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Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages French, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Merici College is a Catholic, girls‑only secondary school in Canberra, ACT, Australia. It is an IB World School offering the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 7–10 and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Years 11–12, with the option of the ACT BSSS Pathway for senior study. In Years 7–10, learning follows the Australian Curriculum within the IB MYP framework; in Years 11–12 students may pursue the Diploma Programme or the ACT senior pathway. Established in 1959 as Canberra Catholic Girls' High School, it was renamed Merici College in 1983 in honour of St Angela Merici. The campus features a Masterplan with new modular classrooms and upgrades; facilities include an Auditorium, Gymnasium, O'Donnell Youth Centre, classrooms, external multi‑purpose courts, and an oval. A broad co‑curricular program encompasses music, drama, visual arts, sport, leadership, service, and sustainability, reinforcing the IB framework and community engagement. Indigenous learning is supported through Narragunnawali.
Wise Street, Braddon ACT 2612, Canberra. The school is in the Braddon suburb near Canberra's city centre. It is served by four dedicated bus services to South Canberra, Inner South Canberra and West Belconnen.
Stages
Merici College educates young women in Years 7 to 12.
Type
Catholic secondary school for girls.
Country affiliation
Australia
Religious affiliation
Catholic
Bus service
Merici College operates four dedicated bus services to South Canberra, Inner South Canberra and West Belconnen.
Fees
Application / Enrolment Fee
- A one-off, non‑refundable enrolment/application fee of AUD 100 is payable when a place is offered and accepted.
2026 Tuition, College Levy, Camps & Retreats, Facilities Levy — annual and per‑term breakdown by year group
Notes on how the figures are presented below: - Tuition Fee and College Levy figures are shown as the annual amounts per student from the 2026 fee schedule. Per‑term amounts are shown as the annual amount divided by four terms for Years 7–11, and divided by three terms for Year 12 (Year 12 tuition and college levy are charged over the first three terms only). The Facilities Levy is a compulsory family charge of AUD 625 per year split evenly over four terms (AUD 156.25 per term). Camps & Retreats amounts are charged in the term in which they occur. Totals shown include the Facilities Levy where indicated.
- Year 7 - Tuition (annual): AUD 6,116 → Tuition (per term): AUD 1,529.00. - College Levy (annual): AUD 6,480 → Levy (per term): AUD 1,620.00. - Camps & Retreats (charged in term of event): AUD 639 (annual total). - Facilities Levy (family, annual): AUD 625 → per term: AUD 156.25. - Combined indicative per‑term charge (tuition + college levy, evenly spread over 4 terms): AUD 3,149.00; plus Facilities Levy per term AUD 156.25 = AUD 3,305.25. Annual total including Facilities Levy: AUD 13,860.
- Year 8 - Tuition (annual): AUD 6,116 → Tuition (per term): AUD 1,529.00. - College Levy (annual): AUD 6,512 → Levy (per term): AUD 1,628.00. - Camps & Retreats: not listed as a separate annual charge. - Facilities Levy (per term): AUD 156.25. - Combined indicative per‑term charge (tuition + levy): AUD 3,157.00; plus Facilities Levy per term AUD 156.25 = AUD 3,313.25. Annual total including Facilities Levy: AUD 13,253.
- Year 9 - Tuition (annual): AUD 6,284 → Tuition (per term): AUD 1,571.00. - College Levy (annual): AUD 6,688 → Levy (per term): AUD 1,672.00. - Camps & Retreats (charged in term of event): AUD 828. - Facilities Levy (per term): AUD 156.25. - Combined indicative per‑term charge (tuition + levy): AUD 3,243.00; plus Facilities Levy per term AUD 156.25 = AUD 3,399.25. Annual total including Facilities Levy: AUD 14,425.
- Year 10 - Tuition (annual): AUD 6,284 → Tuition (per term): AUD 1,571.00. - College Levy (annual): AUD 6,728 → Levy (per term): AUD 1,682.00. - Camps & Retreats: not listed as a separate annual charge. - Facilities Levy (per term): AUD 156.25. - Combined indicative per‑term charge (tuition + levy): AUD 3,253.00; plus Facilities Levy per term AUD 156.25 = AUD 3,409.25. Annual total including Facilities Levy: AUD 13,637.
- Year 11 - Tuition (annual): AUD 7,624 → Tuition (per term): AUD 1,906.00. - College Levy (annual): AUD 7,344 → Levy (per term): AUD 1,836.00. - Camps & Retreats (charged in term of event): AUD 250. - Facilities Levy (per term): AUD 156.25. - Combined indicative per‑term charge (tuition + levy): AUD 3,742.00; plus Facilities Levy per term AUD 156.25 = AUD 3,898.25. Annual total including Facilities Levy: AUD 15,843.
- Year 12 - Tuition (annual): AUD 7,623 → Tuition (per term, charged over 3 terms): AUD 2,541.00. - College Levy (annual): AUD 7,347 → Levy (per term, charged over 3 terms): AUD 2,449.00. - Camps & Retreats (charged in term of event): AUD 337. - Facilities Levy (per term): AUD 156.25 (charged per family over four terms). - Combined indicative per‑term charge for the three charged terms (tuition + levy): AUD 4,990.00; plus Facilities Levy per term AUD 156.25 = AUD 5,146.25 per term for Terms 1–3. There is no tuition/levy charge for Year 12 in Term 4; Facilities Levy remains a family charge split over four terms. Annual total including Facilities Levy: AUD 15,932. Note: Year 12 students undertaking the IB Diploma incur an additional one‑off IB exam fee of AUD 840 (non‑refundable).
How and when fees are billed; payment terms
- Invoicing: The Catholic Education Office issues fee invoices at the start of each term and emails a fee statement to families. Statements are also issued monthly. The due date for payment is 21 days from the statement date for families paying term‑by‑term.
- Year 12 timing: Year 12 tuition and levies are invoiced/charged over the first three terms only; the final Year 12 payment is due by 30 September each year.
- Payment methods accepted: - BPOINT direct debit (preferred): supports direct debit from a bank account or credit card; payments may be set weekly, fortnightly or monthly and are calculated to average over a 10‑month period. - BPAY (recurring payments typically supported by most banks). - Credit card payments: Mastercard and Visa are accepted (American Express is not accepted); credit card payments can be made through Compass, over the phone, or in person. - Cash is accepted at the College. - Direct debit and BPAY details appear on fee statements; BPOINT direct debit setup is managed via the Finance Office.
Other costs and common additional charges
- Facilities Levy: a compulsory family Facilities Levy of AUD 625 per year is charged per family and split evenly over the four terms (AUD 156.25 per term). This levy replaced the former voluntary Canberra Catholic Schools Building Fund and is not tax deductible.
- Camps, retreats and excursions: specific camps/retreats are included in the annual figures above for relevant year groups (where listed) but are charged in the term in which they occur. Excursions costing more than the minimal threshold are charged separately to attending students.
- IB Diploma exam fee: Year 12 IB Diploma students are charged a one‑off, non‑refundable exam fee of AUD 840.
- Uniforms and school bag: Uniform purchases are required on enrolment and are made through the College Uniform Shop; families are expected to purchase the full required uniform and school bag at enrolment. Costs vary by item. The College operates a student Charge Card for canteen purchases which families may top up; canteen purchases and Charge Card arrangements are in use.
- Dedicated bus service (optional): Merici operates dedicated bus services to several areas; a stated example annual cost for a dedicated Merici bus service was AUD 1,800 (charged across four terms as an annual flat charge for passengers who book a seat). Dedicated bus services may be invoiced directly on fee statements where applicable.
- Other occasional charges: specific subject levies, excursion costs over the nominal threshold, co‑curricular activity charges, materials for particular courses, and external examination charges (where applicable) are billed separately to families who participate. The College Levy covers many routine curriculum consumables and low‑cost excursions (under the stated threshold).
Sibling discounts and fee concessions
- Sibling discounts apply automatically on the Tuition Fee only when more than one child attends Merici or another Catholic Education systemic secondary college: second child 20% discount on tuition, third child 50% discount, fourth child 100% discount (oldest child pays full tuition). Systemic primary schools have separate arrangements. Fee concessions are available for families in genuine financial hardship and are assessed confidentially by the College.
Refunds, withdrawal and non‑payment
- Withdrawal and refunds: Two weeks' notice is required to withdraw a student. Fees, levies and charges continue to accrue up to and including the last day of attendance or the last day of the notice period, whichever is later. Any fees paid in advance for days beyond the student's last day are refundable. Year 12 students who leave early remain liable for full annual fees.
- Non‑payment: Reminder notices are issued for unpaid fees; if no payment or arrangement is agreed, accounts may be referred for external recovery and possible legal action in line with the CECG policy. Families are encouraged to contact the Finance Manager if experiencing difficulty.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable: Merici College is a day school (no boarding accommodation or boarding fees).
Contact and practical notes
- Fee statements, invoices and the official 2026 Fees Schedule are issued by the College / Catholic Education Office. The Finance Office handles direct debit setup and fee queries and manages split billing, fee remission applications and concession assessment. Families receive a fee statement at the start of each term; the due date is 21 days from the statement date.
(End of fees overview.)
Academics
Merici College teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum.
Curriculum
The school is an IB World School offering the IB Middle Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme. Years 7–10 follow the Australian Curriculum using the IB MYP framework; Years 11–12 may pursue the ACT BSSS Pathway or the IB Diploma Programme.
Student Teacher Ratio
Total teaching staff: 70; total students: 905 in 2024; student-teacher ratio about 12.9:1 (approximately 13:1).
Exam Results
Year 12 2025 Academic Achievements: 100% of graduates received their Year 12 ACT Senior Secondary Certificate or IB Diploma; 64% completed a Tertiary Package and received an ATAR; 36% completed Accredited Packages (including vocational qualifications); median ATAR 83.8; 30% of students achieved an ATAR over 90; 60% over 80; 90% over 70; 100% over 60; Merici College is proudly the highest ranked Catholic school in the ACT for Year 12 2025 results, for the fourth year in a row.
Higher Education Progression
2025 Year 12 outcomes: 100% completed the Year 12 certificate or IB Diploma; 64% completed a Tertiary Package with ATAR; 36% completed Accredited Packages.
Gifted and Talented
Gifted and Talented and Academic Extension uses Gagné's Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent. Identification occurs via testing; extension opportunities exist in English and Mathematics (including fast-paced English and 9A/10A Maths, fast-paced Science); students may participate in Da Vinci Decathlon, ACT Debating, English writing competitions and Mathematics/Science competitions. Year 7 entry testing assesses aptitude in quantitative, verbal and non‑verbal reasoning; identified students may receive a Personalised Plan or other adjustments; a Gifted and Talented Policy governs identification and adjustments, including acceleration when appropriate.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral Care operates through the House system and the Student Success Program to support students' academic and personal growth. The program identifies learning needs, provides study-skills support, and links students to resources to improve outcomes. Merici College has a School Counsellor team that focuses on the emotional, social and educational wellbeing of students; Counsellors offer individual sessions, work with families and teachers, and refer to specialist services when appropriate. A Defence School Mentor supports Defence families with mentoring, personal and social wellbeing. The College emphasises wellbeing as part of its mission, with restorative and relationship-based practices informing its approach to student support.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Merici College identifies and supports students with disability through the Inclusive Education team. The Inclusive Education Coordinator supports staff and students to remove barriers to learning, and the Head of IB liaises with the Inclusive Education Coordinator to ensure inclusive education. The school uses a range of assessments and diagnostic tools to identify additional learning needs and to plan appropriate supports. Reasonable adjustments are made to enable access to the curriculum and participation in school life for students with disabilities. All Years 7-10 students study an additional language to English, and multilingualism is supported as part of inclusive practice.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction. The curriculum supports students for whom English is not their best or first language, with additional support where needed. Merici College values multilingualism and learning diversity. All students attending Merici College in Years 7-10 will study an additional language to English in line with IB policies.
Mental Wellbeing
The School Counsellor team focuses on the emotional, social and educational wellbeing of Merici students. Counsellors provide individual sessions, group work, and family consultation, and may refer students and families to specialist services when appropriate. Typical concerns include depression, anxiety, fears, anger, family conflict, self-harm, loss and grief, peer relationships, stress, and trauma; Counsellors are available during the week and can be engaged via the pastoral care process. The Pastoral Care system and Student Success Program support students' holistic development and timely intervention when needed.
Safeguarding
Merici College complies with Child Safe Standards and has a Child Safety Policy outlining safeguarding commitments. The safeguarding approach involves staff, students and families in a web of practices, and includes clear processes for raising concerns or complaints and for engaging with external agencies when required. Concerns and complaints can be raised and are handled fairly, confidentially and promptly under published policies; the Principal or a designated senior officer may resolve more complex matters, with escalation to the Catholic Education Office when appropriate. The College's safeguarding framework is supported by the Statements of Practice, including Pastoral Care & Wellbeing, and a formal Complaints Management process.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Enrolment Pack is available from the Catholic Education enrolments page. Merici College is currently accepting online enrolments. For queries, contact the Enrolment Officer at 02 6243 4150. 2. Enrolment forms and information can be downloaded from the Catholic Education enrolments page, and the online enrolment submission is currently open. 3. Attend information events to learn about Merici and the enrolment process. Talk & Tours are offered on several dates in 2026 with the Principal and current students leading tours; Open Day is on 6 May 2026, and there are Year 7 2027 and Year 11 2027 Information Evenings as part of the enrolment program. 4. Register your interest to stay updated and participate in enrolment events. Families are encouraged to register their interest for enrolment for 2026 and beyond online; information about events will be communicated accordingly.
Scholarships
Merici College has a range of scholarships available to support the talents and educational achievements of our girls. We currently have scholarships available for Year 7 students, Year 12 Vocational Education and Training Scholarship for current Year 11 students, and Scholarships for current Year 10 Students and future Year 11/12 Students.
FAQs
What IB programmes does Merici offer?
Merici is authorised for both the IB Middle Years Programme (Years 7-10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Years 11-12).
Is Merici a girls-only school?
Yes, Merici College is a Catholic college specifically for young women in Years 7 to 12.
When was the school founded?
Merici College was founded in 1959 and is named after Angela Merici.
Is bus transport available?
Yes, four dedicated bus services run to South Canberra, Inner South Canberra, and West Belconnen areas.
What is the school's religious affiliation?
Merici is a Catholic school within the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Education Limited.
Where is the school located?
Merici College is located on Wise Street, Braddon, ACT 2612, in central Canberra.
What co-curricular activities are available?
Programmes include music, dance, visual arts, community service, and a thriving sporting community with diverse athletic opportunities.
How do I apply?
Enrolment interest can be registered online, with Open Day events and information sessions available for prospective families.
What wellbeing support is available?
Pastoral care for every student includes counselling services, SchoolTV parent resources, and comprehensive wellbeing programmes.
Does the school have a uniform?
Yes, uniform is required. The uniform shop operates Wednesdays 3pm-5pm and Thursdays 8am-11am during Term 1.
