter acknowledging receipt. Step 3: Formal offer process. Offers for key intake years normally commence about two-and-a-half years before entry; for other year levels, offers are generally made the year prior when places become available; at the start of the offer process the school may contact families on the waitlist to confirm ongoing interest, and a formal Letter of Offer is issued when a place becomes available based on priority. Step 4: Accept offer and confirm enrolment in writing via the Enrolment Agreement and pay the $1,800 Enrolment Fee; enrolment is not confirmed until the Enrolment Fee is processed. Enrolment fees and charges include the $200 application fee, the $1,800 Enrolment Fee and a $2,000 Tuition Deposit for certain entry years (ELC, Prep, Year 5 and Year 7) which is redeemable against tuition; the deposit is forfeited if a place is cancelled or deferred. An interview with the Head of School may form part of the offer process; for Year 8–12, recent school reports and performance are considered. Enrolment in ELC requires full immunisation and Medicare Immunisation Certificates to confirm enrolment, and the Victorian No Jab No Play policy applies. Overseas students must hold a valid Australian visa at enrolment; if a visa is not provided one term prior to commencement, Carey may cancel enrolment and forfeit half a term's fees. Transfer of enrolment between Junior School campuses is not permitted; sibling priority does not apply to children whose sibling is enrolled in ELC; ELC operates during school term dates. The school may require additional policies to be completed and may inform how to careylink after orientation.	Admissions Step 1: Apply. For ELC applications, complete the ELC online application. For Prep to Year 12 applications, complete a Prep to Year 12 online application and pay AU$150 non-refundable application fee. Applicants will be advised of the documents required during the application process; these typically include copies of the applicant's birth certificate, passport and most recent school report, and NAPLAN report if applicable. The boarding enrolment process follows the same steps as the standard enrolment process; boarding applications are accepted for students entering Year 7 to Year 12 and applicants can indicate boarding in the online application, with the rest of the process remaining the same. Step 2: Application confirmation. You will receive a confirmation email upon successful completion of the online application. At this stage, your daughter will be placed on a waiting list. Step 3: Offer. A formal letter of offer will be sent via email if a place is available for the specified intake year. PLC commences offering places according to the timings below: Prep – three years prior to the planned commencement year; Year 5 and Year 7 – two to three years prior to the planned commencement year; Years 9 to 11 – 18 months prior to the planned commencement year. Offers are made at non-intake years as places become available. If you submit an application for a non-intake year, your daughter will automatically be added to the waiting list and the Admissions Team will contact you directly should a place become available. Step 4: Acceptance and confirmation of enrolment. Complete the Acceptance of Place Offer by the due date outlined in the letter of offer and pay a non-refundable enrolment fee of AU$1,500. Step 5: Holding deposit. A holding deposit is charged one year prior to commencement to confirm enrolment for Prep, Year 5 and Year 7. The holding deposit is credited back to school fees in Term 2 of the year a student commences. Step 6: Pre-commencement meeting. In the year prior to enrolment, students entering the Junior School will be invited with their families to a meeting with a member of the Junior School Leadership Team. Students in Years 7 to 11 will be invited to an online meeting. The aim of these meetings is to understand your daughter's interests, talents and needs to support her successful transition to PLC.
Scholarships	Scholarships Academic Scholarships: Offered to students in Years 7 and 10. Registration for scholarships opens mid-October to late January in the year prior to entry; the scholarship test is conducted in February prior to entry (e.g., February of Year 6 for Year 7 entry). All candidates are notified of the outcome in due course. Year 10 applicants must also send a copy of their latest school report to the Admissions Office. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview, and results are issued to both shortlisted and unsuccessful candidates; the process can take several weeks. For further scholarship exam details, Edutest information is available. General Excellence Scholarships: Offered for Years 7, 10 and 11. Applications are reviewed periodically with key dates including application reviews commencing October 13, 2025 and applications closing February 20, 2026 for 2027 entry. Shortlisted applicants attend an interview with the Principal and the Head of Sport and Activities, followed by an academic test (Edutest). Final selection is by the Principal after a further interview. Scholarships typically cover about 50% remission of tuition fees and do not cover application/entry fees, books, uniforms, digital devices, consolidated charges or optional extras. If not met, scholarships may be withdrawn on annual review. Access and Equity Scholarships: Limited in number for Years 7 or 10. The scholarship covers tuition fees from commencement in Year 7 or Year 10 through Year 12, as well as consolidated charges and a laptop. Applications close at the end of Term 1 each year. Shortlisted applicants undergo a needs-based financial assessment. For inquiries, contact the Admissions team; the form is available online.	Scholarships Types of scholarships: academic scholarships, general excellence scholarships, music scholarships, boarding scholarships, and means-tested scholarships; Old Collegian/Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship is also offered. Eligibility: current PLC Year 6 students are eligible to apply for entry into Year 7; students currently attending PLC Senior School are not eligible to apply for Years 8–11; candidates must be Australian citizens or hold a Permanent Resident visa; late applications are not accepted. Value: PLC scholarships may cover up to 50% of the basic annual tuition fees; boarding scholarships cover up to 50% of the boarding fees to the end of Year 12; means-tested scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Scholarship process: Academic and General Excellence scholarships rely on ACER exams and consideration of the most recent school report and, in some cases, an interview; Music scholarships may include an audition; Boarding scholarships involve ACER exam and, in some cases, an interview; Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship is for daughters or granddaughters of Old Collegians and is not offered every year. Entry for 2028: Scholarship Exam Date is TBA (Term 4, 2026). For more information, contact PLC Admissions at +61 3 9808 5811 or admissions@plc.vic.edu.au.
Waitlist	Waitlist The school assigns all applications to the waitlist according to year level preference and the Enrolment Policy. Key intake years are three-year-old ELC, Prep, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 10, though applications for all year levels are welcome. Priority of admission is: 1) to siblings and children of permanent staff members; 2) to children of Carey alumni who apply in the first year after the child's birth; 3) to children of other families who apply in the first year after birth; 4) to children of Carey alumni who apply after their child turns twelve months of age; 5) by date of application thereafter; with consideration given to children of fully ordained Baptist Ministers. An application is a prerequisite to admission but not a guarantee of enrolment. An interview with the Head of School may form part of the offer process, and for Year 8–12 applications, recent school reports and performance will be considered. Transfer of enrolment between Junior School campuses is not permitted; waitlisted siblings enrolled at Junior School receive sibling priority for entry into the same campus. For enrolment in ELC, children must be fully immunised and ELC operates on school term dates; overseas students must hold a valid visa; if a visa is not provided, Carey reserves the right to cancel enrolment and forfeit half a term's fees. The school emphasises immunisation and visa requirements, and no transfer between campuses is allowed for junior school entries.	Waitlist Applicants who complete the online enrolment application are placed on the waiting list. PLC commences offering places when places become available. For intakes, Prep is offered three years before commencement; Year 5 and Year 7 are offered two to three years before commencement; Years 9 to 11 are offered about 18 months prior. If applying for a non-intake year, the daughter will be automatically added to the waiting list and the Admissions Team will contact you directly should a place become available.
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