FAQs - Choosing schools | Coomera Anglican College
Why Coomera Anglican College?

Coomera Anglican College is a place that inspires excellence in teaching, learning, service and faith. The safe and friendly environment at the College allows for a positive experience for students as they grow and develop into young adults. The College ethos   provides a sense of purpose, direction and clarity in everything that we do as a community.   The values of the College are Imagine, Listen and Respect. These core values underline the principles of the College and ultimately provide a sense of unity in the College community, so that together, we can dream and grow. 

As well as the sense of community and the supportive teachers, Coomera Anglican College has excellent facilities, including The POD, Sports and Aquatic centre, the Science Laboratories, the Music Department and fully equipped classrooms with the latest technology. The College is continually investing into the latest technology and facilities to enhance and support the student journey

Why an Independent School?

Choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions a family can make. After all, the school you select will play a vital role in shaping the adult your child will eventually become.

Coomera Anglican College Principal – Mr Patrick Innes-Hill employs a team of teachers with qualities and a skillset to suit the needs of our students. These include expert communication skills, superior listening skills, deep knowledge and passion for their subject matter, the ability to build caring relationships with students, friendliness and approachability, excellent preparation and organisation skills and a strong work ethic. Our teachers are required to go through continual professional learning and review processes to ensure our high standards are developed and maintained. 

Independent Schools and in particular Coomera Anglican College enjoy a close knit, loyal community. Our College families come from a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs. Coomera Anglican College has a diverse and caring community where Christian values underpin the College.

Does every student have the opportunity to apply to attend Coomera Anglican College?

Coomera Anglican College is a non-selective, Preparatory to Year 12 co-educational College. Places at the College are subject to availability.  If you have submitted an online enrolment application, the College will place you on a waitlist and once a suitable place becomes available at the College and your child is identified next on our waitlist, your child will be invited to attend an interview with the Principal or Head of Primary as part of the enrolment process. After the interview, it is at the discretion of the Principal or Head of Primary if a place is to be offered. It is important to us that we are able to cater for your child’s individual educational needs.

Are places available now?

For the latest information on the availability of places at Coomera Anglican College, please contact the Admissions Office on (07) 5585 9900 or email enrolments@cac.qld.edu.au

Please be aware that places at Coomera Anglican College are highly sought after and availability can be limited. For this reason, we urge you to act promptly during the enrolment process. We do try to give any siblings on our waitlist priority, where possible, over any other students on the waitlist, as we try to look after the existing families. To place an application visit enrolments.

What is classed as Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary school?

Primary education caters for all year levels from Preparatory to Year 6. Junior Secondary caters for Years 7 to Year 9 and Senior Secondary caters for students in Years 10 to Year 12.

 To see what year level your child would be eligible for please refer to our age of entry table.

Prep = Turns 5 before June 30

Year 7 = Turns 12 before 30 June

Year 1 =  Turns 6 before June 30

Year 8 = Turns 13 before 30 June

Year 2 = Turns 7 before June 30

Year 9 = Turns 14 before 30 June

Year 3 = Turns 8 before June 30

Year 10 = Turns 15 before 30 June

Year 4 = Turns 9 before June 30

Year 11 = Turns 16 before 30 June

Year 5 = Turns 10 before June 30

Year 12 = Turns 17 before 30 June

Year 6 = Turns 11 before June 30

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What do I need to include as part of my application?

It is a requirement that you submit an Application Form (Online) to apply for entry for the Early Learning Centre, Preparatory and all Year levels through to Year 12. There is a non-refundable application fee of $99.00 (Incl GST).

You will be required to provide certain documentation as part of the application process including copies of: birth certificate or passport to provide proof of age, visa (if applicable), reports on any learning or behavioural issues (if applicable) and any previous school reports and NAPLAN results (if applicable).

Do I have to pay the registration fee for every application?

Yes. The $99.00 (Incl GST) non-refundable registration fee applies to every application that is lodged with the College.  All students require individual applications.

Why do we need to have an enrolment interview?

The interview gives us the opportunity to build a relationship with your family, discuss your child’s learning style and requirements, favourite subjects and co-curricular interests. It also answers any questions you may have about the College and helps us ascertain that our College is the right environment for your child. 

Should I bring my child to the interview?

Yes. We are interviewing your child for enrolment at the College, so their attendance is a requirement of the interview process.  It is also a good opportunity to bring samples of your child’s work or a book to read aloud. 

What should my child bring to the interview?

You do not have to bring anything else to the interview providing we have all current school reports and NAPLAN results. However, some children like to bring achievement portfolios to share with the Head of Primary or Principal or a book read aloud for Primary students.  

What should my child wear to the interview?

Your child should wear clothes in which he or she is comfortable and are befitting an interview situation. A current school uniform is quite acceptable. 

My child is anxious about the interview, how can I assist them?

To be anxious is a very normal feeling, but please assure your child that we are excited to be meeting them and hearing more about their current school and interests. Encourage your child to use this interview time to tell us all they can about themselves, especially if they have special interests or hobbies. If they have not yet been on campus suggest a tour of the College prior to the interview.

How long will my enrolment interview take?

You should allow approximately 1 hour for your interview with the Principal and approximately 30 minutes with the Head of Primary. 

Appointments are made in quick succession, so please let us know if you are delayed on the day or need to re-schedule your interview time.

Where will my enrolment interview be held?

All interviews are held on College grounds. 

Primary student interviews will take place with the Head of Primary in the Primary campus administration building on Billinghurst Crescent – Entry 4.

Secondary student interviews will take place with the College Principal at the main administration building on Days Road – Entry 1.

Does the interview guarantee an offer of a position?

No. The interview is one step in the enrolment process and gives us the chance to meet your family and learn more about your child. It is from this information that we are able to assess your child’s potential transition to Coomera Anglican College, and ensure that we can cater for their educational and academic requirements. If an offer of a place is made it will be done so after the interview.

Do you accept International Students on a Student Visa?

Yes. We currently have a number of international students from Year 3 through to Year 12. Some of the older international students live in Homestay accommodation arranged by Eastern Shores International.  Please visit the International enrolment page or download the International College Prospectus for more information.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, a limited number. As part of the College’s commitment to nurturing the talents of individual students, we offer students from Years 7-12 to apply for a scholarship for general excellence and commitment to academic, sporting, music and artistic pursuits. For more information, please visit the scholarships page.

What languages do you offer?

From Preparatory through to Year 12, Coomera Anglican College students have the opportunity to study Chinese (Mandarin). Chinese (Mandarin) has been taught at the College since its inception in 1997 and our College has a very strong Chinese Language programme.  

The College was awarded funding from the Confucius Institute at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) for the establishment of a Confucius classroom.  This was a great honour and provides recognition of our commitment and dedication to the study of Chinese language and culture.  Students may also choose to study another language through distance education, with support from the College

Do you have a strong sports programme?

Yes. We have three dedicated sports academies specialising in Netball, Basketball and Football. Coomera Anglican College have an impressive history in Sport. We have achieved much success at local, regional, State and National levels. As part of our continuing commitment towards inspiring excellence, the College is proud to offer students the opportunity to participate in our Football (incl Futsal), Netball and Basketball Academy programmes. 

 Weekly Sport is a part of every student's life at Coomera Anglican College. Preparatory to Year 3 students participate in an organised sports programme.  The main goal of this programme focuses on skills development; learning about various sports and developing a sense of fair play, support of each other and a love of sport and healthy lifestyle.  All P-3 students participate in Tabloid Sports afternoons, Sports Clinics, House Ball Games Championship, P-3 House Athletics, Cross Country Carnivals and swimming carnivals.

Swimming lesson are compulsory from Prep to year 6 and offered as part of the curriculum in terms 1 and 4.

From Year 4 up, we compete in the Associated Private Schools (APS) competition. A range of opportunities is offered to help students develop the skills and attitudes they need to reach their full potential.

For more information on our College Sport Programmes please click here:

What music opportunities are available?

All students from Preparatory to Year 8 enjoy the benefits of Music classes held in our purpose built performing arts facility. Students may continue to study Music as an elective subject from Year 9 – 12, and Music Extension is also on offer to Year 12 students. A range of skills is taught from music theory to composition, singing and playing instruments. Small groups and individual tuition is available from specialists in a wide variety of instruments.

Students have access to a large range of private instrumental tuition with specialist tutors at the College. Tuition is held during class time once each week on a rotating timetable. Students will receive a music report at the end of each semester and can attend separate theory lessons. Students are encouraged to sit external music exams (AMEB or Trinity College) and are specifically prepared for these by their teacher.

 Visit our Music Academy Programme for more information

What co-curricular opportunities do you offer?

All students are encouraged to participate in a varied programme of cocurricular activities in order to foster a sense of belonging and to facilitate mental, spiritual, physical and social growth. This balance to the curriculum helps ensure a holistic approach to education.

The College offers a large range of cocurricular activities. Some are offered all year, some part of the year and different year levels are offered activities as appropriate. All students receive an information booklet about the year's proposed activities and are asked to select from a list for each term. Activities offered can vary from year to year depending on requests from students and outside organisations. Please visit our Cocurricular page for more information.

Do you have a private bus service?

No, not at the moment.  The College utilises the services of Surfside Buslines. It is a school bus service only, and you can gain information in regards to the school bus service from their website: https://www.surfside.com.au/bus-hire-charter-services

Do you have boarding facilities?

No.  If an International family requires their child to reside anywhere other than the family unit we choose to use a homestay agency provider, Eastern Shores International. Homestay provides the student with a home away from home, in a nurturing family environment that is supportive and compatible to the students’ needs and personality. For more information, download the International College Prospectus.

Do you have an Open Day?

Coomera Anglican College holds a number of Principal Tours and information sessions throughout the year. To register and find out more information for an up and coming event please visit our events page.   

The College also holds a Community event every year where all members of the public are welcome to come and view our facilities. This is a great opportunity to visit the College and get a feel for the community and facilities. 

What do your fees cover?

Unlike many other independent schools, we have made a special effort to ensure that our fees, as far as possible, are all inclusive with no hidden extras and cover tuition for all subjects, text book hire, subject resources, excursions, camps, swimming programme, buses to sport, annual year book, entry into English, Mathematics & Science competitions, Eisteddfod entries, visiting artists, all other curriculum related activities and many co-curricular activities. There are some items specifically identified as part of the all-inclusive fee structure to ensure transparency, eg PAFA Levy, Technology Levy and Building Levy. This helps families to budget and predict financially what they need to pay each year. Additional costs will be College uniforms and stationary / resource packs.

What are your school hours?

College student hours are 8.30am – 3.10pm.

There are cocurricular activities and sport training sessions that operate between 3.30-4.30pm on some afternoons.

Main administration hours are 7.30am – 4.30pm and Primary Administration hours are 8.00am – 4.00pm.

Do you have before and after school care / vacation care?

Yes.  Our College Before and After school care and Vacation is available for Primary students only – 7.00am to 6.00pm. For Secondary students the senior library is open from 7.30am-4.30pm Monday –Thursday and 7.30am-4.00pm Friday. For more information, please click here.

Can my child use the pool before and after school?

Rackley Swimming Coomera is based at the Coomera Anglican College. We have an eight lane, 25m lap pool with a purpose built indoor learn to swim pool. Squad training and lessons ONLY are available before and after school. To find out more information please contact 1300 733 053 or visit Rackley Swimming website: https://www.rackleyswimming.com.au/  or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rackleyswimschool/

Do you have a College Nurse?

Yes. Our College nurse is located in the Health room at Student Services on the ground floor of the Administration Building on the Senior campus, assisting all children in the College from Preparatory to Year 12.

What is the ATAR system for Senior Students?

From 2020, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) will replace the Overall Position (OP) as the standard pathway to tertiary study for Queensland Year 12s. The ATAR is the primary mechanism used nationally for tertiary admissions and indicates a student’s position relative to other students. The ATAR has been introduced for students who commenced Year 11 in 2019, who will graduate from the end of 2020 and seek entry to tertiary courses commencing from 2021. QTAC will calculate ATARs for Queensland school leavers.             

Do you have a College mascot?

Yes we do. The CACABURRA - The Spirit or Our College!

The CACABURRA branding is used for all College APS and College representative activities, including debating, chess and all sports. All College Clubs and activities fall under this branding. Having all our activities branded under one umbrella is very much in line with our College philosophy: “MANY MINDS, ONE HEARTBEAT”.

What subjects are offered in Primary?

English, Mathematics, Humanities and Social Science, Science and Religious and Values Education. They also experience eLearning, Drama, Music and Visual Arts, Chinese and Physical Education with specialist teachers. All P-3 students participate in Tabloid Sports afternoons, Sports Clinics, House Ball Games Championship, P-3 House Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals. APS sports commence from Year 4 onwards. Swimming lessons are compulsory from Prep to year 6 and offered as part of the curriculum in terms 1 and 4

What is Junior Secondary?

The Junior Secondary Programme creates a more seamless transition for our students. While the academic demands of Junior Secondary are greater than those of the Primary years, the Junior Secondary curriculum focuses on both the skills of learning and creative approaches to acquiring knowledge and forming understandings. The Year 7 Programme facilitates a gradual, integrated approach to Secondary education that allows students to be challenged at a level most appropriate to their individual needs. In essence, our Junior Secondary Programme creates a dedicated learning community which focuses on the academic and developmental needs of early adolescents within the Coomera Anglican College Community. Please visit our Junior Secondary page for more information.

What subjects are offered in Junior Secondary?

English, English as an Additional Language, Literature, English Extension, English Communication, Geography, Ancient History, Modern History, Mathematics, Essential Mathematics, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Humanities, Legal Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics Science, Business Education, Accounting, Chinese (Mandarin), Health & Physical Education, Physical Education, Religious & Values Education, Visual Art, Drama, Media, Film, Television and New Media, Music, Graphics, Design Technology, Food Technology, Information Processing Technology, Robotics, Digital Technology, Hospitality Manufacturing

Do you have Pastoral Care?

In the senior years at Coomera Anglican College students are assigned to a Pastoral Care class comprised of students from their House (Gibbs, Smith, Morris, Lane) - at their year level.

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are confronted with much change in their lives. For this reason, students participate in a Personal Development Programme designed to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes and understandings that enable students to value and lead healthy lifestyles and to develop as responsible global citizens. This programme focuses on key personal development skills such as Mindfulness, Wellbeing, Study Skills, Career Planning, Sexual Health, Drug Education, Cyber Safety and so on.

In addition, leadership opportunities together with opportunities to be involved in an exciting cocurricular programme, ensure that Coomera Anglican College students are well-supported and well-prepared to move out into the wider world

The College also has 2 full time psychologists. Mrs Kerry Lowe works with students in the Primary campus and Lauren Hagedorn works with students in the Secondary campus. 

What Digital Technology do you have at the College?

At Coomera Anglican College we recognise that to be successful and productive in the 21st Century our students need to be highly skilled, creative and versatile users of emerging technologies. Students from Pre-Preparatory - Year 12 use a range of general computing devices including laptops, iPads, desktop computers and wall-mounted touch screen devices. Our teachers also utilise appropriate specialist technologies such as robots, digital project kits, virtual reality environments and augmented reality equipment. Teachers utilise technologies to support student learning both in technology-related subjects and to enhance engagement within traditional subjects.

Are laptops provided to the students or do we bring our own devices?

From Preparatory to Year 6, students have access to a range of computing devices such as iPads. Desktop computers and wall mounted touch screens. These devices are for in class use only. From Year 7 onwards, Our eMind Mobile Device Programme equips our Year 7 - 12 students with a high specification touch-screen laptop.  All the devices are provided by the College.

What about the Cyber Safety of the students?

Coomera Anglican College is proud to partner with Family Zone. Family Zone is a complete online cyber safety solution that protects your children at College, at home and when they are out and about. 

The College is one of the first schools to take a whole of College approach making Family Zone available to our families from Preparatory to Year 12.  Family Zone will be available to all our families as part of your College fees.  

Family Zone is available on College supplied devices, as part of our eMind programme, but will also allow families to provide protection on other devices at home. 

Can I get involved as a parent at the College?

Yes, we would love you to get involved in our College Community. They say that the key to a child’s success is the involvement of the parent. There are a number of ways to volunteer with the College. This can be joining the PAFA (Parent and Friends Association) or simply helping at one of our events. For more information, please visit our PAFA page.

How do I stay up to date with College news and events?

A great way to keep up to date with what the College if you are a current parent is via the College APP which can be downloaded to HERE. Our current parent portal is a great place to also stay in the loop. The College will be launching a new  Communication platform – THE HIVE, in term 2. For more information on this, please contact us. If you are not a current parent, but would like to stay in the loop, our official College Facebook page is a great way to view our events, successes and College stories.