doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
H

Hughes Primary School

Australia, Canberra

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 4 - 12 years
Pupil numbers 450
Type Co-educational
Opened 1964
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School
Introduction

Hughes Primary School is a P–6 International Baccalaureate World School in the Canberra suburb of Hughes, serving children aged 4 to 12. The IB Primary Years Programme sits alongside the Australian Curriculum, aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework. Learning is organized around concept-driven Units of Inquiry that connect ideas, promote deep thinking, collaboration and action. The IB Learner Profile and international-mindedness underpin daily learning, with explicit teaching of English and Mathematics and a focus on essential knowledge and skills. A distinctive feature is the on-site Southside Primary Introductory English Centre (SPIEC), providing intensive English language support for new arrivals, complemented by a Learning Support Unit for autism and ILPs for inclusive practice. Specialist programs include Japanese (LOTE), Physical Education, Library and Performing Arts, with Performing Arts offered from Kindergarten to Year 6. The school has a central library, on-site canteen and after-hours care, contributing to a connected school community.

Groom Street, Hughes ACT 2605, Australia

The Essentials

Hughes Primary School has 450 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Groom Street, Hughes ACT 2605, Australia. Hughes Primary School sits in the suburb of Hughes in Canberra. Walking or riding to Hughes Primary is encouraged to reduce traffic and improve safety. The ACT Government's Transport Canberra network provides bus and light rail options for students, and there are drop-off and pick-up guidelines around schools.

Stages
P–6

Type
P–6 International Baccalaureate World School

Additional learning support
Onsite Introductory English Centre (IEC) provides intensive English language support for international students.

Country affiliation
Australia

Bus service
Public transport options are available via the ACT Transport Canberra network (bus and light rail) and there are school-drop-off/pick-up guidance around schools.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Canteen lunches are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lunch orders are placed online through the Flexischools system; registration is free and there is a 20c fee per online order. The system uses pre-paid accounts and the lunch bag is pre-labelled for pickup at the front office.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a School Board within the ACT Education Directorate. The Board consists of three elected parents (one is Chair), two elected teachers, the school principal, and a departmental nominee. The Board monitors and reports on school performance; develops curriculum and education policies; sets budget policy and manages assets; and fosters school-community relationships.
Academics

Hughes Primary School teaches IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 12.

Curriculum
Hughes Primary School is a P–6 International Baccalaureate World School. A rigorous Programme of Inquiry is offered, aligned with the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework. Teaching focuses on English and Mathematics with explicit instruction of essential knowledge and skills. Students learn through concept-driven Units of Inquiry that connect ideas and encourage deep thinking, collaboration and action. The IB Learner Profile and international-mindedness underpin learning, with a commitment to inclusivity and wellbeing. The school provides additional language support through an onsite Introductory English Centre for students who are new to English.

Student Teacher Ratio
457 students enrolled; 26.4 full-time equivalent teaching staff (25.8 permanent, 0.6 temporary). Approximate student–teacher ratio is about 17:1.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school uses a universal Positive Education approach to wellbeing for every student. Learning and wellbeing are inseparable; every student deserves to feel safe, known, valued and included through strong relationships and a sense of belonging.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school is committed to removing barriers so all students can access learning. Adjustments may include extra visual cues, breaking tasks into smaller steps, additional practice, checking for understanding, changes to the environment, alternative communication methods, strategies to meet sensory needs, and access to quiet spaces for regulation; adjustments may occur in smaller group settings with support from staff.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Onsite Introductory English Centre (IEC) provides an intensive English language program for students from around the world and enables their participation in the school community. IEC students join the mainstream over time as they learn English.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to learning. Hughes adopts a universal wellbeing approach grounded in relationships, belonging and high expectations; as a Positive Education school, it supports students to understand themselves, develop strengths, build positive relationships and flourish.

Safeguarding
The school commits to keeping children safe and has adopted the 10 ACT Child Safe Standards, working with the ACT Human Rights Commission to strengthen safeguarding. The school provides resources and information about keeping students safe online, including eSafety webinars and guidance.
Parent Experience

History
Hughes Primary School opened in 1964 in the inner Canberra suburb of Hughes. It was opened by the Hon. J. D. (Douglas) Anthony, and the first principal was Mr. Ken Wilson. The suburb and school are named after William (Billy) Hughes, a former Prime Minister of Australia. The school was designed for 250 students and opened with 160; today about 450 students attend. In February 1964 the Hughes Primary School Parents and Citizens' Association was formed; the inaugural executive included Wing Commander R. Egerton as president, R. Mutkins and J. Allwright as vice presidents, G. Fordham as secretary and W. O'Brien as treasurer. The two main buildings were named Franklin and Bimberi, and houses were named Mugga, Stromlo, Taylor and Forster.

Community
The school is strengthened by the people who make up our community. A dedicated and expert teaching team works closely with students and families to create positive learning experiences and ensure every child is supported to reach their potential. Our strong P&C and School Board are valued partners in our work, and genuine distributed leadership gives the community a voice and an active role in shaping Hughes' future. We celebrate the strengths, identities and diversity of our community through a wide range of special events, enrichment opportunities and partnerships with organisations across our local community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Hughes Primary School Parents and Citizens' Association was formed in February 1964. The inaugural executive was Wing Commander R. Egerton (president); R. Mutkins and J. Allwright (vice presidents); G. Fordham (secretary); W. O'Brien (treasurer). The P&C is a key partner alongside the School Board in governance and community engagement, with a commitment to distributed leadership and active family involvement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Hughes Primary School offers classes from Preschool to Year 6 and hosts the Southside Primary Introductory English Centre (SPIEC) on site, along with a Learning Support Unit for autism. SPIEC provides intensive English language instruction for students with minimal English, and students have full access to the playground, library and computer facilities. The school maintains a central library and offers specialist programs in Japanese (LOTE), Physical Education, Library, and Performing Arts. An on-site canteen provides lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays with online ordering via Flexischools, and lunches are collected from the front office. An After Hours Care program operates in the School Hall from 7:30am to 9:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm, run by Woden Community Services.

Academic Facilities
Hughes Primary School offers specialist programs in Japanese (LOTE), Physical Education, Library, and Performing Arts. The Library program supports inquiry-based learning and literacy and functions as a central hub for learning. The Southside Primary Introductory English Centre (SPIEC) provides intensive English language instruction on site. The school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework. The Learning Support Unit (Autism) offers ILPs and inclusive classroom integration.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Athletics carnivals are hosted and students are encouraged to participate in sports clinics and competitions. The Learning Support Unit supports activities including camps and excursions as part of its program. SPIEC integration allows IEC students to participate in assemblies, sporting and other whole-school events. Performing Arts is a specialist program, offering music, dance and drama opportunities throughout the year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Hughes is a P–6 International Baccalaureate World School. It uses explicit teaching of essential knowledge and skills in English and Mathematics and develops Units of Inquiry aligned with the Australian Curriculum. As an IB World School, students explore authentic contexts, connect ideas, think deeply, collaborate with others and take meaningful action in response to their learning. The school offers an onsite Introductory English Centre that provides an intensive English language program, strengthening international-mindedness within the school community.

Arts & Creative
The school has a specialist Performing Arts program from Kindergarten to Year 6 offering music, dance, drama and other performing arts disciplines. Students participate in performances and artistic experiences throughout the year. The Performing Arts program is designed to nurture creativity, self-expression and confidence.

Cultural & Language
The school offers a specialist Japanese language program as its LO TE. An onsite Introductory English Centre provides an intensive English language program for students from around the world. These international students bring rich cultural experiences that enrich learning and broaden perspectives. The IB framework and language offerings foster international-mindedness and intercultural understanding across the school community.

Community & Service
The school hosts a wide range of special events, enrichment opportunities and partnerships with organisations across the local community. A strong Parents and Citizens association and School Board are valued partners in the school's work, with genuine distributed leadership and a voice for families. The Hughes community also includes Out of School Hours Care, a School Canteen and volunteering opportunities at Hughes.

Leadership & Professional
The school has a strong Parents and Citizens association and a School Board as valued partners. Leadership is distributed across the community to involve families in shaping the school's future. The Principal emphasizes warmth, inclusion and high expectations in leading Hughes.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Learning and wellbeing are inseparable, and every student deserves to feel safe, known, valued and included. The wellbeing approach is grounded in Positive Education and provides universal supports to help students understand themselves, build strengths and develop positive relationships. The school celebrates its diverse community through a range of events and partnerships across the local community.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. An onsite Introductory English Centre (IEC) provides an intensive English language program for students from around the world. Through explicit teaching of essential knowledge and skills in English and Mathematics, students develop strong foundations for learning. International students join Hughes via the IEC, bringing diverse languages and perspectives to the school community.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
null
Admissions

Admissions
1) Priority Enrolment Area: The school enrolls students living in its Priority Enrolment Area. ACT public schools are non-selective, and after enrolments from the Priority Enrolment Area, places may be offered to students outside the area if spaces are available. The school has a School Enrolment Management Plan to support this process and ensure transparent decisions. 2) Online enrolment and key dates: Enrolment is completed online via the ACT Education Directorate's online enrolment application form, with key dates published by the Directorate. Families should review the enrolment process and deadlines as part of the application. The school uses this information to guide placement decisions. 3) Immunisation and documentation: When enrolling, provide two copies of your child's immunisation history. This requirement helps ensure health and safety at school and is requested at enrolment. Documentation should be current and up-to-date, and other essential information may be requested to complete the enrolment. 4) Orientation and transitions: The school runs an enrolment and orientation process for families and students. Preschool orientation includes information sessions and tours with educators. Parent and carer meetings are held before preschool commences to assist with the transition, and Learning Journeys occur each term to involve families in the child's learning. The transition program supports moving from preschool to kindergarten with planned experiences and inclusion in whole-school activities. 5) SPIEC and integration: Hughes Primary School hosts the Southside Primary Introductory English Centre (SPIEC) within the school to support recently arrived students with introductory English. IEC students have access to school facilities and join mainstream for assemblies, sporting and other events. IEC duration is typically around two school terms (20 weeks) but varies by progress. After completing the IEC, students are assisted in transferring to a mainstream class in their local or chosen school.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Australia View all schools in Canberra View all schools in Australia IB curriculum schools in Australia Open days & tours in Canberra What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools