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Clubs Cultural and Language, Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Lauriston Girls' School is a private day school for girls aged 0–18 in Australia. It combines the Australian Curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Diploma for Years 11–12, offering IB or VCE. The school teaches in English and offers French, Chinese and Latin, with subjects across English, Humanities, Languages, Music, Social Science, Sport, STEM, Creative Arts and Drama. A distinctive feature is the Howqua program, a five‑day immersive residential study experience covering Mathematics, Science, Humanities, English, Mandarin and French, plus Music and Art, emphasising wellbeing and outdoor learning. The Lauriston Inquiry Framework—Ask, Investigate, Create, Discuss, Reflect—guides learning. A 10‑year Masterplan, completed phases by late 2022, has modernised facilities including the Ullmer Sports and Wellbeing Centre and contemporary learning spaces, plus the Howqua campus. Co‑curriculars include Sport, Music, Drama and clubs such as Model UN, STEM Club and Amnesty International Support Group, fostering leadership and service for international families.
Lauriston Girls' School has 1,040 pupils, instruction in English.
Location
Armadale, Victoria, Australia. The main campus is at 38 Huntingtower Road, Armadale, Victoria 3143. Lauriston is accessible by public transport and offers private bus services to assist students' travel.
Stages
Early Learning; Junior School; Howqua (Year 9); Senior School.
Type
Private girls' day school.
Additional learning support
Programs are designed to meet the needs of each student, with extension opportunities or greater support as needed.
Country affiliation
Australia
Bus service
Lauriston provides private bus services to help students travel to school; a bus buddy program is available for younger students.
Fees
Annual tuition at Lauriston Girls' School ranges from AUD 150 to AUD 47,400 for 2026/27.
Application and admission fees - Application Fee: a non-refundable AUD 150 payable for each application for enrolment. - Admission Fee (Prep–Year 12 and securing Prep from Kindergarten): a non-refundable AUD 1,250 per student (maximum AUD 2,250 per family). The Admission Fee is separate to tuition and is not credited against fees.
Tuition fees (Net fee per full year and per-term billing) (All fees shown in AUD. Fees are billed in four instalments: Oct / Jan / Apr / Jul; the per-term figure below is the net fee per billing at those instalment points.) - 3 Year‑Old Kindergarten (3 full days): Full year AUD 18,400 — per billing AUD 4,600. - 3 Year‑Old Kindergarten (4 full days): Full year AUD 24,500 — per billing AUD 6,125. - 4 Year‑Old Kindergarten (4 full days): Full year AUD 25,700 — per billing AUD 6,425. - Prep – Year 2: Full year AUD 31,260 — per billing AUD 7,815. - Year 3: Full year AUD 37,600 — per billing AUD 9,400. - Year 4 – 6: Full year AUD 39,400 — per billing AUD 9,850. - Year 7: Full year AUD 44,400 — per billing AUD 11,100. - Year 8: Full year AUD 44,800 — per billing AUD 11,200. - Year 9: Full year AUD 45,000 — per billing AUD 11,250. - Year 9 HRAC (Howqua Residential & Activities Charge — separate residential/activity charge for Year 9): Full year AUD 34,800 — per billing AUD 8,700. - Year 10 – 11: Full year AUD 47,400 — per billing AUD 11,850. - Year 12: Full year AUD 46,800 — per billing AUD 11,700.
Deposits and scholarship acceptance amounts - Kindergarten Tuition Deposit: non-refundable AUD 1,000, credited to the second instalment after commencement. - Prep – Year 12 Tuition Deposit (new students, excluding most scholarship recipients): non-refundable AUD 2,500, credited to the second instalment after commencement. - Scholarship recipients accepting an offer: Admission Fee AUD 1,250 (non-refundable) and a Tuition Deposit of AUD 5,000 (non-refundable and credited to the second instalment after commencement).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed one term in advance. Invoices are issued at the beginning of each term and must be paid in full within one month from the invoice issue date. - Standard 2026 invoice/due schedule (example): Term 1 invoice issued 08-Oct-2025, due 07-Nov-2025 (25% of annual fees billed); Term 2 invoice issued 30-Jan-2026, due 27-Feb-2026 (50% cumulative); Term 3 invoice issued 24-Apr-2026, due 25-May-2026 (75% cumulative); Term 4 invoice issued 24-Jul-2026, due 24-Aug-2026 (100% cumulative). - The first instalment for entry is paid in October in the year prior to entry. For Year 12 students the final account is rendered in July and due 30 days after invoice. - Students may not commence a term if fees remain outstanding. Interim accounts may be issued where significant other charges are incurred.
Other charges and typical additional costs - Year 9 Howqua Residential & Activities Charge (HRAC): covers food, board, laundry, outdoor activities and additional staffing/resources for the residential campus; payable in advance. Student travel to/from Howqua by charter bus is a fixed charge of AUD 500 (incl. GST) per year, charged in two equal instalments (October and April). Additional skiing beyond specified days may attract an approximate AUD 200 per day charge. - Camps, optional excursions and optional co-curricular program charges are invoiced to the school account as advised; optional program enrolment is subject to availability and payment of fees. Cancellation of co-curricular enrolment requires four weeks' written notice within a term or four weeks' fees will be charged. - Books and materials requirements and charges are provided to families in Term 4 prior to the following year. - Printing: an amount of AUD 100 per student for printing is included in tuition; excess usage will be charged to the account. - Device program: Years 5–12 operate one-to-one/bring-your-own-device arrangements; a Lauriston Device Program (LDP) option is available that configures and supports devices and may incur additional costs. - Uniforms: on-site Uniform Shop sells required uniforms (shoes excluded); second‑hand uniform options are available from the Parents' Association shop on site.
Subsidies, discounts and special charges - Sibling discount: where three or more siblings attend simultaneously, a 15% discount applies to the Annual Tuition Fee for each child (this discount applies to tuition only and not to other charges). - Payment-in-advance discount: a discount on Annual Tuition Fees is available when the annual fee is paid in full by the due date for the instalment one account (contact the Business Office to arrange). - Kindergarten fee subsidy: eligible Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card holders may apply for the Department of Education subsidy for 4‑year‑old Kindergarten; supporting documentation must be sighted prior to each term.
Withdrawal, cancellation and refund rules - Admission Fee and Tuition Deposits (as specified above) are non-refundable and non-transferrable if a student does not commence on the agreed date (Scholarship recipient deposit exceptions noted above). - Cancellation of enrolment: one full term's written notice to the Principal is required prior to withdrawal. If less than one full term's notice is given, a Fee in Lieu of Notice equal to one term's tuition fee is charged. - Extended leave: for absences of one term or less full fees are payable; for absences of more than one term a non-refundable Holding Fee equal to 10% of the Tuition Fee for each term absent is payable to retain the student's place. Failure to pay the Holding Fee may lead to cancellation of enrolment. - Other refunds: optional/extra charges (camps, co-curricular activities) will be subject to the specific cancellation and refund terms advertised at the time they are offered.
Billing penalties and chargebacks - Late payment penalties: if an account is unpaid by the due date a charge of AUD 200 will be added; if still unpaid one month later a further AUD 200 will be charged; accounts may be referred to a collection agency and any recovery costs will be added to the account. - Failed payment charge: AUD 60 applies to each failed cheque, credit card or direct debit transaction.
Fee payment options and surcharges - BPAY (use biller code 18085 and the family reference number on the account). - Credit card (Visa or MasterCard) via the Parent Central page on the Schoolbox portal. A credit card surcharge of 1.0% (GST inclusive) is applied to card transactions. - Monthly direct debit from a nominated cheque, savings or credit card account (Visa or MasterCard) is available by written arrangement with the School. A credit card surcharge of 1.0% applies where applicable. - The School does not accept cash payments. - Failed transactions and recovery charges apply as noted above.
Academics
Lauriston Girls' School teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 0 to 18.
Curriculum
The school offers a broad-based curriculum from Prep to Year 12 with up to 28 subjects available by Year 12. Students may complete either the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) in Years 11–12. Languages include French, Chinese and Latin, and the curriculum covers English, Humanities, Languages, Music, Social Science, Sport, STEM, Creative Arts and Drama. The Howqua program provides a robust five-day core subject academic program with Mathematics, Science, Humanities, English, Mandarin and French, plus Music and Art, and is an immersive residential experience with wellbeing, outdoor and fitness components. The Lauriston Inquiry Framework—Ask, Investigate, Create, Discuss, Reflect—underpins learning across the school.
Exam Results
NAPLAN growth and strong academic results.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates have entrance to tertiary institutions locally and overseas through the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB).
Gifted and Talented
Extension opportunities are provided as needed to challenge advanced students.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a wellbeing program embedded across all years, anchored in the Victorian Child Safe Standards and Lauriston's core values. Eight wellbeing domains underpin the personal development curriculum, including Self-Awareness, Healthy Holistic Habits, Emotional Awareness, Mindsets, Positive Direction, Positive Relationships, Role Modelling and Looking Outward. SHINE is the wellbeing program for Years 7–12, focusing on developing social and emotional skills, self-confidence and resilience. The wellbeing program includes The Resilience Project, Bodyworks Health and Wellbeing, Social Stencil, Bravehearts, Cyber Safety, Year 5 Courage Conference and the Year 6 Leadership Program. Student voice and inclusivity are integral to wellbeing, with the Student Representative Council and opportunities to contribute to wellbeing policy and activities.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Lauriston is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all students. Reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities are made through Student Support Group processes in consultation with the student, parents or carers, teachers and, if appropriate, treating practitioners. Lauriston acknowledges and responds to the diverse needs, identities and strengths of all students. Lauriston upholds inclusion and diversity and does not tolerate discrimination.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language Classes are offered as part of Lauriston's co-curricular offerings.
Mental Wellbeing
Howqua provides wellbeing support with a dedicated team of over 20 staff, including psychologists and nurses available at any time, to care for the girls' wellbeing. The environment supports daily opportunities for wellbeing and intrapersonal development through outdoor and campus activities.
Safeguarding
The school follows the Victorian Child Safe Standards and embeds child safety and wellbeing across leadership, governance and daily practice. Lauriston has a suite of Child Safe Standards policies, including the Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Policy for Students, Code of Conduct, Mandatory Reporting Policy and related procedures. Staff and volunteers are screened, trained and required to report concerns immediately.
Admissions
Admissions
Lauriston Girls' School is non-selective with open entry from 3-year-old Kindergarten to Year 12. Main entry points are 3-year-old and 4-year-old Kindergarten, Prep, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 10, with occasional vacancies in other year levels. Applications can be submitted for immediate commencement, and the admissions team will contact families if a position is available. Families are encouraged to place their child's name on the waitlist by submitting an Application for Admission. An application is not a guarantee of enrolment. Step 2: Pre-enrolment Documentation involves completing the Enrolment Profile (parents/guardians) and Student Profile (student) and submitting supporting documents such as two most recent school reports (translations on letterhead if not in English), NAPLAN results if applicable, an Immunisation History Statement (Kindergarten only), external reports, medical reports, and any court orders relevant to custody or living arrangements. Completion of the Enrolment Profile and Student Profile is not a guarantee of enrolment. Step 3: Interview invites prospective students and their parents to an enrolment interview (which could be up to 36 months before commencement). The interview is conducted by a senior member of staff and aims to determine fit for Lauriston. A tour of the School is encouraged prior to the interview. Attending an interview is not a guarantee of enrolment. Step 4: Offer of Enrolment occurs if Lauriston can meet the student's educational needs; to accept, families complete an Acceptance of Offer of Enrolment and pay the relevant fees by the due date. Confirmation of enrolment is issued only after all documentation and fees are received. Step 5: Transition and Orientation introduces the Transition & Orientation Program for new students. Step 6: Enrolment Policies instruct families to read the enrolment policies.
Scholarships
Scholarships at Lauriston reflect values of creativity, courage, engagement in life, intellectual curiosity and relationships. Scholarship applications for 2027 entry are closed; applications for 2028 entry will open at the end of 2026. Academic Scholarship is awarded to students with outstanding academic potential and is not funded by philanthropic support; candidates must articulate what a scholarship would mean to them and how they would contribute to Lauriston and the broader community. General Excellence Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic proficiency and potential to contribute in areas such as Music, Sport, Performing Arts, Creative Arts, Leadership or Community Service; not funded by philanthropic support; applicants must demonstrate participation and achievements in activities noted in the application. Belinda Phillips Goldman Sachs Memorial Scholarship is not being offered for commencement in 2027; it is for girls entering Years 7, 8, 10 or 11 and is means-tested for a well-rounded student with both academic and sporting pursuits. Lauriston Foundation Scholarship is not being offered for commencement in 2027; established in 2011, it provides financial assistance to a student who would otherwise be unable to experience Lauriston and is means-tested, with full remission for tuition fees awarded based on above-average scholarship exam results, school reports and an interview.
Waitlist
The school is non-selective with main entry points and occasional vacancies, and families are encouraged to join the waitlist by submitting an Application for Admission.
FAQs
What age range does Lauriston serve?
Lauriston serves girls from age 0 through to 18, spanning Early Learning to Year 12. The main campus is in Armadale, Victoria, with the Howqua campus for Year 9 residential study.
What is the Howqua programme?
Howqua is a compulsory Year 9 residential programme where girls live on a campus in the Victorian high country for eight blocks of four to five weeks. They study core subjects while engaging in outdoor and wellbeing activities.
What curriculum pathways are offered?
Students can choose the VCE or the IB Diploma in Years 11-12. Up to 28 subjects are available by Year 12, with languages including French, Chinese, Latin, and Spanish ab initio.
What are the tuition fees?
The application fee is AUD 150 and the admission fee is AUD 1,250. Tuition fees vary by year level up to AUD 47,400 for senior students. Fees are billed in four instalments.
What languages are taught?
French, Mandarin, and Latin are taught across Junior and Senior Schools. IB Diploma students may also study Spanish ab initio. Language learning is linked to cultural understanding.
What wellbeing support is provided?
The SHINE programme for Years 7-12 develops social and emotional skills. Eight wellbeing domains guide personal development, and the Howqua campus has dedicated psychologists and nurses available at all times.
What sporting facilities are available?
The Ullmer Sports and Wellbeing Centre has two competition netball courts, weights and yoga rooms, an ergo/cardio room, and a learn-to-swim pool. Sport is compulsory from Year 7 to Year 10.
What is the house system?
Four houses: Andrews (Blue), Irving (Gold), Kirkhope (Red), and Mitchell (White), introduced in 1930. Houses participate in sport, drama, music, and community service activities.
What STEM opportunities exist?
The FabLearn Lab is a Digital Fabrication Lab supporting cross-disciplinary STEM learning. Student-led clubs include Making and Coding Club, STEM Club, and Sustainability Club.
How do I apply?
Lauriston is non-selective with open entry from 3-year-old Kindergarten to Year 12. Main entry points are Kindergarten, Prep, Year 5, Year 7, and Year 10. Submit an Application for Admission to join the waitlist.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, scholarships reflect values of creativity, courage, engagement, intellectual curiosity, and relationships. Applications for 2028 entry open while 2027 entry is closed.
What is the school's history?
Lauriston was established in 1901 by Margaret and Lilian Irving with 12 students. It has grown into one of Melbourne's respected girls' schools, maintaining a tradition of academic excellence and innovation.
What learning support is available?
Lauriston makes reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities through Student Support Group processes. The school is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all students.
