Santa Maria College

Santa Maria College is a Catholic school rooted in the Good Samaritan, Benedictine tradition, committed to the holistic education of girls. It operates under a 'One Community, Three Villages' model, which organizes students into age-appropriate groups (Years 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12) to foster belonging, confidence, and engagement. The school emphasizes faith in action, encouraging students to be outward-facing architects of change in a just world.

The school is an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, delivering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in Years 7 through 10. The MYP content aligns with the Victorian Curriculum while utilizing the IB framework to develop critical thinking and global citizenship. Senior students follow pathways leading to VCE results, supported by a curriculum designed to prepare them for future study and the workplace.

The school promotes a culture of academic excellence, reporting top-performing VCE results. Its curriculum, including the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, prepares students for success in future study and the workplace. Graduates are encouraged to become compassionate, independent women who live out Gospel values.

The school employs a Director of Learning Enhancement and Support, as well as college counsellors and a cultural advocate to support student needs. The holistic learning approach ensures that students are known individually to foster their academic, personal, and spiritual growth.

Prospective families are invited to attend Discovery Tours, which include a presentation by the Principal and a student-led tour of the campus. Private guided tours can also be arranged by contacting the enrolments team. Applications for enrolment are accepted through the school's website.

The school year is divided into four terms. In 2026, Term 1 begins on January 30 for Years 7 and 12, and February 2 for all other students, concluding on April 1. Subsequent terms run from April 20 to June 26, July 14 to September 18, and October 5 to December 4.

Located on a 2.5-hectare campus in Northcote, the school features a recently refurbished Chapel with a new glazed foyer and upgraded landscaping. A state-of-the-art facility serves as the hub for the Year 9 and 10 Village, offering flexible indoor and outdoor learning spaces. The campus is designed to support the school's 'One Community, Three Villages' model.

The school offers a diverse range of co-curricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, music tuition, debating, and school productions. Students may also join the Green Team, which addresses sustainability issues and engages in social action regarding climate change and Earth justice. Health and physical education programs are also provided.