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Taught languages French, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction
Santa Sabina College is a Catholic Dominican P-12 school in Sydney, educating students from 0 to 18 across Strathfield and the Tallong Outdoor Education Campus. The college delivers the NSW Curriculum in Gioia House (Primary) and offers NSW senior schooling plus the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Years 11–12. Italian, French, Chinese and Spanish are taught in Years 5–6, with secondary students choosing two languages, including French, Italian and Japanese. The campus program centers on four Encounter experiences (Community Engagement, Career, Immersion, Adventure) and includes a Future-Proofing program and a Leadership and Spirituality Experience. The Dominican heritage informs a culture of faith, service and leadership. Facilities include a secondary campus with a planned Sports Centre and Aquatic Centre, a 25m pool, indoor courts, and a dedicated library. A large music program and a broad co-curricular offering complement academic study. Students participate in Debating, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and international music tours.
Santa Sabina College is located at 90 The Boulevarde, Strathfield NSW 2135, in the diverse, multicultural inner west of Sydney. It is a five-minute walk from Strathfield Station and a ten-minute walk from Burwood Station. Public transport includes School Special Buses from the Drummoyne/Five Dock area (578S, 626 and 627) and from Earlwood (625S), Haberfield (593S) and Belfield/Punchbowl Road (580S), with a public bus route guide available for planning. The college also runs a private bus service from Hunters Hill, Balmain and Miranda, and applications for free Government bus and train travel are available through Transport NSW.
Stages
Santa Sabina College is a Catholic Dominican P-12 school. It is structured into Early Education Centre (Mary Bailey House) for ages six weeks to six years, Primary Years (including Gioia House for Years 5–6), and Secondary Years. Tallong Campus provides Outdoor Education and retreat experiences.
Type
The school is a Catholic Dominican P-12 school.
Additional learning support
Inclusive Education supports students with disability and diverse needs through Personalised Learning Plans and differentiated programs. In Primary Years the IE Team supports in-class interventions; Gioia House provides literacy and numeracy interventions; In Secondary Years the ASPIRE Program offers targeted, specialised support for diverse learners.
Country affiliation
Australia
Religious affiliation
Catholic (Dominican)
Bus service
Public transport includes Strathfield Station as a major interchange; the college is a five-minute walk from Strathfield Station and a ten-minute walk from Burwood Station. School Special Buses serve the College from Drummoyne/Five Dock (578S, 626, 627) and from Earlwood (625S), Haberfield (593S) and Belfield/Punchbowl Road (580S). Santa Sabina College runs a private bus service from Hunters Hill, Balmain and Miranda. Applications for free Government bus and train travel are available via Transport NSW.
Fees
Annual tuition at Santa Sabina College ranges from AUD 25,545 for 2026/27.
Tuition fees (per term and per annum) - Prep — 2 Day Program: AUD 2,553.75 per term; AUD 10,215 per annum. - Prep — 3 Day Program: AUD 3,831.25 per term; AUD 15,325 per annum. - Prep — 5 Day Program: AUD 6,386.25 per term; AUD 25,545 per annum. - Kindergarten – Year 4: AUD 4,680.00 per term; AUD 18,720 per annum. - Year 5 – Year 6: AUD 5,995.00 per term; AUD 23,980 per annum. - Year 7 – Year 10: AUD 7,291.25 per term; AUD 29,165 per annum. - Year 11: AUD 7,577.50 per term; AUD 30,310 per annum. - Year 12 (billed over three terms): AUD 10,103.33 per term (billed over 3 terms); total per annum AUD 30,310.
Sibling discounts and early payment - Sibling discounts for children concurrently enrolled: 3rd child: 20% discount; 4th child: 50% discount; 5th child: 60% discount. - Early Payment Discount: 2% of net tuition fees if the annual tuition is paid in full by the specified early-payment date (deadline shown on the published schedule). The schedule lists the specific early-payment deadlines and amounts.
Application and acceptance fees - Application fee (non‑refundable): AUD 250 per enrolment application. (This fee is subject to waiver rules for certain families as stated in the published schedule.) - Acceptance fee (non‑refundable) payable at the time of acceptance of an offer: Prep to Year 10: AUD 2,500; Year 11–Year 12: AUD 1,500. Acceptance fees are charged for the first two children in a family; third and subsequent children are not charged the Acceptance Fee.
Building Fund and other compulsory/voluntary charges - Building Fund donation: AUD 990 per annum per family (voluntary; tax-deductible receipt issued). - IBDP participation fee (where applicable): approximately AUD 1,000 per IB student per year to cover examination and registration fees. - HSC VET participation fee (where applicable): AUD 850 per year for students participating in the VET program.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard fee due dates (example dates shown on the published schedule): Term 1 due date; Term 2 due date; Term 3 due date; Term 4 due date. The published schedule gives the exact calendar dates for each term's due date and any specific requirements for Year 12 balances. - Year 12 fees must be cleared by the date stated on the schedule (the published schedule lists a specific final clearance date for Year 12 accounts). Direct debit schedules must commence on or before the Term 1 due date.
Payment methods and instalment options - Payments are managed through the College's online Parent/Payment portal (Parent Lounge) where parents may set up direct debit schedules or make payments. Available direct debit instalment frequencies include: - Weekly: 40 payments (February to November). - Fortnightly: 20 payments (February to November). - Monthly: 10 payments (February to November). - Quarterly: 4 payments (one at the start of each term). - Direct debit and online payment facilities are the primary payment options; details of how to set up payment schedules are provided via the Parent Lounge.
Withdrawal and refund information - Application fees and Acceptance fees are non‑refundable. - Enrolment contract requires written notice to the Principal of intention to withdraw. A term's notice is regarded as being from the last school day of the preceding school term; failure to provide the required notice attracts an administration charge equivalent to 25% of the annual tuition fee. The published schedule provides an example with calendar cut-off dates to calculate the timing of notice and any administration charge. Certain exemptions to the Withdrawal Administration Fee are specified for specific year groups leaving on the last day of the academic year. - Administration (withdrawal) fee by class/year (administration charge equal to one term's tuition if notice is not given): - Prep: AUD 6,386.25 - Kindergarten – Year 4: AUD 4,680.00 - Year 5 – Year 6: AUD 5,995.00 - Year 7 – Year 10: AUD 7,291.25 - Year 11 – Year 12: AUD 7,577.50 Specific exemptions and the exact application of these administration charges are set out in the enrolment contract.
Uniforms and other routine costs - Uniforms are supplied via the College Uniform Shop (operated in partnership with an external supplier). A Uniform Pricelist and Uniform Guidelines are published by the College and pricing varies by item and year level; parents purchase uniforms through the Uniform Shop or online store. Expect separate out-of-pocket costs for required sports kit, formal uniform items, and optional accessories.
Boarding - Boarding is not offered as a current fee item; the College operates as a day school. Families should not expect boarding fees to apply.
Other notes on charges - Casual or co‑curricular charges, excursions, instrument hire, extended-day care, camps, specific subject or elective charges, and replacement-learning materials may attract additional fees and are billed separately when applicable. Specific program fees (for example, outdoor education activities at the Tallong Campus or specialist program charges) are listed in College communications when relevant.
Key non‑refundable items and potential exemptions (summary) - Application fee: non‑refundable. Acceptance fee: non‑refundable. Withdrawal without required notice: administration fee equal to 25% of annual tuition (or the equivalent amounts listed by class/year). Exemptions to the withdrawal administration fee exist for certain year groups leaving on the last day of the academic year.
Academics
Santa Sabina College teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 0 to 18.
Curriculum
Santa Sabina College delivers the NSW Curriculum across its Primary (Gioia House) and Senior School (Years 7–12). Gioia House follows the NSW Curriculum with English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History, Geography, PDHPE and Creative Arts, with experiences in Music, Visual Arts, Drama and Dance; Languages taught in Years 5–6 include Italian, French, Chinese and Spanish; Philosophy, Interdisciplinary, Pastoral Care and Community are included in the program. In the secondary campus, Year 11–12 students follow the NSW senior curriculum with English (Advanced or Standard by special request) and a broad range of electives such as Ancient History, Biology, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Italian Continuers, and more; the program centers on four Encounter experiences (Community Engagement, Career, Immersion, Adventure) and includes a Future-Proofing program and a Leadership and Spirituality Experience to prepare for post-school study.
Exam Results
HSC results include a strong cohort performance with more than half of the Year 12 cohort appearing on the Top All‑Rounders list; high achievement reported in subjects such as History Extension, HSIE, Food Technology, Drama (Band 6), Mathematics Advanced and English Advanced.
Higher Education Progression
Post‑school destinations are reported in Santa Sabina College Annual Reports, detailing university offers by area of study and interstate destinations, reflecting pathways to tertiary study after graduation.
Gifted and Talented
Gifted and high-potential students are identified and provided with enrichment opportunities; the Enrichment program and co-curricular opportunities include competitions such as Australian Mathematics Trust events and other pathways to extend talent across the College.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing and pastoral care underpin all learning. A highly experienced wellbeing team supports students across the College, with two in‑house clinical psychologists available for counselling. The pastoral care program is evidence‑based and tailored to each stage of personal, academic, spiritual and physical development, delivered through house groups and homerooms to foster belonging.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
On Gioia House, literacy and numeracy intervention is provided in primary, and the ASPIRE Program operates in the secondary campus for Years 7–12 to provide targeted, specialised intervention for diverse learners. Personalised Learning Plans reflect the needs of students with disability, language and other diverse needs, and programs are differentiated to support the continuum of diverse learner needs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Personalised Learning Plans reflect language needs and other diverse learner needs, informing adjustments across learning.
Mental Wellbeing
The College provides wellbeing support through in‑house psychological services and a wellbeing‑focused approach that permeates learning. Counselling is available through the wellbeing team, and wellbeing and mental health are positioned as priority areas in College materials and reporting.
Safeguarding
The College maintains a Child Safe School and Policies framework with zero tolerance for child abuse or harm; safeguarding responsibilities are shared across staff, parents and volunteers, and policies ensure safety and wellbeing in line with relevant laws and regulations.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Online Application: Submit the online application form and pay the application fee. Your child will be placed on an Enrolment Register for the chosen year of entry. The Admissions team will provide further information about the process and the next steps.
2. Interview: The school will contact you to arrange a formal interview with the College Principal or Head of Primary Years, typically between two years and 12 months prior to entry. The interview is conducted by the College Principal or Head of Primary Years. It assesses the fit of the applicant with Santa Sabina College's programs and community. The Admissions team will provide interview details and timing.
3. Letter of Offer: Following the interview, the Principal notifies you of the outcome of the enrolment application. If successful, a Letter of Offer inviting your child to join Santa Sabina College is issued and you are asked to complete an Acceptance Form. The Acceptance Form accompanies the Offer and indicates the next steps to secure a place. You must review and prepare to complete the Acceptance Form and related documentation.
4. Acceptance of Place: Complete and submit the Acceptance Form and pay the Enrolment Fee. When the school receives the form and payment, it will advise in writing that the place is secured. You will then receive information about commencement dates and orientation details.
5. Ready to Commence: Parents will receive notice of commencement dates, Orientation Days, and other orientation requirements in the term prior to commencement. Orientation activities will be scheduled and communicated in advance.
Scholarships
Santa Sabina College offers several scholarships for new and current students, including Academic Scholarships, All Round Excellence Scholarships, and Music Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded at the Principal's discretion and may cover full or partial tuition fees. Applications for 2027 entry open October 1, 2025 and close January 30, 2026; scholarship testing occurs in February 2026 with results released in late March and shortlisting/interviews in April; offers are made in June 2026. A small number of needs-based scholarships for Years 5 and 7 for 2026 entry are available; enquire via enrolment@ssc.nsw.edu.au or +61 2 9745 7030.
SCHOLARSHIP TESTING: Applicants sit ACER Scholarship Tests in February of the year preceding entry, with results released to the College in late March and individual reports provided to parents in April. Families of successful applicants are usually contacted in early April to arrange the next stage (in-person interviews). All scholarships are awarded at the Principal's discretion.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are awarded to girls with exceptional academic ability; open to new or current students; awarded on the basis of Scholarship Test results and applicants' academic records.
ALL ROUND EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships for general excellence across studies, involvement in community and co-curricular activities, character and leadership; open to new or current students.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS: Music scholarships are available to girls who show outstanding musical achievement or potential in specified areas; prerequisites include AMEB 5th grade (or equivalent) on one or more instruments; auditions include performing up to two pieces (one instrument) or up to three pieces (multiple instruments), singing a short unaccompanied piece, a short listening/aural test, and a brief warm-up slot. The audition panel may limit the pieces due to time. For further information contact Carla Roberts, College Admissions Manager, enrolment@ssc.nsw.edu.au or +61 2 9745 7030.
Scholarship applicants: see the scholarship testing and interview timeline above for 2027 entry.
FAQs
What age range does Santa Sabina serve?
Santa Sabina serves students from birth (six weeks) in the Early Education Centre through to Year 12. The college operates across campuses in Strathfield and the Tallong Outdoor Education Campus.
What curriculum pathways are offered?
The NSW Curriculum is delivered in primary years. Years 11-12 offer both the NSW HSC and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is co-educational in early years and girls-only from Year 5.
What languages are taught?
Italian, French, Chinese, and Spanish are taught in Years 5-6. Secondary students choose from French, Italian, and Japanese, studying two languages across their time at the school.
What are the tuition fees?
Prep fees vary from AUD 10,215 (2-day) to AUD 25,545 (5-day). K-Year 4 is AUD 18,720, Years 7-10 AUD 29,165, and Year 12 AUD 30,310 per year.
What learning support is available?
Inclusive Education supports students through Personalised Learning Plans. The ASPIRE Program in Years 7-12 provides targeted intervention. Gioia House delivers primary literacy and numeracy interventions.
What wellbeing support is provided?
Two in-house clinical psychologists provide counselling. An evidence-based pastoral care programme is delivered through house groups and homerooms to foster belonging.
What is the house system?
Six houses from Prep to Year 12: Gunagulla (Sky), Kurrawa (Water), Mundawora (Flora), Teangi (Earth), Weelya (Fauna), and Yetinga (Fire). Houses support pastoral care and leadership.
What is the Tallong Campus?
The Tallong Outdoor Education Campus in the Southern Highlands provides residential outdoor experiences for Years 3-10, fostering resilience, independence, and environmental awareness.
What co-curricular activities are offered?
Activities include debating, public speaking, drama, music ensembles, dance, and a broad sports programme covering AFL, basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, rowing, and more.
How do I apply?
Submit an online application with the application fee. Students are placed on an Enrolment Register for their chosen year. The Admissions team guides families through the process.
Are scholarships available?
Academic, All Round Excellence, and Music Scholarships are awarded at Year 7 and Year 11 entry points. Applications open annually through the school's admissions process.
What is the school's religious affiliation?
Santa Sabina is a Catholic school in the Dominican tradition, guided by the Dominican Pillars of Prayer, Community, Study, and Service. Dominican Education Australia oversees governance.
