Wenona School
Secular, Founded 1886
Updated July 2026
Wenona is an independent, non-selective day and boarding school for girls from Kindergarten to Year 12, located in North Sydney. It combines a 140-year tradition with a contemporary, global ambition to prepare students for leadership and meaningful contribution to the world.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the motto 'Ut Prosim' (that I may serve) and the values of courage, strength, grace, wisdom, and kindness. It employs a 'Renaissance woman' philosophy, which focuses on holistic education, intellectual courage, and the development of independent, purposeful leaders. The school maintains a supportive single-sex environment designed to empower girls to take risks and think critically.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive academic programme spanning Kindergarten to Year 12, culminating in the Higher School Certificate (HSC). The curriculum is supported by a Renaissance Studies programme and a focus on holistic development, including dedicated wellbeing programmes for both Junior and Senior School students.
Outcomes
The school emphasizes personal growth, leadership, and character alongside academic achievement. Recent HSC results include multiple state placings across subjects such as Visual Arts, Dance, Modern History, English, and Design and Technology, with students frequently receiving nominations and selections for NESA showcases.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides academic support for students, including an extended day study programme for senior students. New students in Years 3–10 participate in orientation assessments to help staff understand how to best support their transition into the school.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- Is Wenona School a day or boarding school?
- Wenona School is a boarding school.
- Is Wenona School co-educational?
- Wenona School is a girls school.
- Where is Wenona School located?
- Wenona School is an international school in Sydney, Australia.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school accepts applications from birth, with enrolment priority given to siblings and alumnae families. The process begins two years prior to the intended year of entry, requiring an online application, birth certificate, family reference, and a $400 non-refundable fee. New students in Years 3–10 undergo orientation assessments in November to support their transition. International students are welcome to apply, provided they meet English proficiency requirements (AEAS or IELTS) and have an appointed guardian.
Calendar
The school operates on a four-term academic year. In 2027, Term 1 commences on 28 January and concludes on 9 April; Term 2 runs from 28 April to 25 June; Term 3 runs from 20 July to 24 September; and Term 4 runs from 12 October to 2 December.
Facilities
About the campus
The single-site North Sydney campus features a mix of heritage buildings and purpose-built facilities, including the Atheneum building, which houses an aquatic centre, gymnasiums, and science and technology hubs. The campus also includes the heritage-listed Independent Theatre, the student-designed Garden Café, and dedicated learning spaces for the Junior School in the Woodstock building. Boarding facilities are provided on-site for students in Years 7 to 12.
Co-curriculars
The co-curricular programme includes sports, the arts, debating, public speaking, and STEM. Students may also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, cadets, and various senior school clubs. The school also operates an aquatic centre offering swimming squads and learn-to-swim programmes.
- Linda DouglasPrincipal
As Principal, Ms Douglas is inspired by the school's spirit and is committed to a holistic education that nurtures each girl's potential. She oversees the school's Renaissance woman philosophy and Renaissance Studies program, focusing on building resilience, critical thinking, and leadership qualities.
- Catherine WestChair, Wenona Board of Governors
Ms West has served as Chair of the Wenona Board of Governors since August 2022, having joined the board in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is a former Wenona student and the mother of two Wenona Alumnae and a current student.
- Jillian MasselosDeputy Chair, Board of Governors
Ms Masselos is the Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors and has been appointed to the role since 2014. She is a Wenona Alumna and holds a BBus and CA.
- Manny PetrosChair of the Finance Committee, Board of Governors
Mr Petros is the Chair of the Finance Committee and was appointed to the Board of Governors in 2025. He holds a BCom (Hons), LLB, MBA, and is a CA.
- Wallis GrahamChair of the Wenona Foundation Board, Board of Governors
Ms Graham is a member of the Wenona Board of Governors and serves as the Chair of the Wenona Foundation Board, a role she was appointed to in 2022. She holds a BA in Economics Modified with Mathematics and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a parent of a Wenona student.
- Marnie DevereuxChair of the Physical Resources Committee, Board of Governors
Ms Devereux is the Chair of the Physical Resources Committee and has been a member of the Board of Governors since 2024. She has nearly 30 years of experience in executive roles in property, development, design, and construction management, and is a former President and Treasurer of the Wenona Parents’ Association.
- Kate BurleighChair of the Compliance and Governance Committee, Board of Governors
Ms Burleigh is the Chair of the Compliance and Governance Committee and has been a member of the Board of Governors since 2021. She is a Wenona Alumna with a background as a former Executive Director and National Manager at Amazon Alexa and AI Technologies.