St Andrew's Cathedral School
SACSChristian, Founded 1885
Updated July 2026
Founded in 1885, St Andrew’s Cathedral School is an independent Anglican school located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. It is a coeducational, K-12 institution known for its relational leadership and commitment to holistic character development.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Reflecting its Christian foundations, the school is a hopeful learning community that nurtures the individual strengths of each student. It operates on the belief that every student is infinitely valued, gifted for a purpose, and morally responsible as an 'Imago Dei' (made in God’s image). The school emphasizes character development, an ethic of service, and a 'growth mindset' approach, encouraging students to view intelligence as something that can be developed rather than fixed.
Programmes
The school provides a comprehensive academic programme from Kindergarten through Year 12, divided into the Junior School (K-Year 6), Middle School (Years 7-9), and Senior College (Years 10-12). The curriculum includes Christian development classes, Innovation and Enterprise, and Technology, with Senior College students having the option to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school also operates the Gawura School, which provides specialised education for First Nations students.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a Gifted Education programme and maintains a focus on individualised pastoral care and student wellbeing. Middle School students (Years 7-9) have access to a Study Centre, which offers small group sessions to improve organisational skills and academic performance. The school also employs evidence-informed teaching strategies and data analytics to personalise the learning experience and identify students who may require additional intervention.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does St Andrew's Cathedral School offer?
- St Andrew's Cathedral School offers IB MYP and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at St Andrew's Cathedral School?
- Annual tuition at St Andrew's Cathedral School is A$25.8K–A$44.4K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is St Andrew's Cathedral School a day or boarding school?
- St Andrew's Cathedral School is a day school.
- What accreditations does St Andrew's Cathedral School hold?
- St Andrew's Cathedral School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is St Andrew's Cathedral School co-educational?
- St Andrew's Cathedral School is a co-ed school.
- Where is St Andrew's Cathedral School located?
- St Andrew's Cathedral School is an international school in Sydney, Australia.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 5–6 | A$25.8K |
| Year 1 | 6–7 | A$25.8K |
| Year 2 | 7–8 | A$25.8K |
| Year 3 | 8–9 | A$30.6K |
| Year 4 | 9–10 | A$30.6K |
| Year 5 | 10–11 | A$34.2K |
| Year 6 | 11–12 | A$34.2K |
| Year 7 | 12–13 | A$39.5K |
| Year 8 | 13–14 | A$41.1K |
| Year 9 | 14–15 | A$42.6K |
| Year 10 | 15–16 | A$43.4K |
| Year 11 | 16–17 | A$44.4K |
| Year 12 | 17–18 | A$44.4K |
Source:PDF2026-SACS-Advance-Payments-OS-SACS_FA.pdfPDF2026-SACS-Fee-schedule-AU_FA.pdfPDF2026-SACS-Advance-Payments-AU_FA.pdfPDF2025-Collection-Notice_FA1-1.pdf
Other fees(2)
| Application fee· Per student, non-refundable, payable via the online application form. | A$400 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Per family, non-refundable, payable upon first child's enrolment. Includes lifetime membership to the Old Andreans Association. | A$4K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10% - 50%
- Early-bird discount: 2.5%
Admissions
St Andrew’s Cathedral School welcomes enquiries for enrolment from Kindergarten to Year 12. Prospective families are required to pay a non-refundable application fee upon submission of enrolment details, followed by a non-refundable confirmation fee upon acceptance of a place. The school provides information on fees, scholarships, and specific processes for overseas students through its dedicated enrolments team.
Calendar
The school operates on a four-term academic year. Term dates typically commence in late January for staff and students, with terms concluding in early December. The calendar includes scheduled staff development days, parent-teacher interview periods, and public holidays, with specific start dates for Kindergarten and new students often staggered at the beginning of the year.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Sydney’s CBD, the school utilizes a vertical campus featuring modern, light-filled classrooms, physics labs, and sound-treated music practice rooms. Key facilities include the historic St Andrew’s Cathedral for assemblies, the renovated Chapter House for performing arts, a Black Box Theatre, a dance studio, and a Design Centre equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers. Sports facilities include an on-site gym and rooftop playground, with access to external venues such as Sydney University’s St Andrew’s College Oval, Wentworth Park, Centennial Parklands Sports Centre, and various city aquatic centres.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide-ranging co-curricular programme designed to build character and community. Offerings include performing arts (music, drama, and dance), sports (including rugby, cricket, basketball, netball, and hockey), and the Duke of Edinburgh International Award for students aged 14 and older. Additionally, the school provides service learning, international tours, and a dedicated Outdoor Education programme that runs from Kindergarten through Year 10, featuring activities such as hiking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and expeditions.






Dr Julie McGonigleHead of SchoolDr Julie McGonigle is an internationally renowned educator and Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts with a doctorate in Education. She has extensive experience in school leadership, including roles in the UK and South Africa, and previously served as Deputy Head at St Andrew’s Cathedral School before returning as Head of School. Her work focuses on evidence-informed teaching, character development, and creating cultures of peace and transformation.
- Mr Brad SwibelDeputy Head of School (Secondary)
Brad Swibel has been at St Andrew’s Cathedral School since 2013 and oversees academic progress, wellbeing, and staffing in the Middle School and Senior College. He is an experienced educator who has led initiatives in the IB Middle Years Programme, data analytics for student wellbeing, and evidence-informed teaching. He is also an award-winning landscape photographer.
- Mrs Rhonda RobsonDeputy Head of School (Primary)
Rhonda Robson oversees the Junior School and Gawura School, having been recognized as the 2021 Primary School Principal of the Year for Independent schools in Australia. With over 30 years of experience, she has taught across primary, secondary, and university levels and holds a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology. She has been instrumental in the transformation of the Junior School and the development of its pastoral and academic programmes.
- Dr Kirsten MacaulayDeputy Head of School (Quality Teaching)
Dr Kirsten Macaulay oversees teaching staff development and quality teaching initiatives, including professional development programmes and a coaching culture. A former music teacher and Head of Performing Arts, she holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has received multiple awards for her research. She continues to teach music and lead ensembles at the school.
- Mr Phil ThaiExecutive Director of Operations
Phil Thai is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience, including roles at Ernst & Young and the Australian Red Cross. He joined St Andrew’s Cathedral School in 2022 and took on the role of Executive Director of Operations in 2024. He focuses on strategic goals, collaboration, and building high-performing teams.
IB MYP