What Makes A Great School Great

At Kingswood College, we aspire to be more than just a school; we strive to be a community where greatness is defined not by rankings or accolades but by the values we live and the vision we share. Our vision, to embolden hearts and inspire minds, challenges us to reflect on what truly makes a great school great.

Greatness in a school is not achieved by chance; it is a deliberate and collective effort that is grounded in its core values—respect, courage, kindness, perseverance, and excellence. These values are the foundation of every interaction, decision, and aspiration within our community.

Our ELC is an engaging, nurturing and inspiring environment where children learn through inquiry, exploration, play, questioning and reflection. We know and value the fundamental importance of the early years and work collaboratively with the Junior School staff to ensure students experience a smooth transition from the ELC to Prep.

In our ELC, your child will have many opportunities to engage their curiosity and sense of wonder through our indoor and outdoor learning environments, which include exploring our expansive campus grounds. Our program also includes a range of specialist subjects, including Library, Art, Music, Chinese and Perceptual Motor Program (PMP, i.e. sport).

Our Educators
Our highly experienced early learning educators foster an inclusive, relaxed, and engaging environment where every child thrives. At Kingswood, we take pride in our team of dedicated and well-qualified staff, each holding at least a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, with several possessing a Master’s degree.

Our Early Learning Centre is led by Danni Brown, a qualified early childhood leader holding a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). With more than eight years’ experience directing and leading early learning services, Danni brings a strong understanding of the National Quality Framework and a deep commitment to high‑quality, evidence‑informed practice. She is widely respected for her professional integrity, her focus on continuous improvement, and her capacity to mentor and support educators to deliver inclusive, responsive and engaging learning environments that promote children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Our Philosophy
The Kingswood College Early Learning Centre philosophy was created as a collaborative project between our education team and families to reflect our current values and beliefs regarding the education and wellbeing of our community of learners. It draws on multiple theoretical perspectives and current research and is revised annually. We acknowledge that children are active participants in the Kingswood College Early Learning Centre community.

We value the importance of play in children’s lives and the curriculum is planned to give children the opportunity to explore, question, discover and reflect. Small group sizes enable ELC staff and children time to form secure relationships and connect with each other and their learning environment.

Planning is flexible, fostering children’s ideas and interests, and values the use of natural and open-ended materials. We strive to develop a positive disposition to learning.

Junior School is a place where every student is given an opportunity to achieve optimal growth in their learning and well-being. The teaching and learning programs are informed by evidence, and teachers value knowing exactly where students are in their learning and what they will do to support them in achieving their personal best.

Curriculum in Junior School

Students from Prep to Year 6 are taught the Victorian Curriculum 2.0.

Our Instructional Model is designed to ensure that every student at Kingswood College receives instruction that is not only mastered and retained but also targeted precisely to their individual learning

Our Middle School program aims to build a strong foundation so that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of VCE and beyond. From Years 7 to 9, our curriculum is designed to develop a broad understanding across various disciplines, nurturing intellectual curiosity and essential life skills. Collaboration is a cornerstone of the educational approach, empowering students to face challenges head-on, learn from setbacks and grow wiser as a result.

Year 7
Community

Year 7 marks a significant transition for students as they commence their first year of their secondary school journey. It’s a pivotal phase of adaptation, where students adjust to new surroundings, teachers, and subjects.

The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation across various disciplines, nurturing intellectual curiosity and essential skills. Students are encouraged to develop greater autonomy in their learning, laying the groundwork for more advanced academic pursuits in the coming years.

In addition to academic growth, Year 7 typically focuses on fostering social interactions and friendships, helping students integrate into the broader secondary school community.

Year 8
Challenge

In Year 8, students build upon the foundations established in Year 7, while also progressing towards greater academic and personal autonomy.

Year 8 is marked by a consolidation of knowledge and skills acquired in the previous year, allowing students to delve deeper into subject matter. Additionally, the introduction of elective subjects offers students the opportunity to explore their interests and collaborate with peers, fostering teamwork and cooperative learning experiences. As they navigate a more advanced curriculum, students are encouraged to take on a heightened sense of agency in their learning, making choices that align with their strengths and passions.

Year 8 serves as a bridge between the initial transition of Year 7 and the impending challenges of higher year levels. It is a time of refining study habits, honing critical thinking abilities, and further nurturing social connections, all of which contribute to their holistic growth within the school community.

Year 9
Service

Throughout Year 9, students engage in a series of four distinctive experiential experiences:

• Warburton Expedition: providing students with outdoor challenges and personal growth.
• City Cite: a dynamic exploration of urban environments.
• Service Week: fostering a sense of social responsibility.
• World of Work: offering insights into future pathways.

These experiences enrich students’ learning beyond the classroom, promoting teamwork, adaptability, and a broader perspective. As Year 9 culminates with exams, students are academically prepared for the demands of senior school, and they carry with them a well-rounded foundation of skills and experiences to thrive in the years ahead.

Senior School is a time of increased focus, as students pursue their preferred subjects and work hard to get where they wish to be. We expect every student to develop self-regulation and diligence in order to strive for their personal best and develop their perseverance and independence. While study is important, student wellbeing is also a focus. As our Years 10 to 12 students enter into the final phase of their time at school, it is important to know that at Kingswood College, we will support them in navigating the challenges and triumphs ahead.

Year 10

Year 10 is where students are introduced to the Senior School. They move from wearing the College wardrobe daily to the following dress code and physically move from the Middle School environment. Year 10 students undertake careers programs, have more elective choices, and some take on advanced studies, completing a VCE subject. Year 10 is also a time of increased leadership opportunities, including House positions and working with Year 7 students in a mentoring capacity.

Year 11

Year 11 is where students exercise enormous choice in choosing their path. All subjects are chosen by the students themselves. Students become more responsible for their study habits and completion of work. There are several leadership roles available to students and we encourage them to take on activities that they enjoy in order to round out their development and experience.

Year 12

Year 12 is often seen as a high-pressure year, however, it is so much
more than that. Proper preparation and steady work make the demands manageable. At Kingswood College, we want all of our students to do well and to study hard, however, we also want them to recognise that their performance in Year 12 does not define them as a person.

Multiple extra activities are available to challenge and provide wide ranging opportunities. These include English, Media, Maths, Science and I.T. competitions, dramatical and musical performance, debating, Model United Nations, team and individual sports, the Human Powered Vehicle competition and a unique residential work experience program for Hospitality students, in a five star hotel.

Kingswood is known for the high quality of its Pastoral Care system and this system makes a major contribution to the degree of school connectedness.

The NAPLAN assessments evaluate essential literacy and numeracy skills in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, providing valuable insights into student learning and growth. Kingswood College’s exceptional results highlight our commitment to fostering both academic excellence and personal development, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve their best.

ALL VICTORIAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

RANKED 44TH

ALL VICTORIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

TOP 12%

2024 NAPLAN Results

Kingswood College has been recognised as one of Victoria’s top-performing primary schools in the 2024 NAPLAN results, placing 44th among the state’s top 100 primary schools. This outstanding result positions us in the top 97th percentile of junior schools across Victoria—a remarkable achievement for our College community.

Additionally, our Secondary School performed in the top 12% of schools across the State, further showcasing the strength of our educational programs and the dedication of our staff and students. This dual recognition underscores the excellence of teaching and learning at Kingswood College from primary through to senior levels.

The impressive VCE results of our graduating students and their chosen pathways are a testament to the exceptional guidance and support provided by our dedicated teachers. We firmly believe in the power of their commitment to helping students achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Class of 2024 Results - ATAR & Study Scores

We congratulate every student in the Class of 2024 who worked hard and achieved their personal best: academically; in cocurricular pursuits; on the stage; sporting field; or supporting the community.

We thank our VCE teachers and all our staff who have taught the Class of 2024 throughout their time at the College. Their commitment, care and passion for education make a difference every day. We further thank the parents of our graduating class for their commitment to the College and for encouraging their child to be courageous, to persevere, to keep perspective and to strive for excellence. 

2024 Median ATAR
80.03

Ranks the Class of 2024 in the top three sets of results for the College over the last 20 years.

Achieved ATAR of 90+
25%
Top 10% of VIC

Achieved an ATAR 85+
35%
Top 15% of VIC

Achieved ATAR 80+
50%
Top 20% of VIC

2024 MEDIAN STUDY SCORE
32
An improvement of one point to 2023 - the state median is 30.

2024 Dux ATAR
99.1
Top 0.9% of VIC
Increased by 25% in 2024

Study Scores above 40
Our students achieved success in a range of subjects with the top study scores 45+ including:
• Creative and Digital Media
• Economics
• English
• Health and Human Development
• Legal Studies
• Literature
• Mathematical Methods
• Psychology
• Visual Communication Design

Chrissy Gamble is a personable and articulate leader with a passion for creating exceptional educational experiences for young people.

“I’ve been an independent school educator all my life and have a strong sense of what really matters for young people and their families.”

At Kingswood College, we are ambitious about academic outcomes. The great strength of our school is our teachers who make sure that every student is challenged every day.

The benefits that come from being challenged in a learning environment is something that has always interested me. My Master of Education thesis explored the role accelerated learning can play in the progress of gifted and talented students.

Kingswood College is a truly inclusive environment. We understand that achievement looks different for different people. We know our students individually and we are prepared to challenge what needs to be challenged to prepare them for the future.

“I am a visible leader. I want young people to know me, to feel at ease and understand I want them to aim high. As Principal, my focus is to provide genuine care, to know each young person and to value our partnership with their family. This relationship is vital for great learning outcomes.”

    Award Winning Principal
In 2025, Chrissy was named in The Educator’s Hot List for the second year running.

This award recognises influential figures in the Australian K–12 education sector, highlighting their contributions to innovation, strategic initiatives, and student wellbeing.

Kingswood College warmly welcomes international students in Prep to Year 12. Our dedicated International Student Coordinator provides comprehensive support to each student and their family throughout their partnership with us, assisting with international education arrangements as well as accommodation and welfare needs.

Kingswood College operates under the legislative framework, which comprises the Education Services for International Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the standards of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to International Students (The National Code 2018).
Testing Partners

Kingswood College has proudly partnered with the following services to support the testing of prospective international students.

AEAS - Assessment Services

The AEAS Test and the AEAS Preparation Courses assist international students who are preparing to study in English medium schools around the world. The AEAS Report is essential information for parents and students and supports student applications to Australian schools, schools in English speaking countries and to English medium International schools across the globe.

Families considering Australia as a destination can search and compare schools through the Australian Schools Information System.

BROWNS English Language School

BROWNS English Language School (BROWNS) is an award-winning ELICOS provider with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality education to international students. With over 20 years of experience, BROWNS has helped thousands of students successfully transition into Australian high schools, universities, and colleges.

BROWNS’ specialist High School Preparation (HSP) program is designed to equip students with the academic English skills and study techniques needed to excel in an Australian high school environment. The program focuses on:
• Academic English – Comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills tailored for high school subjects.
• Speaking and Listening – Building confidence in classroom discussions and social interactions.
• Study Techniques – Note-taking, research skills, and exam preparation.

Families can learn more about the ELIOCS provider via their website here.

Hawthorn-Melbourne English for High School

English for High School (EfHS) is Hawthorn-Melbourne’s English course for young international students (11 to 18 years) who plan to study at an Australian high school. In this course, students will develop academic English language skills to help them transition into an Australian high school.

English for High School is offered at two levels:

English for High School 1 (EfHS1) Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate
English for High School 2 (EfHS2) Upper Intermediate to Advanced

Education Agents

Kingswood College has agreements with the following Education Agents.

• A & A International Education
• Au Edu Express Pty Ltd
• Aust-Sky Group
• Auswin International Group
• Centre Point Joint Stock Company
• China Liuxuecity Co Limited
• Focus English Language School
• Hangzhou IES International Education
• Lyu You Study International
• Maple Overseas Education Centre Limited
• NEXCO Consultants Pty Ltd
• New Vision Education Australia
• Sky Global Education
• Newpoint Migration and Education
• Australia Futura Education Pty Ltd
• Veritas Australia