Cranbrook School and MLC School are both in Sydney, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Australian programmes. Published annual fees are A$1,226 - 110,190 at Cranbrook School and A$350 - 58,578 at MLC School, which puts Cranbrook School roughly 89% higher. Cranbrook School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and MLC School from 4 to 18. Cranbrook School is the larger school, with around 1,680 pupils to MLC School's 1,191.
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Curriculum
IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
1,680
Pupils
1,191
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1918
Opened
1886
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The Cranbrook School site is located at 5 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill, NSW 2023, Australia. It is in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and overlooks Sydney Harbour, about 4km from central Sydney.
Location
MLC School is on Rowley Street, Burwood, NSW 2134, about 11 kilometres from the city of Sydney. Strathfield and Burwood stations are a seven-minute walk from the school. The campus has ready access to bus, train and expressway links.
Stages
Stages
Pre-School to Year 12
Stages
Junior School Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6; Senior School Year 7 to Year 12.
School type
School type
Anglican independent day and boarding school
School type
Independent girls' school affiliated with the Uniting Church in Australia.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning Enrichment and Support provides educational support, with specialist teacher assessment reports to diagnose specific learning difficulties and recommendations for appropriate access arrangements during examinations.
Additional learning support
Learning is personalised; English and Mathematics instruction is tailored to each girl's learning needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Australia
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Anglican
Religious affiliation
Uniting Church in Australia
School day structure
School day structure
Core school hours are 8:15am to 3:20pm, with before- and after-school activities available.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Cranbrook offers subsidised private bus services in term time, operated by North Sydney Bus Charters. There are three routes: North Shore (to Seaforth via North Sydney, Cremorne and Mosman), Inner West (to Woolwich via Pyrmont, Annandale, Balmain and Drummoyne), and Eastern Suburbs (to Maroubra via Bondi, Clovelly, Randwick and Coogee). Bus passes must be purchased in advance; for enquiries email bus@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
Bus service details
MLC operates six regular bus services to and from the School and one extra AM-only route. Bus routes connect Cronulla, Caringbah, Blakehurst, Hurstville; Illawong, Padstow Heights, Oatley, Narwee, Belfield, Strathfield; Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Summer Hill, Ashfield, Croydon; Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Gladesville, Drummoyne, Five Dock; Woolwich, Hunters Hill, Putney, Concord, Breakfast Point; Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Haberfield. The Rollcall bus tracking app lets parents see their daughter's location on the route.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Tuition fees (K–12) — Domestic students - Tuition is billed in three equal instalments per year (charged in advance). Per-instalment and per-annum amounts are: - Kindergarten: AUD 11,842 per instalment / AUD 35,526 per annum. - Years 1–2: AUD 12,595 per instalment / AUD 37,785 per annum. - Years 3–4: AUD 13,942 per instalment / AUD 41,826 per annum. - Years 5–6: AUD 14,412 per instalment / AUD 43,236 per annum. - Years 7–10: AUD 16,826 per instalment / AUD 50,478 per annum. - Years 11–12: AUD 17,490 per instalment / AUD 52,470 per annum.
Tuition fees (K–12) — International students - International tuition is higher. Per-instalment and per-annum amounts are: - Kindergarten: AUD 14,557 per instalment / AUD 43,671 per annum. - Years 1–2: AUD 15,310 per instalment / AUD 45,930 per annum. - Years 3–4: AUD 16,657 per instalment / AUD 49,971 per annum. - Years 5–6: AUD 17,127 per instalment / AUD 51,381 per annum. - Years 7–10: AUD 20,532 per instalment / AUD 61,596 per annum. - Years 11–12: AUD 21,196 per instalment / AUD 63,588 per annum.
Boarding fees (Years 7–12) - Boarding fees are charged in addition to Tuition Fees. Per-instalment and per-annum amounts (Domestic and International boarders): - Years 7–12: AUD 15,534 per instalment / AUD 46,602 per annum. - Boarding fees are inclusive of GST for food where applicable.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and boarding fees are charged in advance in three equal instalments, invoiced at the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3. Two additional fee statements are issued at the beginning and end of Term 4 to capture incidental expenses incurred during Terms 3 and 4. - Fees are shown and billed only in Australian Dollars (AUD). - Fees are due and payable within 30 days from the date of issue of the fee statement. - Fees not paid by the due date (unless another agreement is documented) incur an administrative charge of AUD 250 per account; failure to pay by the due date may result in exclusion from classes/activities or termination of enrolment.
Application, enrolment and deposit fees - Application Fee (K–12 and Pre‑School): non‑refundable AUD 440 (including GST) payable when a student is registered for possible future enrolment. - Enrolment Fee (K–12): non‑refundable AUD 7,500 payable when a place is formally offered and accepted. - Pre‑School Deposit: a deposit of AUD 3,000 is payable when a place at St Mark's or St Michael's Pre‑School is offered and accepted; this deposit is refundable after the child leaves the Pre‑School provided required notice has been given and all accounts are paid.
St Mark's and St Michael's Pre‑School fees (2026 schedules) - Fee Schedule A (including NSW Government Start Strong fee relief, per instalment / per annum): - 5 days: AUD 7,898 / AUD 23,693. - 3 days: AUD 4,265 / AUD 12,794. - 2 days: AUD 2,805 / AUD 8,415. - Fee Schedule B (excluding the Government fee relief, per instalment / per annum): - 5 days: AUD 9,086 / AUD 27,258. - 3 days: AUD 5,453 / AUD 16,359. - 2 days: AUD 3,637 / AUD 10,911. - Fee Schedule C (equity program including fee relief, per instalment / per annum): - 5 days: AUD 6,597 / AUD 19,791. - 3 days: AUD 2,964 / AUD 8,892. - 2 days: AUD 409 / AUD 1,226. - Fee Schedule D (equity program excluding fee relief, per instalment / per annum): - 5 days: AUD 8,082 / AUD 24,247. - 3 days: AUD 4,449 / AUD 13,348. - 2 days: AUD 1,449 / AUD 4,346.
Other costs and optional charges - Additional charges apply for optional subject tuition (for example, private instrument lessons), excursions, and other activities outside the normal school program; GST may be applied where exemptions do not apply. - A tax‑deductible Building Fund donation of AUD 200 per instalment is included in the fee statements; payment of this donation is voluntary. - Credit card surcharges apply for fees paid by credit card. - Administrative late payment charge is AUD 250 per account for overdue fees.
Refund information - The Application Fee (AUD 440) and the K–12 Enrolment Fee (AUD 7,500) are non‑refundable. - The Pre‑School deposit of AUD 3,000 is refundable after the child leaves the Pre‑School provided required notice has been given and all accounts are paid. - Other refunds (for example where fees are prepaid and an enrolment does not proceed) are governed by the School's enrolment and fee conditions. Late or unpaid accounts may attract administrative charges and other consequences as noted above.
Fee payment options - Fees are payable by BPAY or online by credit card. - Credit card surcharges apply for payments by credit card. - All billing and invoicing is in AUD.
- Final Enrolment Fee (paid after offer to secure the place): - Australian students: AUD 3,500 (non-refundable). - Overseas students: AUD 5,900 (non-refundable).
Tuition Fees — 2026 (Domestic / Australian students)
- Pre-Kindergarten (5 days): Annual AUD 29,124 — Per term AUD 7,281. - Pre-Kindergarten (3 days): Annual AUD 17,780 — Per term AUD 4,445. - Kindergarten: Annual AUD 25,740 — Per term AUD 6,435. - Year 1: Annual AUD 26,312 — Per term AUD 6,578. - Year 2: Annual AUD 26,312 — Per term AUD 6,578. - Year 3: Annual AUD 30,732 — Per term AUD 7,683. - Year 4: Annual AUD 33,072 — Per term AUD 8,268. - Year 5: Annual AUD 33,872 — Per term AUD 8,468. - Year 6: Annual AUD 36,168 — Per term AUD 9,042. - Year 7: Annual AUD 41,300 — Per term AUD 10,325. - Year 8: Annual AUD 42,656 — Per term AUD 10,664. - Year 9: Annual AUD 43,672 — Per term AUD 10,918. - Year 10: Annual AUD 43,672 — Per term AUD 10,918. - Year 11: Annual AUD 44,904 — Per term AUD 11,226. - Year 12: Annual AUD 44,904 — Year 12 tuition is billed over Terms 1 to 3; Per-term invoice amount (Terms 1–3) AUD 14,968.
- Pre-Kindergarten (5 days): Annual AUD 38,636 — Per term AUD 9,659. - Pre-Kindergarten (3 days): Annual AUD 23,588 — Per term AUD 5,897. - Kindergarten: Annual AUD 34,156 — Per term AUD 8,539. - Year 1: Annual AUD 36,828 — Per term AUD 9,207. - Year 2: Annual AUD 36,828 — Per term AUD 9,207. - Year 3: Annual AUD 40,748 — Per term AUD 10,187. - Year 4: Annual AUD 46,112 — Per term AUD 11,528. - Year 5: Annual AUD 47,268 — Per term AUD 11,817. - Year 6: Annual AUD 49,568 — Per term AUD 12,392. - Year 7: Annual AUD 54,444 — Per term AUD 13,611. - Year 8: Annual AUD 55,844 — Per term AUD 13,961. - Year 9: Annual AUD 57,240 — Per term AUD 14,310. - Year 10: Annual AUD 57,240 — Per term AUD 14,310. - Year 11: Annual AUD 58,576 — Per term AUD 14,644. - Year 12: Annual AUD 58,578 — Year 12 tuition is billed over Terms 1 to 3; Per-term invoice amount (Terms 1–3) AUD 19,526.
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms (2026)
- Fee statements are issued at the start of each term and are payable within 14 days of issue. - 2026 term due dates (statements expected at the start of each term): - Term 1 due date: Tuesday 10 February 2026. - Term 2 due date: Tuesday 5 May 2026. - Term 3 due date: Tuesday 4 August 2026. - Term 4 due date: Tuesday 27 October 2026. - Year 12 accounts are billed at the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3 (rather than four-term billing). - A late payment fee of AUD 75 applies if fees are not paid by the due date each term. A student cannot commence a new term while the previous term's fees remain unpaid. - Withdrawal requires at least one full school term's written notice to the Principal; failing to give notice incurs one term's tuition fee in lieu of notice.
Boarding Fees
- Boarding is not applicable. MLC School operates as a day school for girls from Pre‑Kindergarten to Year 12.
Other Costs & Fees
- Uniforms and equipment are purchased through the School's Uniform Shop and online store; second‑hand uniform and textbook options are available via a sustainable second‑hand platform. Families should expect separate charges for uniform and stationery purchases. - Co-curricular activities, sport and other program charges may incur additional fees and are billed separately through the School's payments systems (these are not included in tuition). - Parents & Friends (P&F) subscription is optional but encouraged; Building Fund donations are tax-deductible and are separate from tuition and enrolment fees. - Sibling discount on tuition: 10% reduction for the second child and 12.5% for the third and subsequent children while siblings are simultaneously enrolled.
Refunds & Fees Insurance
- Application Fees and Final Enrolment Fees are non‑refundable and are not credited towards tuition. - Fees Insurance (optional and charged each term) is available; it provides for a refund of tuition fees for the period a student is absent from school for two or more consecutive weeks due to sickness or accident (claims require supporting documentation such as a doctor's certificate).
Fee Payment Options
- Accepted payment methods include: BPAY (preferred), online credit card payments, direct deposit, credit card payments by telephone, mail, and payment at a CBA branch. The School has partnered with Edstart for alternative payment plans (subject to approval and separate Edstart terms and fees).
Key Administrative Notes
- All enrolment fees are non‑refundable and are not credited towards tuition. - Termly statements should be checked on receipt; contact Accounts Receivable promptly if a statement is not received to avoid late payment penalties.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school is an IB Continuum School and offers the International Baccalaureate across the Senior School. Years 7–10 are taught using the NSW curriculum through the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with a common curriculum in Years 7–8 and language study across two languages chosen from French, Latin and Mandarin. The Years 7 and 8 programs cover English, Mathematics, Science, PDHPE, History, Geography, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Design and Technology, Religious Studies, and two languages. In Years 9–10 students add two electives to the common curriculum while continuing core subjects and a continuing language. In Years 11–12 students choose between the IB Diploma Programme and the Higher School Certificate (HSC), with the HSC requiring English plus a range of other subjects and the IB Diploma Programme structured around six subject groups plus core components such as Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS. The school also runs a Gifted & High Potential Programme delivered through the Honours Curriculum for Years 7–10, using in‑class differentiation, acceleration and enrichment, with mathematics acceleration, English enrichment and opportunities for external competitions and seminar‑style learning.
Curriculum details
MLC School offers two senior pathways for Years 11 and 12: the Higher School Certificate (HSC) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). The school is non-selective and supports students to pursue the pathway that best suits their interests and goals. A Year 10 subject selection process gives students agency to shape their future. IB provides breadth and global focus, while HSC provides depth in chosen subjects. Alumnae go on to study at world-renowned universities and institutions, including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Juilliard, and the London School of Music. These pathways prepare students for tertiary education.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
MLC School offers both the HSC and IB Diploma in Years 11-12. In 2025, 131 Mentions on the HSC Distinguished Achievers List were recorded, with 49 students (59% of the HSC cohort) named on the list. Three students achieved the IB score of 45, and five more attained 44. Twenty-one students earned IB Certificates of Distinction. Six students were recognised as HSC All-round Achievers by achieving a high result in at least 10 course units.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Alumnae progress to higher education at world-renowned institutions including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Juilliard, and the London School of Music.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Gifted & High Potential Programme is delivered through the Honours Curriculum for Years 7–10, with in‑class differentiation, acceleration and enrichment. Identification uses standardised tests, psychometric assessments, parent and teacher nominations and interviews; opportunities include Mathematics acceleration, English enrichment, external competitions such as Olympiads and Da Vinci Decathlon, and term seminars on topics such as Introduction to Psychology, Defining Fascism, The Mini‑MBA and The Philosophy of Science.
Gifted and talented
All Rounder Scholarships are offered for Year 5 (2027 entry) and Year 7–11 (2028 entry) to applicants who demonstrate significant academic potential and achievement in two or more areas: Leadership; Cultural/creative/performing arts; Service; Sport. Some scholarships are means tested. Music Scholarships for Year 7 (2028 entry) are awarded to applicants who achieve excellent entrance results and are exceptional musicians; recipients must participate in the full music program from Year 9 to Year 12 and meet specified performance standards. Edna Curtis Scholarships are for daughters of Old Girls who achieve excellent results and meet all-rounder criteria. The Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 (2028) supports new entrants and covers up to full remission of tuition fees for the three years of attendance, with an entrance examination and supporting documentation required. Indigenous Scholarships are means-tested and available for Indigenous girls entering Junior School or Year 7.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1 – Application. Begin with the online application by creating an account and submitting the form. You will provide essential information about your child and family. Cranbrook accepts entry at Pre-School, Kindergarten, Year 3, Year 7 and Year 11, with other grades considered only if vacancies exist.
Step 2 – Visit the School. Attending an Open Day helps you learn about Cranbrook and meet key staff. Open Days offer an opportunity to ask questions and observe the school environment. A visit is a helpful precursor before progressing to assessments.
Step 3 – Admissions Activities. Observations and assessments vary by entry point. Pre-School and Kindergarten involve your child participating in an observation session up to 12 months before commencement. Year 3 and Year 7 require an academic assessment up to 2.5 years before commencement. Year 11 involves assessments and interviews up to 12 months before entry.
Step 4 – Interview. After observations and assessments, parents and/or applicants may be invited to an interview. Not all candidates will be invited to interview due to the number of applications.
Step 5 – Offer. Applications are reviewed and enrolment decisions are made. You will be notified in writing if an offer is made or if the application is unsuccessful.
Step 6 – Acceptance of Place. A place is secured when the enrolment documentation and the non-refundable enrolment fee or Pre-School deposit are paid.
Step 7 – Welcome to Cranbrook. You will be notified of Orientation Days and other information regarding starting at Cranbrook in the term prior to commencement.
Admissions
Entry Points: MLC School has formal entry points at Pre-Kindergarten – Early Years (must turn 4 by 31 May in entry year), Kindergarten – Early Years (must turn 5 by 31 May), Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11 (spaces available to commence either the Higher School Certificate or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme). Entry at other Year levels is at the discretion of the Principal. Applications should be made as early as possible as waiting lists exist for a number of entry years.
Enrolment Steps: STEP 1 – Complete the online enrolment application and pay the application fee; entry is not academically selective. The School accepts enrolment applications any time after birth; for applications submitted less than two years before the required entry year, contact the Registrar. After the completed application and fee are received, the girl is placed on a waiting list; keep contact details up to date or the place on the waiting list may be forfeited. STEP 2 – Register for a school tour. STEP 3 – Attend an interview approximately two years prior to entry. STEP 4 – Complete the Enrolment Contract and pay the Final Enrolment Fee (due 10 days after the offer). STEP 5 – Take part in the orientation program.
Conditions and preferences: Preference for limited places is given to daughters of Old Girls and current families, but this is not guaranteed. Entry years are not guaranteed and depend on meeting enrolment steps.
Fees and finance: Enrolment Application Fee for Australian Students is A$350; Overseas Students A$550. Final Enrolment Fee for Australian Students is A$3,500; Overseas Students A$5,900. Fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees are separate and can be accessed via Omnia; for queries contact the Registrar.
Overseas enrolment: Overseas Student Enrolment is available; CRICOS: 02328D.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Cranbrook School offers a selection of scholarships to recognise gifted and talented students and to provide pathways to benefit from Cranbrook's programs. Awards are based on the Cranbrook School Scholarship Examination (conducted by Academic Assessment Services), the submission of supporting materials, and an interview. Scholarships are available only to Australian citizens. Applications for 2027 Cranbrook Scholarships are now closed; 2028 scholarships will open later this year. The Old Cranbrookians' Association (OCA) Scholarship is also offered.
Scholarships
MLC School offers a range of scholarships: All Rounder Scholarships (Year 5 2027; Year 7–11 2028), Music Scholarships (Year 7 2028), Edna Curtis Scholarships (Year 7 2028), Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 2028, Indigenous Scholarships. The majority of scholarships require an entrance examination; shortlisted candidates attend a Scholarship Activity Day and an interview. Some scholarships are means-tested. Scholarships for Year 7–11 2028 entry have dates: Registrations Open 29 June 2026; Close 30 September 2026; Testing Day 17 October 2026. For Year 5 2026–27 entry: Registrations Open 28 April 2026; Close 28 July 2026; Testing Day 8 August 2026. All Rounder Scholarships for Year 5 2027 offer 50% tuition relief for Year 5–12 (conditions apply). Music Scholarship details include minimum AMEB grade or equivalent; applicants must provide evidence from their instrument teacher. Edna Curtis Scholarship is for daughters of Old Girls; Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 2028 covers up to full tuition remission for three years and is open to new applicants only (Australian residents); applications require an entrance examination and financial documentation. Indigenous Scholarships are means-tested for entry to Junior School or Year 7; general enrolment application by 30 January prior to entry; Year 7 applicants must sit the scholarship examination and shortlisted candidates are interviewed. For more information, email registrar@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Waiting lists exist for a number of entry years. After a completed online enrolment application and payment of the application fee, a girl is placed on the waiting list. Parents should keep contact details up to date; if the School cannot contact the family, the waiting list place may be forfeited. Preference for limited places may be given to daughters of Old Girls and current families, but this is not guaranteed. Entry years with waiting lists are determined by the School and are not guaranteed.
