Inspiring girls since 1952

Our purpose is clear – to inspire girls to become extraordinary women.

This notion of ‘extraordinary’ means helping support each girl to become the best she can be, as she grows in character and uses her unique gifts, talents and passions to their full potential. Our ethos is grounded in the belief that each Penrhos student will graduate equipped to make a meaningful contribution in the world, at whatever level and in whatever particular way she can. The verb ‘to inspire’ means to ‘breathe life into’ – Penrhos is committed to providing an exceptionally stimulating learning environment and an array of exciting opportunities to ensure each student is inspired to achieve her personal goals and to realise her ambition.

As one of the top independent girls school in Perth, the Penrhos educational philosophy acknowledges student phases of development, across which we provide a balanced and diverse learning experience.

To inspire girls to become extraordinary women, we are challenged to provide/be:

• Inspirational Student Experiences
• Inspirational Staff
• An Inspirational Environment
• An Inspirational and Enduring Community

These four key areas provide a clear focus for current priorities and so that we can plan effectively.

Learn Strong

A Penrhos girl is independent and resilient. She is the girl of today, well-prepared and equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.

Penrhos College is an all girls’ school, in the faith of the Uniting Church. We are committed to educating our students for respectful and responsible participation in an increasingly diverse and fast-evolving global community. Equally, we are committed to the promotion of justice and equity in learning, working and social environments that are affirming and inclusive, where each individual feels safe and valued.

Girls of all religious, cultural and gender identities are warmly welcomed here. Our community respects and honours diversity, including (but not limited to) age, ethnicity, family structure, identity, race, culture, physical ability and religion.

The Penrhos learning experience is designed to empower each girl to be true to herself, kind to others and bold in the pursuit of her dreams. We are proud that our College brings together people of diverse backgrounds in a vibrant community that supports each student on her individual journey; together, we strive for the highest and become the best we can be.

We warmly invite you to discover Penrhos.

Powering personal bests

The Penrhos College co-curricular program is a comprehensive range of sporting, academic, cultural and performance arts activities that align with the Penrhos Whole Person Paradigm (Mind, Heart Body and Spirit) as well as the Round Square IDEALS.

Penrhos is proud to be a member of Round Square, an internationally diverse network of 200 like-minded schools in 50 countries on six continents. Round Square schools connect and collaborate to offer world-class programmes and experiences, developing global competence, character and confidence in students.

These activities provide a balance to the rigorous academic program, giving girls opportunities to explore interests and untapped talents outside the classroom. Activities vary from term to term and from year to year and are encouraged, not compulsory. There is something for everyone at Penrhos, across all areas of the whole person paradigm; Mind, Heart, Body, Spirit.

The range of activities available at Penrhos College ensures our girls are given opportunities to thrive and achieve their personal best, in a way that suits their individual strengths and interests.

Thrive

At Penrhos we believe that personal wellbeing and effective relationships underpin every girl’s success and achievements. Each girl’s ability to strive for her highest must be supported by a strong pastoral care framework, which is what thrive is all about.

We promote a positive and inclusive culture where every student is encouraged to actively model our core shared values. thrive describes the range of programs, experiences and connections that support the wellbeing and personal growth of our girls in an ever-changing world.

Our programs and practices aim to graduate our students as independent, resilient young women who have a strong sense of self and a meaningful and enduring connection to Penrhos and the wider community.

Inspiring girls to become extraordinary women

From the youngest girl in Pre-Kindergarten to the young woman in Year 12, we ensure a positive and inclusive culture in which each individual student can thrive. We invite you to visit our College and discover the warmth and energy of the Penrhos experience for yourself. Find out more.

There are a number of bus services available to students travelling to and from Penrhos College.

Using a bus service is a great way for students to develop independence and support parents who manage multiple school runs or need to commute to work. It also has the added benefits of reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact.

Did you know that Penrhos College is easily accessible from the Perth Hills? Our expanded bus services connect students from Kalamunda, Forrestfield, Lesmurdie and Wattle Grove with our vibrant and diverse community. Find out more.

Engineering the future for women in STEM

Engineering is the cornerstone of the infrastructure, services, products and systems that serve Australia’s diverse population, yet still only 12% of the engineering workforce is female

Penrhos Principal Kalea Haran says breaking down gender stereotypes and inspiring girls to discover joy and curiosity in exploring all the world has to offer is part of the College ethos. “We are reshaping perceptions of STEM – including Maths - as a journey of discovery, to be embraced with fascination and wonder. Students respond to challenges most successfully when they are surrounded by positive and passionate peers, mentors and teachers.”

Find out more.

More than just a classroom: How Penrhos College prepares our girls for the future of work

Our world is changing at the speed of information. Technological innovations touch every part of our lives, forcing a shift in how we approach everything from primary education to employment.

By the time today’s students enter the workforce, they will be pursuing careers that didn’t exist a decade ago and using technologies that don’t exist yet either. 

So how do we prepare our girls for a world where work, life, and success will be defined differently from what we know today?

This existential question is driving change across the education sector. Here at Penrhos College, an all-girls private school in Perth, we are creating flexible learning environments where critical thinking and spontaneous collaboration encourage the pursuit of discovery. 

A generation ago, these spaces were called ‘classrooms’. Now Perth’s best high schools are evolving physical learning spaces to meet the needs of the next generation.  Find out more.

Along with a Master of Education from the University of South Australia and an MBA from Deakin University, Kalea brings to Penrhos her extensive experience of large-scale, international school operations and policy development, together with her passion for girls’ education.

Kalea says…

I love that the red dragon is a proud and unique symbol of Penrhos College.

I imagine the red 9th Century dragon to be timeless and magnificent, strong-willed, loyal and empathetic, ethical and kind. She sits at the very heart of the Penrhos ethos, inspiring pride and confidence, resilience and determination across generations of girls.

I admire and respect that Penrhosians pursue growth in mind, heart, body and spirit; they value knowledge, empathy, integrity and respect; they are encouraged to demonstrate strength of character and to have the courage of their convictions. Penrhosians are committed to the tireless pursuit of their dreams, to supporting each other and to making a positive contribution in the world.

This is what I want for our girls – to leave us as women who know their purpose in life; I want them to be determined, with the passion to make a positive difference, to use the fire in their belly to chase their dreams and to stand up for what they believe in. Penrhosians don’t let barriers get in their way – they will challenge convention and smash ceilings. This is what we stand for – it is what makes Penrhos quite different, and very special.

Penrhos is an environment that celebrates and empowers all girls, where each individual is nurtured and valued, and where stereotypes are left by the wayside. Our girls are empowered to make decisions for their education that support them in their chosen journey, and enjoy learning in a safe environment where every girl is supported to speak to what she believes in, to freely explore her passions, creativity and academic excellence, and to achieve her personal best. This could be in the Arts, in the Sciences, Humanities, sports – there are no restrictions on what’s on offer to a Penrhosian.

I bring to Penrhos my commitment to continuous progression and innovation in education, gained over 20 years of working with diverse students and educators – with world experts, Nobel laureates, international speakers, and those people that have really driven global agendas in education. I will continue to apply my skills and experience to nurturing, supporting, growing and preparing Penrhos girls for the internationally competitive workplace of the future.

Together, we grow.

Kalea Haran
Principal

Life at Penrhos is enriched by diversity – we welcome enrolments from different cultures, religions and backgrounds. The experience of sharing and developing life skills with fellow students from overseas fosters the qualities of understanding, tolerance, awareness and respect. Friendships formed at Penrhos are often friendships that last for life.

Unless parents are moving to Perth with the student, it if the College’s preference that secondary school students live in our Boarding House, where we provide a nurturing and safe environment for each and every girl. Living as a boarder also enables the College to more closely monitor academic progress and involvement in co-curricular activities.

Further information to assist prospective overseas students in learning about accommodation options and indicative costs of living in Australia, please visit Study Australia. Additional resources can also be located via Study Perth or Visit Perth, which provide a snapshot into the wonderful city of Perth, where Penrhos College is located.  Find out more.