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Surrey Hills Primary School

Australia, Melbourne

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The school at a glance
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 381
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Elementary
Introduction

Surrey Hills Primary School is a co-educational IB World School at 2 Beatrice Avenue, Surrey Hills. It delivers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) within the Victorian Curriculum, using a transdisciplinary Program of Inquiry for Prep–Year 6. English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Technologies/Digital Technology, Civics and Citizenship, Health, Critical and Creative Thinking and the Capabilities are taught through the inquiry framework, with Mandarin (LOTE) and specialist units in Physical Education, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. The school provides Growth and Development literacy support, the 6+1 Traits of Writing, Essential Assessment for Reading and Mathematics, and differentiated groups. Accredited as an IB-PYP school, Surrey Hills prioritises international-mindedness, inquiry-based learning and Individual Learning Programs for every student. The campus features an on-site stadium and oval, a nature trail and a 2024 beehive cubby. Instrumental music, choir and a band/ensemble complement the curriculum; wellbeing is supported by a chaplain and officer.

2 Beatrice Avenue, Surrey Hills, Victoria 3127, Australia

The Essentials

Surrey Hills Primary School has 381 pupils.

Location
Surrey Hills Primary School is located at 2 Beatrice Avenue, Surrey Hills, Victoria 3127, Australia. It sits in the residential suburb of Surrey Hills, within the Melbourne metropolitan area. The address is listed on the Enrolment page. We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we learn and grow every day.

Stages
Foundation (Prep) to Year 6.

Type
Co-educational

Additional learning support
The school provides support for students with disability to engage fully in learning through reasonable adjustments and individual education plans, in line with Department policies.

School day structure
The school day includes two two-hour teaching blocks from 9:00 am–11:00 am and 11:30 am–1:30 pm, followed by a one-hour teaching block from 2:30 pm–3:30 pm. Grounds are supervised from 8:50 am–3:45 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform policy is in place. All year round items include a navy jumper or navy polar fleece with the SHPS logo, navy polo shirt, navy shorts or navy pants, and navy bike shorts under dresses, with appropriate footwear. Summer uniform is a SHPS check dress or navy shorts with polo, and winter uniform is a tunic or tartan skirt with a white shirt or white skivvy; hats are worn seasonally.

Food Options
Lunch orders are offered via Classroom Cuisine on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

House System
The school has four houses for sports days: Kangaroo (red), Kookaburra (yellow), Koala (green) and Kingfisher (blue).
Fees
Application fees

- No application or compulsory enrolment fee is charged for entry to Surrey Hills Primary School (government primary school).

Tuition / compulsory instruction

- Core tuition (instruction to meet the Victorian Curriculum) is provided without compulsory tuition charges. Parents are invited to make voluntary curriculum and other contributions; these are optional.

Voluntary curriculum contributions (annual amounts and per-term equivalent)

Note: the school lists these as annual contributions. Per-term figures below are the annual amounts divided by four (one school term = one quarter), shown to give a term-level view.

- Classroom requisites (stationery pack) — AUD 117 per student annually. Per term: AUD 29.25.
- Classroom requisites (workbooks) — AUD 57 per student annually. Per term: AUD 14.25.
- Curriculum resources (literacy, maths, inquiry/PYP materials) — AUD 158 per student annually. Per term: AUD 39.50.
- Information Technology (laptop leases, iPads, robotics, software/support) — AUD 245 per student annually. Per term: AUD 61.25.

- Combined total of the above curriculum contributions: AUD 577 per student annually (simple sum of the four items). Per term equivalent: AUD 144.25 (annual total ÷ 4). This per-term figure is a calculated division of the school's annual amounts.

Other recommended contributions (annual amounts and per-term equivalent)

- Grounds maintenance (recommended) — AUD 80 per family annually. Per term: AUD 20.00.
- Fundraising contribution (recommended) — AUD 55 per family annually. Per term: AUD 13.75.
- First aid contribution — AUD 35 per student annually. Per term: AUD 8.75.

Tax-deductible donation options (annual)

- Building fund (tax‑deductible) — AUD 50.
- Library fund (tax‑deductible) — AUD 50.
- State Schools Relief recommended donation — AUD 8.

Extra-curricular items and activities (user‑pays; annual or per‑item)

- Incursions / excursions (Prep–Year 6) — AUD 140 per student (annual provision on a user‑pays basis).
- Interschool sports & specialist phys ed (Years 3–6) — AUD 53 per student.
- Camp deposit (Years 4, 5 & 6) — AUD 212 per student (deposit required). Final camp costs are additional and will be advised.
- Parents Association membership — AUD 2 per family.

Anticipated additional costs (examples for 2026 listed by year group)

- Year 6 camp (Waratah Bay Beach Camp, 11–13 May 2026): approximate total cost AUD 423–453 (deposit AUD 212).
- Year 5 camp (Camp Kangaroobie): approximate total cost AUD 546–566 (deposit AUD 212).
- Year 4 camp (Log Cabin Camp): approximate total cost AUD 430–450 (deposit AUD 212).
- Swimming / water-safety program (Prep–Year 4): approximate cost around AUD 90 per student (2025 example AUD 85; estimate provided for planning).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment is not required until the start of the school year; the school requests account settlement or a payment plan to be in place by the date specified each year (for the 2026 program the school requested settlement or a payment plan by 12 December 2025). Per-term billing is not published as compulsory; the school issues the annual list of requested items and allows payments or payment plans.
- The school supplies “starter supply packs” to families who have settled accounts or set up a payment plan by the stated date; later collection dates are arranged for families who set up plans after that date.

Fee payment options and support arrangements

- Primary payment channel: Compass Parent Portal (online/app) for viewing and paying contributions, excursions and other items. The school directs parents to use Compass for payments and approvals.
- Financial support / alternative payment arrangements: Centrepay (Centrelink deductions), State Schools Relief assistance, second‑hand uniform support, the Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF) for eligible families, and negotiated payment plans through the school. Families are invited to contact the school's Parent Payment contact for confidential discussion about alternative arrangements.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. Surrey Hills Primary School is a government day primary school (Prep–Year 6); there are no boarding facilities or boarding fees.

Uniform and other routine costs

- Uniforms and associated costs are handled separately; the school offers a second‑hand uniform option and supports families via State Schools Relief when eligible. Specific retail prices for new uniform items are set by the uniform supplier and are not listed as fixed school charges in the parent payment schedule.

Refund information

- If a student leaves the school during the year, families are entitled to a pro‑rata refund calculated by term for refundable items. Extracurricular items where the school has already incurred a cost are not refundable. For camps and excursions, refunds may not be given if providing a refund would cause a financial loss to the school. The school follows its Parent Payments Policy and Department guidelines on refunds.

Notes on amounts and applicability

- The amounts above reflect the school's published parent payment / contribution schedule for the 2026 program and the extra‑curricular estimates provided for planning (where applicable). Certain items are recommended per family rather than per student; some extra‑curricular charges apply only to specified year levels (for example camps and interschool sport). The school records contributions as voluntary; students will not be disadvantaged if families choose not to pay.
Academics

Surrey Hills Primary School teaches IB (PYP), Australian Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school bases its curriculum on the Victorian Curriculum and IB-PYP guidelines for Prep–6. It uses a transdisciplinary Program of Inquiry that teaches English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Technologies/Digital Technology, Civics and Citizenship, Health, Critical and Creative Thinking and the Capabilities (Ethics, Personal and Social, Intercultural). Specialist teachers deliver Physical Education, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and LOTE (Mandarin), integrated with the POI where possible. Literacy and numeracy are supported by Growth and Development literacy support, the 6+1 Traits of Writing, Essential Assessment for Reading and Mathematics, the SoundWaves spelling program and differentiated groups. The IB-PYP accreditation underpins inquiry learning and international-mindedness, with opportunities including whole-school productions, choir and instrumental music, and Individual Learning Programs developed for every student from Prep to Year 6.

Student Teacher Ratio
381 students were enrolled at Surrey Hills Primary School in 2022. There were 23 teachers (22.7 FTE), giving roughly 16.6 students per teacher.

Exam Results
2022 teacher judgments show 97.6% of students in English and 94.8% in Mathematics achieved at or above age-expected standards. NAPLAN top-three-band results show Year 3 Reading 88.5% (4-year average 89.0%) and Year 3 Numeracy 78.7% (4-year average 79.7%). Year 5 Reading 94.6% (4-year average 89.9%) and Year 5 Numeracy 81.1% (4-year average 79.2%). NAPLAN tests were not conducted in 2020; the 4-year average uses 2019, 2021 and 2022 data, and 2022 Learning Gain data is not available.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides a safe, supportive and inclusive environment that values health, safety and wellbeing as essential to learning. A whole school wellbeing approach is implemented, with a dedicated Wellbeing team and a Wellbeing Coordinator to support students and families. The school promotes positive relationships and respectful conduct through programs such as Respectful Relationships and KidsMatter/Be You, and addresses bullying through the Bullying Prevention Policy. Student voice and engagement are encouraged through structures like the Junior School Council and peer support programs, and staff use a shared instructional framework to meet diverse needs. When students require extra social, emotional or educational support, the school offers targeted interventions, including Individual Education Plans and Behaviour Support Plans, and may refer to external services such as Headspace, ChildFirst, and Student Support Services. The school supports neurodiverse students and LGBTIQ+ students and communicates with families to foster an open, collaborative approach to wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school supports students with different levels of achievement and learning needs through differentiated classroom practice. English as an Additional Language learners are supported through our EAL program, with Department resources used to set learning goals and plan appropriate supports. Targeted support includes Individual Education Plans and Behaviour Support Plans, with referrals to Student Support Services for additional expertise. The Universal Design for Learning framework guides goal setting and adjustments to remove barriers to learning, while planning differentiates for students' backgrounds and needs. The school also provides inclusive practices for neurodiverse and culturally and linguistically diverse learners and engages families in planning and support. The Assistant Principal provides additional support to students, teachers and families by facilitating access to Department resources and interpreters.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction at Surrey Hills Primary School is English. Mandarin is taught as an additional language (LOTE) from Prep to Year 6 for one hour per week. The program uses a two year scope and sequence to teach language and about the language, and it is differentiated to meet individual student needs. All students work on and are assessed against the Victorian Curriculum as Second Language Learners. Where possible, authentic links are made to classroom units, and Mandarin is promoted through school activities such as assemblies and an Annual Cultural Day. Family engagement is supported with interpreters for meetings and newsletters available in multiple languages.

Mental Wellbeing
The school recognises that student wellbeing and learning are closely linked and provides a safe, supportive environment. Wellbeing and engagement strategies promote inclusive and safe learning, with a Student Wellbeing team and a Wellbeing Coordinator to support students and families. The school uses restorative practices and implements programs such as Respectful Relationships and KidsMatter/Be You to promote positive behavior and respectful relationships, and it addresses bullying through the Bullying Prevention Policy. The school identifies students who need extra social, emotional or educational support and offers targeted interventions, including Individual Education Plans and referrals to external services such as Headspace and other Student Support Services. It supports diverse learners including neurodiverse students and LGBTIQ+ students and provides family engagement to maintain wellbeing through open communication and accessible information.

Safeguarding
The school is a child safe organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. The leadership team ensures child safety governance and a designated child safety champion supports policy implementation and staff training. The Child Safety Code of Conduct sets clear boundaries for appropriate behaviours by adults and students, and there are procedures for reporting and responding to concerns in line with Department policy. The school follows the Four Critical Actions for responding to complaints and concerns relating to adult behaviour and student safety, with staff and volunteers trained accordingly. Families can access child safety information through the policies page and school communications, and the school emphasizes a culturally safe environment with proactive engagement of families.
Parent Experience

History
Surrey Hills Primary School embraces a proud history and a forward-looking vision. It aims to maximise educational opportunities for all students within a shared values framework. The school seeks to nurture compassionate, independent and optimistic lifelong learners who thrive and contribute to their immediate and global communities. The learning environment is inclusive and dynamic, promoting safety, care and respect while addressing individual needs. Surrey Hills Primary School is an IB World School delivering the Primary Years Programme, guiding inquiry-based teaching and a holistic approach to education.

Community
The school has a strong Parents' Association that supports the school through fundraisers, events and partnerships, with class representatives in every class to coordinate communication. Parents also volunteer in classrooms, on excursions, and at Athletics Day and the school Production; volunteers must hold a Working with Children Card and acknowledge the school's policies. Before and After School care is provided by TheirCare, ensuring care before and after school. Uniforms are worn to promote identity and safety, and the Parents' Association runs a pre-loved uniform shop.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Association is a strong and active body that supports the school through fundraisers, social events and local partnerships, while maintaining communication with families via Class Representatives. It coordinates parent involvement across the school and welcomes new families to join or assist with activities around school events. The Association runs a pre-loved uniform shop and collaborates with the school to support student wellbeing and safety initiatives. Volunteers participate in classroom assistance, excursions, athletics day and the school production, with requirements including a Working with Children Card and adherence to policies. The Association also fosters partnerships with local businesses to benefit the school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
2 Beatrice Avenue, Surrey Hills, Victoria 3127. The campus includes an on-site stadium and oval for outdoor sport and physical education. A nature trail was developed along the northern boundary, providing a quiet retreat for students. A beehive cubby was added to the playground in 2024, expanding play spaces. ICT resources include additional iPads and laptop computers to support teaching and learning. The school is an accredited International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP) school guiding its inquiry-based learning approach.

Sports Facilities
Facilities include an on-site stadium and oval for outdoor sport and physical education. The school runs a strong PE/Sport program and competes in Blackburn District Primary School Sports Association (BDPSSA) events. Students compete at district, divisional, regional and state levels. These grounds and spaces provide venues for practice, games and tournaments.

Academic Facilities
Surrey Hills Primary follows the Victorian Curriculum F-10 and is accredited as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP) school. A Teaching and Learning Framework underpins practice across the school. The curriculum uses 12 Inquiry units covering English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Humanities and ICT, with specialist subjects in Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Physical Education and Mandarin (LOTE). Instrumental music is offered, along with Mini Singers and Choir. ICT resources include additional iPads and laptop computers to support learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Instrumental music is offered, with a school band, ensemble and choir. Student leadership opportunities include a Student Council and Year 6 leadership roles. Camps and excursions and special activity days are part of the program. Lunchtime clubs provide additional learning opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is an IB World School. In 2024, many students competed in the Australian Mathematics Competition, and some were selected for English and Maths in the Victorian High Ability Program (VHAP). The Tutor Learning Initiative supported literacy and numeracy, providing targeted catch-up and extension for students. Developmental Rubrics guided learning and SMART goals, while Professional Learning Communities supported differentiation across year levels.

Arts & Creative
Instrumental music is offered, including a school band, ensemble and choir. Performing Arts and Visual Arts are specialist programs that complement the core curriculum. Lunchtime clubs and special activity days provide opportunities for creative expression beyond class time. Arts and music activities are integrated with the IB framework.

Cultural & Language
Mandarin is taught as the LOTE (language other than English). The school is an IB World School guided by the IB Learner Profile. The Learner Profile emphasizes inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. Language learning is integrated with the school's inquiry-based approach.

Social & Hobbies
Lunchtime clubs and special activity days provide social and hobby-based opportunities. Student Council and student leadership roles enable peer collaboration and leadership experiences. Camps and excursions provide learning experiences beyond the classroom. These activities supplement the core curriculum and support student engagement.

Community & Service
Parent involvement is strong through School Council and parent volunteer groups. A bi-annual community fete, school disco, fundraising activities and special lunch days engage families and the wider community. Parents also participate in volunteers that support school events and activities.

Leadership & Professional
Student Council and student leadership opportunities are part of the school's extracurricular program. Staff work in Professional Learning Communities across year levels to drive collaborative improvement. Development of Developmental Rubrics and SMART goals supports targeted teaching and ongoing professional development. These elements contribute to leadership development and professional skills across the school.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
PE/Sport, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and LOTE–Mandarin are specialist programs that support wellbeing and enrichment. A school chaplain works two days per week, and the NSWP funds a wellbeing program with a dedicated wellbeing officer. An extensive physical education program provides opportunities to participate in BDPSSSA sports and competitions. Camps and outdoor experiences, including Creswick, Princetown and Glenaladale, support personal development and resilience.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction is English; Mandarin is offered as a Languages Other Than English (LOTE) program from Prep to Year 6 for 50 minutes per week, with a 2-year Scope and Sequence. All students are assessed against the Victorian Curriculum as Second Language Learners. EAL learners are supported in the classroom and through DET resources, with interpreters assisting Parent-Teacher Meetings. More than 20 languages are spoken at home, including Mandarin, Chinese (not further defined), Vietnamese, Korean, Cantonese, Spanish, Hindi, Latvian, Turkish, Min Nan, Swedish, Azeri, Thai, Indonesian, Bengali, Persian, Gujarati, Kannada, Japanese, Teochew, French, Mauritian Creole and Polish.
Reputation

Accreditations
The school is an accredited International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) school.
Admissions

Admissions
Foundation (Prep) enrolments for 2027 follow the statewide Department of Education timeline. You can apply to enrol your child from 20 April 2026. To apply: complete the Booking Information Form (Book a Tour) to visit the school; download the Foundation (Prep) enrolment information pack from Enrolling in Foundation (Prep) (Vic government) (available by 20 April 2026). This pack includes an enrolment application form. Submit an enrolment application for Foundation (Prep) by Friday 31 July 2026. You will be notified of the outcome between Monday 3 August and Friday 14 August 2026. If you receive an enrolment offer, accept by Friday 28 August 2026. Take part in enrolment information and transition sessions during Term 4, 2026. Prepare your child to start Foundation (Prep) from Thursday 28 January 2027. Enrolment applications submitted after 31 July 2026 will be processed by the school in accordance with the department's Placement Policy. Years 1–6 enrolments: Students living within the school zone are guaranteed a place. All other applications are considered subject to available space and prioritised by (1) siblings at the same permanent address who are attending the school at the same time, and (2) closeness of home to the school. To determine if you reside within the enrolment boundary, visit findmyschool.vic.gov.au and select 2027 for enrolment year. Find your local school steps: open Find My School, enter your permanent address, select 2027 under Enrolment year, and select Primary. Enrolment Enquiry Form is available for Years 1–6; we will contact you shortly after submission; if you do not receive an email, contact the school office on 9890 1560. The school follows the Department of Education's Enrolment Policy for enrolment, placement and transfer.

Waitlist
In-zone students are guaranteed a place. Other applications are considered subject to available space and prioritised by siblings at the same permanent address attending the same time, and by closeness of home to the school. The school follows the Department of Education's Enrolment Policy for enrolment, placement and transfer.
School Events
The school has not added events
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