An education for Life

Established in 1914, St Leonard’s College is Bayside’s school of choice and one of Melbourne’s premier independent schools, educating students from ELC3 to Year 12. Generations of Leonardians have enjoyed exceptional educational experiences and thrived on the wonderfully diverse opportunities on offer at our college.

At St Leonard’s College, our young people are educated in a physically, emotionally and spiritually safe environment where they are genuinely known, nurtured and loved. We are unwavering in our commitment to developing the whole child – head, heart and soul.

St Leonard’s College is committed to the authentic values that reflect the community we serve. Our young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and the active daily demonstration of the values we instil.

Our students are welcomed into a warm, caring, connected community with an ethical culture founded upon a strong moral purpose: to develop genuine global citizens who respond to inequity, inequality and injustice. As global citizens, our students are armed with the necessary skills, values and attitudes required to build an economic and social future in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world.

Our teachers are carefully selected for their academic prowess in addition to their ability to nurture the development of self-confidence, integrity, resilience and creativity. We seek to develop students who understand that their education is not only about what it can bring to their life, but through them what it can bring to the lives of others.

Leaders in co-education

A recognised leader in education, in 1972 St Leonard’s College became the first single-sex independent school in the state to introduce co-education. Our vast experience delivering co-education for almost 50 years tells us that both boys and girls thrive when they learn and grow together. We offer a genuine co-education, with boys and girls learning alongside each other in an environment that truly reflects life beyond the school gates.

Globally renowned curriculum

Renowned for pedagogical innovation, St Leonard’s College was the first Victorian school to introduce the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in 1982. Senior School students are offered the highly sought-after choice between the VCE and the IBDP. The IBDP’s international orientation makes it the most highly regarded and respected tertiary entrance qualification by the world’s leading universities. Junior and Middle School students are educated within the expertly designed framework of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) — an inquiry-based approach to learning incorporating personal, social and international values. The PYP values independence, initiative and self-motivation, encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning. The Early Learning Centre program follows the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach, placing each child at the centre of their own education. This enriching and stimulating educational program focuses on learning through play, nature-based experiences and environmental education.

Class of 2023 Academic Results

St Leonard’s College offers the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as pathways to tertiary education. Both pathways provide year 12 graduates with an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). The ATAR shows a student’s achievement in relation to other students nationally, with 99.95 being the highest rank awarded. 

The VCE is a flexible course with English (English, Literature, English Language or English as Additional Language) the only compulsory subject. This allows students to tailor the course to meet their interests and future goals by also being able to incorporate VET and Higher Education Studies. For further information on the VCE please visit vcaa.vic.edu.au 

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core: Theory Of Knowledge (TOK) is a study about knowledge and why people think differently; the Extended Essay is a 4,000 word independent research paper; and, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) promotes balance and student involvement and leadership in the arts, sports and serving the wider community.

St Leonard’s College was the first Victorian school to introduce the IBDP in 1982. With 40 years of experience, our IBDP students are provided with the best support and tuition available. The IBDP is currently recognised in over 156 countries for university entry including Australia. For further information on the IBDP please visit ibo.org/programmes/

2023 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Results

• Median ATAR of 96.35
• 83% of students gained an ATAR of 90 or above
• 98% of students gained an ATAR of 80 or above
• Duces ATAR 99.7 and Proxime Accessits ATAR 99.35

2023 Combined IBDP and VCE Results

The Class of 2023 has demonstrated their academic brilliance with a set of academic results that endorse St Leonard’s College as one of Australia’s leading independent schools, achieving:

• Median ATAR of 91.65
• 55.8% of all students gained an ATAR of 90 or above
• 80.8% of all students gained an ATAR of 80 or above

2023 Victorian Certificate of Education Results

• Median ATAR of 87.05
• 43% of students gained an ATAR of 90 or above
• 73% of students gained an ATAR of 80 or above
• 20.2% of students achieved a 40+ Study Score
• VCE Duces 99.8 and Proxime Accessit 98.9

Comprehensive and diverse cocurricular program

Our cocurricular program encourages our young people to explore their gifts and discover their passions to achieve excellence and fulfilment. Students have the opportunity to develop skills and interests via a rich and diverse cocurriculum program, including debating, public speaking, drama, music, leadership and social justice programs, media production, photography, sport and outdoor education. Our team of expert sporting coaches with state, national and Olympic experience have led students to enjoy unrivalled success in a range of pursuits including athletics, swimming, cross country, snow sports and sailing.

Quality pastoral care

Paramount to St Leonard’s educational philosophy is ensuring each child feels safe, valued and develops a sense of belonging. Our graduates leave with the self-assurance and resilience to take advantage of life’s opportunities and overcome its challenges.

Our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of pastoral care is demonstrated through our mentor program. Relationships are at the centre of our model of pastoral care and the mentor’s role is pivotal in this context, focusing on each individual student according to their interests, abilities and potential for personal growth. Mentors take a holistic view of their students and come to know them across all domains of school life. Mentors track academic progress, know a student's strengths and weaknesses, and meet regularly with individual students to discuss progress and challenges.   

Social action and global citizenship

A St Leonard’s College education develops a strong sense of social responsibility through a variety of local, national and international fundraising, community service and social action programs and initiatives. Our students acquire a deep awareness that with great privilege comes great responsibility. A St Leonard’s education prepares young people to take their place in the world and make meaningful contributions to society.

Outstanding facilities

St Leonard’s students enjoy exceptional facilities including modern well-resourced libraries, music centres, theatres, multi-purpose halls and excellent sporting facilities including an indoor aquatic centre, aerobic area and gym. Our visual arts centre provides specialist facilities equipped with the latest resources and impressive gallery areas. Dedicated spaces for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) programs offer innovative technologies to support student learning. The Senior School building opened in January 2020 and creates a new benchmark in educational spaces featuring a tertiary style lecturette, 11 break-out learning spaces, nine collaborative study nooks, a community common area, a custom-built examination space and a new Senior School cafeteria. 2020 also saw the completion of a world-class performing arts centre.

Enrolment and scholarship applications

St Leonard’s College welcomes enrolment waitlist applications for places in ELC, Prep and Years 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 11. Limited places are also available in other year levels as they arise. For information about the St Leonard’s College scholarship program, please visit our website.

 https://www.stleonards.vic.edu.au/college-admissions/school-tour/

We offer a number of chartered bus services to safely bring students to and from the College.

The routes we offer from year to year depend on the location and requirements of families wishing for their child(ren) to travel by bus on a permanent basis. Each route is tested to ensure accurate timings and that the bus is able to safely navigate each route. Many routes include stops at key train stations which provides further options for families to connect with our bus services via the metropolitan rail network.

To view our current routes click here.

For further information please contact busbookings@stleonards.vic.edu.au.