Stuartholme School announces expansion into junior grades

One of Queensland’s most elite private girls’ schools is set to take junior students in a radical shake-up.

One of Brisbane’s most prestigious private schools is set to take students in years 5 and 6, as more elite schools across the city look to expand into junior grades.

Private girls college Stuartholme School in Toowong will welcome year 5 students from 2024, with works to begin next year on a dedicated junior school precinct.

Stuartholme – which charges tuition fees of more than $20,000 per year – is Brisbane’s only Catholic boarding school for girls, and currently has about 680 students.

Acting Principal Danny Crump said the new junior school would offer younger student’s a tailored program, offering a “seamless progression” into secondary school.

“The addition of Years 5 and 6 will bring a wonderful new community to Stuartholme,” he said.

“In a safe, caring, and warm environment, these students will have an opportunity to understand who they are, how they belong and learn, alongside their own leadership capabilities.

“As a leader in girls’ education, we know that the early years of education provide the foundation to successful and lifelong learning.”

Stuartholme’s expansion announcement comes as several other elite schools have expanded from secondary-only, to junior school facilities.

Last year prestigious girls school St Rita’s College in Clayfield announced it would take students from year 5 this year and Year 6 from 2023, while All Hallows’ School and St Paul’s School Bald Hills introduced additional classes for year 5.

A number of top private boys’ schools offer enrolments from year 5, including Brisbane Grammar School and St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace.