CORNISH COLLEGE

Principal's Message
Our school’s vision is steering us in a clear direction. When Cornish College was founded, we made a very important decision in answering the question that all schools should ask: education for what? We answered: education for a sustainable future. When we educate for a sustainable future, we make a commitment to design meaningful and transferable curriculum — to engage learners in a world beyond topics and textbooks, toward globally-accessible understandings; not to rush, but to thoughtfully gather the learning that can fill our senses with wonder, giving us time to inquire and delve deeply into what makes us curious. I am delighted to be leading this wonderful school to ensure that we do our part in making a difference for the world we want for ourselves, our children and generations to come — a world in balance, where there is enough for all, forever. That is the future that we are educating for right now. Nicola Forrest, Principal

Educating for a sustainable, thriving future

At Cornish College, we educate for a sustainable future, engaging students beyond textbooks and encouraging them to consider how their decisions impact the world around them. Our 100-acre setting provides Early Learning to Year 12 students with space to stretch their legs and their curiosity.

Underpinning this is our holistic education that sees students engage deeply across disciplines, critically evaluating problems and finding creative solutions. Such skills are vital, says Principal Nicola Forrest.

“At Cornish, we develop the heart, the mind and the person,” Nicola says.

“Our unique learning environment and well-rounded education ensures our students become the best people they can be. Our powerful curriculum and passionate teachers develop critical thinking skills in our students, empowering them to make a difference today for a sustainable tomorrow.”

100-acre classroom

Cornish’s extensive 100-acre setting provides students with space to stretch their legs and their curiosity throughout an EcoCentre, hobby farm, olive grove, orchard, vegetable gardens, nine-hole golf course and its own island. Other facilities include the well-resourced library, ICT and performing arts facilities, a gymnasium, science laboratories, sporting facilities and a new Senior Studies Centre — a powerful learning environment.

A diverse, comprehensive curriculum

Our early learning program draws upon the Reggio Emilia approach where children are collaborative learners. We are also an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school. Enriched by sustainability education — including the Eco-Kids garden and Dhumba-dha biik walks to connect students with the land — and cocurricular opportunities, our primary curriculum combines concepts and inquiry, ensuring students engage deeply with their learning.

Deep, transferrable learning continues throughout our secondary school, with a curriculum focusing on concepts beyond the topics. This, combined with an emphasis on inquiry, problem-identifying and problem-solving, ensures students apply their knowledge and skills across disciplines.

Our senior program provides flexibility for students’ career pathways, with the option to complete VCE over three years, creating space for wellbeing and cocurricular opportunities. Students also enjoy a new Senior Studies Centre — a powerful learning environment.

Our learning environment ensures students thrive

When we measure success, we favour a holistic approach, putting student health and wellbeing on the same level as academics.

Students explore diverse interests alongside their academics, with cocurricular opportunities spanning the arts, STEM and sport, and community programs to develop positive relationships and mental health. These enrich our curriculum, encouraging students to draw upon our values of compassion, integrity, respect and creativity — always with courage – to make a difference.

Making a difference today for a better tomorrow

We educate for a sustainable, thriving future, with structures that mobilise the attitudes, skills, knowledge and values required for young people to make a difference and become the best individuals they have the capacity to be.

*Dhumba-dha biik, Boon wurrung language for ‘Talk Country’, is used with permission.

Principal: Nicola Forrest

School Information

  • Type: Independent
  • Coeducational or single-sex: Coeducational

  • Faith-based: Uniting Church
  • Year: Pre-Kindergarten - Year 12
  • Day/Boarding: Day School
  • Enrolment: 700 students
  • Interview Required Upon Enrolment: Yes
  • International Baccalaureate Programs offered: PYP  
  • ESL Support: Yes
  • Scholarships Available: Yes
  • Gifted and Talented Program: Yes
  • Preschool or Early Learning Centre: Own Preschool
  • After School Care/ OOSH Options: Own After School Care
  • Fees: 12k - 16k Over 16k Per Annum: ELC - $13,184 - 15,520, Prep - $12,252, Year 1 and 2 - $12,948, Year 3 and 4 - $13,376, Year 5 and 6 - $15,896, Year 7 and 8 - $18,660, Year 9 and 10 - $20,216, Year 11 - $21,543, Year 12 - $21,543 (Sibling discounts available)
  • Address:65 Riverend Road, Bangholme, 3175
  • Email:admissions@cornishcollege.vic.edu.au
  • Phone:03 9781 9000
  • HSC/VCE Subjects offered:Students can choose from 32 VCE studies.
  • Clubs and Extra-curricular programs:Running, music, drama, equestrian, sport climbing, golf, gymnastics
  • Scholarships Available:General Excellence and Robert Johnson Scholarship
  • Special Needs Support:Learning disability

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