Hunter Valley Grammar School
Updated July 2026
IB PYP
Hunter Valley Grammar School is an independent, co-educational school for students from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12. It is a values-centered community that provides diverse learning pathways, including the International Baccalaureate and the Higher School Certificate.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school’s philosophy is centered on holistic education, fostering curiosity, inquiry, and student agency. It is an IB World School that prioritizes a human-centered, sustainable approach to learning, emphasizing inclusion, belonging, and the development of "learnership" to prepare students for a complex, future-oriented world.
Programmes
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ELC to Year 6 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 7 to 10. In Years 11 and 12, students may choose between the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the IB Diploma Programme (DP), or the IB Career-related Programme (CP). These pathways are supported by experiential learning and a broad range of subjects tailored to student interests and goals.
Outcomes
The school aims to prepare students as future-ready global citizens who are agents of change. It focuses on developing competencies such as critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and communication, alongside academic achievement in the HSC and IB programmes.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides learning support and enrichment programs to cater to individual student needs. It emphasizes a holistic approach, offering personalized pathways to excellence and support for students with additional needs.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Hunter Valley Grammar School offer?
- Hunter Valley Grammar School offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- What accreditations does Hunter Valley Grammar School hold?
- Hunter Valley Grammar School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Hunter Valley Grammar School co-educational?
- Hunter Valley Grammar School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Hunter Valley Grammar School located?
- Hunter Valley Grammar School is an international school in Maitland, Australia.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school enrols students year-round, provided places are available. Prospective families are encouraged to apply for the waitlist at least three years in advance. The enrolment process is supported by an experienced team, and families are invited to book a tour or a call to evaluate the school.
Calendar
The school operates on a four-term academic year. For 2026, terms run from late April to early December, with specific dates provided for the Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten through Year 12.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated on a 32-acre park-like campus featuring a working farm in South Maitland with livestock such as show steer, alpacas, and pigs. Sports facilities include a full-size rugby field, football pitch, cricket oval, and the Cameron Centre, which houses two indoor basketball and netball courts, a gymnasium, and PDHPE classrooms. Other specialized spaces include the Dockrill TAS facility for design and technology, a rowing complex on the Hunter River, and the Treetops Restaurant dining precinct.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a diverse range of co-curricular and experiential activities, including rowing on the Hunter River, an equestrian team, and a cattle team. Students may also participate in drama clubs, yoga, tennis, music ensembles, and various academic clubs. Outdoor education experiences are designed to build physical and emotional strength.
- Rebecca ButterworthPrincipal
Rebecca is an experienced educator with over 25 years of experience in leadership roles across Europe, Asia, and Australia. She holds a Master of Education from Monash University and a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours from the University of Tasmania. She is a passionate advocate for values-based leadership and collaborative cultures.
- Shannon O'DwyerDeputy Principal/Head of Junior School
Shannon has over 20 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum leader, deputy head, and primary principal in public, independent, and international schools. She holds a Bachelor of Teaching (First Class Honours & University Medal), a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership, and a Master of Education. She also serves as an IB Workshop Leader and Programme Leader.
- Melissa RileyDeputy Principal/Head of Senior School
Melissa has over 20 years of experience in secondary school leadership, with a strong background in learning innovation and educational futures. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours), a Master of Education (Educational Management and Leadership), and certificates in Gifted Education and Entrepreneurship. She has worked in the Catholic and Independent sectors in NSW and Victoria.
- Kelly-Ann SackeyDirector of Teaching and Learning
Kelly-Ann joined HVGS in 2023 and has held teaching and leadership roles in public and independent schools internationally and in NSW. She holds a Master of Education (Innovation and Change), a Master of Science (Education), and a Bachelor of Science. She has also worked for the International Baccalaureate Organisation as an Examiner and Workshop Leader.
- Sarah Bilton-SmithDirector of the early Learning Centre
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary), a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, and a Master of Education (Educational Leadership) from the University of Wollongong. She is dedicated to guiding children as they make new discoveries and develop a love for learning.
- Lori DottiBusiness Mangaer
Lori joined HVGS in 2023 and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is a member of CPA Australia. She is an accomplished financial and operational executive with experience in education, not-for-profit, and high-performance sports sectors, including serving as CFO for Paralympics Australia and the Newcastle Knights.
