Forty years ago, the Rector (Fr. Tony Wood) and the Assistant Rector (Fr. Arthur Rossiter) opened St. Paul’s Choir School in the Rectory of St. Paul’s Anglican Church Bankstown, so that they could have a choir to sing the 1662 Book of Common Prayer Anglican Service each Sunday. It was here, in such humble beginnings, that the foundations of Georges River Grammar were established. As the small school grew, the need became apparent for a Secondary School, which would see the Anglican and Uniting Churches in Bankstown create Bankstown Grammar School as a joint venture.
In 1988, the Uniting Church withdrew from the partnership and Bankstown Grammar
School became an independent coeducational Anglican secondary school. Bankstown
Grammar School moved to the current Georges Hall site in 1989, followed by St Paul’s
Choir School in 1991. While both schools were entirely separate entities, the Schools
had the same Principal. In an effort to extend this continuity, in 2004, the two schools
combined into one entity. Today, this journey of four decades has transformed
St Paul’s Choir School and Bankstown Grammar School into Georges River Grammar
— a school in the Anglican tradition
Facilities: Georges River Grammar boasts a state-of-the-art Trade Skills Centre and Commercial Kitchen that provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. The school also features dedicated Music Studios and Science Labs equipped with modern technology to enhance the learning experience. Students benefit from a Senior Study Centre
designed to support academic excellence. The campus includes The Reserve, a new
recreational space for students, and will soon feature a School Auditorium currently
under construction and scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Additional
campus features include the GRG Food Truck, OSHC and Vacation care, an onsite
Uniform Shop and Canteen and various sporting fields. GRG also offers a private bus service,
owned and operated by dedicated drivers employed by the school, and assigned to
offer students and their families extensive coverage around the area ensuring accessibility,
consistency, safety, and reliability.
Curriculum: Georges River Grammar focuses on holistic education. The curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students, encouraging them to discover their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and become well-rounded individuals prepared to face the world with confidence and curiosity.
The educational approach is built on five interrelated programs for holistic education. First, academic programs challenge and extend students while fostering a love of learning. Second, a comprehensive student wellbeing program based on positive psychology principles supports students’ emotional and social development. Third, the service-learning program develops character through giving back to communities. Fourth, the co-curricular program helps students discover and cultivate their passions. Fifth, experiential learning provides hands-on, real-world experiences beyond the classroom, including various opportunities for students to travel overseas. The school emphasises authentic and meaningful learning that extends beyond traditional academic achievements
Differentiation is key to ensuring each student thrives, with programs for gifted and talented students as well as support for those with identified learning needs. Learning support at GRG is described as “second to none,” with differentiation ensuring each student thrives. The school provides extension programs for gifted and talented students and additional support for those with identified learning needs, creating an inclusive environment where all students can succeed.
Sport: Georges River Grammar offers extensive sporting activities at both school and representative levels. The school has a strong sporting culture with notable achievements including student representation at the Junior Winter Olympics and national-level representation in various sports. The school actively supports students who demonstrate talent and fortitude for particular sports by seeking opportunities for them to represent GRG in their sporting endeavours. A comprehensive Co-Curricular Handbook details the ever-growing list of sporting activities available to students, providing numerous pathways for athletic development and achievement.
Student Welfare Programs: Georges River Grammar has developed a comprehensive and ever-evolving student wellbeing program that ensures students have the skills required to navigate the complexities of life. The program is underpinned by principles of positive psychology and guided by the Berry Street Education Model, an evidence-based framework. The approach focuses on developing students’ strengths and encouraging proactive approaches to challenges they may face. The school employs a full-time psychologist and has a comprehensive student wellbeing team comprising Heads of Year, Stage Coordinators, a Primary Student Wellbeing Coordinator, and a K-12 Director of Student Wellbeing. This multi-layered support structure ensures that every student receives appropriate guidance and assistance.