Cornish College
Other
Updated July 2026
IB PYPCornish College is an independent school providing education from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12. It is defined by a progressive, inquiry-based curriculum that places sustainability and innovation at the heart of learning.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Cornish College is committed to educating for a sustainable, thriving future by engaging students beyond textbooks. Its holistic approach focuses on developing the heart, the mind, and the person, encouraging students to critically evaluate problems and find creative solutions. The school’s educational framework is underpinned by the "Rings of Sustainability," which focus on natural, personal, socio-cultural, and urban/technological sustainability.
Programmes
The academic programme is concept-based and inquiry-focused, designed to build deep understanding and enterprise skills. The Early Learning Centre and primary years (Prep – Year 6) utilize the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Secondary students (Years 7 – 12) follow a curriculum that integrates subject-specific knowledge with signature initiatives like the Design Futures program.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides an inclusive education program that recognizes all children as competent, unique learners. It offers the I-AM program for high-ability learners, which includes enrichment and extension opportunities across the curriculum, such as student-led peer mentorship initiatives.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Cornish College offer?
- Cornish College offers IB PYP.
- How much is tuition at Cornish College?
- Annual tuition at Cornish College is A$14.9K–A$26.2K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Cornish College hold?
- Cornish College holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Cornish College co-educational?
- Cornish College is a co-ed school.
- Where is Cornish College located?
- Cornish College is an international school in Berwick, Australia.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| ELC3 (4 days) | 3–3 | A$16K |
| ELC3 (5 days) | 3–3 | A$18.8K |
| ELC4 | 4–4 | A$18.8K |
| Prep | 5–5 | A$14.9K |
| Year 1 and 2 | 6–7 | A$15.7K |
| Year 3 and 4 | 8–9 | A$17.5K |
| Year 5 and 6 | 10–11 | A$19.3K |
| Year 7 and 8 | 12–13 | A$22.7K |
| Year 9 and 10 | 14–15 | A$24.5K |
| Year 11 | 16–16 | A$26.2K |
| Year 12 | 17–17 | A$26.2K |
Source:PDF2026_Term_Dates_v2-1.pdfPDF2026-Fee-Schedule_Mar.pdfPDFPOL-010-Privacy-Policy-Cornish-College-v2.7.pdfPDFOverview-of-Edstart-Plus_Dec.pdf
Other fees(6)
| Application fee· Payable with Application for Enrolment form, non-refundable | A$100 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Admission Fee payable on acceptance, non-refundable (includes Cornish Alumni Life Membership) | A$1.1K |
| Deposit· Forward Fee Deposit for students entering ELC, deducted from Term 1 fees when entering Prep | A$1.5K |
| Materials· Software Levy for students in Years 7 to 12 | A$140 |
| Materials· Music Levy (instrument hire) for students in Years 3, 4 and 7 | A$135 |
| Bus / transport· Additional fees are charged for elective bus transport to/from College | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 5% - 50%
- Full-payment discount: 4%
Admissions
Cornish College invites prospective families to attend a College tour to meet students and staff. Enrolment applications can be submitted online, and the admissions team is available to answer questions regarding the process, fees, scholarships, uniform requirements, and bus services. The school offers sibling discounts on tuition fees, ranging from 5% for a second child to 50% for a fourth or subsequent child.
Calendar
The school operates on a four-term academic year. Terms typically commence in late January and conclude in early December, with mid-term breaks and public holidays observed throughout the year. The calendar includes designated curriculum and assessment days, which are student-free.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated on a 100-acre campus of natural parkland, which serves as an outdoor classroom. Facilities include a 9-hole golf course designed for children, an adventure playground, vegetable gardens, and a farm with animals. The campus also features an island in the middle of a lake, an Indigenous plant trail, and dedicated sporting fields.
Co-curriculars
The college offers a diverse range of co-curricular activities designed to foster connection and creativity. These include drama, music, and performing arts, as well as sports such as gymnastics, running, equestrian, and golf. Students may also participate in the Southern Independent Schools sports program or join the Sports Leadership program, which empowers students to run activities and drive community events.
Nicola ForrestPrincipalNicola Forrest is an education explorer who works to challenge the narrative of schooling and redefine what is possible. She has been a staff member at Cornish since 2013, previously served as Deputy Principal, and was appointed Principal in 2019. She holds a BEd(Sec), MSchLead, and is a Fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (FACEL).
- Tim EdmondsDeputy Principal – Head of Primary
Tim Edmonds has led exceptional schools in South Australia, Victoria, and Hong Kong, implementing significant school transformations. He has a deep passion for inquiry learning and future-focused pedagogy.
Sarah DoddDeputy Principal – Head of SecondarySarah Dodd has been part of the College community since its inception. She is an experienced educational leader dedicated to creating learning environments where young people are known, valued, and challenged.
- Laurent JulicherDeputy Principal – Head of Learning
Laurent Julicher joined the Cornish community in early 2020 as the Director of Student Learning and a Humanities teacher before transitioning to his current role. He focuses on fostering and integrating Design Futures, a signature Cornish curriculum initiative.
Jeanette RussellExecutive Director of Early Learning CentreJeanette Russell has worked as a teacher in the Early Learning Centre since the College opened in 2012 and was appointed Director in 2015. She is an advocate for the rights of young children and is passionate about the importance of play and outdoor learning.
Matthew ArnottExecutive Director of School OperationsMatthew Arnott joined the College in 2024 as Director of Operations. He is dedicated to ensuring schools operate efficiently through innovative software and is committed to helping students develop a growth mindset.
Lucas JohnsonExecutive Director – Research and Emerging FuturesLucas Johnson joined the Cornish community at the beginning of 2024 as Director of Design Futures. He holds a PhD focusing on how schools can best support teachers as innovators of curriculum and pedagogy.