Welcome to Secondary School

Just for girls in Years 7 to 12

Schools in one

Our Secondary School is organised into smaller Middle, Upper and Senior Schools with their own learning areas, common areas and school offices to foster close connections within each cohort.

200+

Leadership positions

Our student leadership model spans Years 7 to 12. Students can participate in the leadership application process each year to build experience in a diversity of portfolios, responsibilities and teams.

22-24

Students per class

Regular classes in the Secondary School years are capped at a maximum of 24 students and some electives are smaller still in size, allowing for more teacher-student interaction.

HSC subjects

Our wide range of courses give students the freedom to study the subjects they are good at and enjoy, right through to the HSC years.

Middle School

Years 7 and 8

Middle School provides a nurturing environment to support your daughter as she transitions from her primary school years into the Secondary School. Here, we focus on fostering a sense of belonging where she feels comfortable embracing new experiences and exploring everything the Secondary School has to offer.

Students are encouraged to build authentic connections through our Compass wellbeing program, regular lunchtime gatherings, academic classes and co-curricular choices, and supported to develop a strong sense of confidence, optimism and belonging.

Upper School

Years 9 and 10

In the Upper School, learning becomes an invitation for your daughter to expand her horizons and explore new possibilities. Through a balance of academic depth and experiential learning, including our signature Residential Program at Vision Valley, Upper School years are shaped by curiosity, courage and a growing sense of purpose as students move beyond the familiar to explore ideas that challenge and inspire them.

The Upper School journey encourages exploration and critical thinking, laying the groundwork for your daughter’s success in her Senior School studies and beyond.

Senior School

Years 11 and 12

Senior School is a time of growth, purpose and deep personal challenge. Here, students are encouraged to refine their intellect, character and sense of direction as they prepare to engage with the wider world. Our program cultivates curiosity, integrity and courage alongside academic excellence, guiding each girl to take ownership of her learning and future path.

Our aim is for each Pymble girl to emerge as a resilient, compassionate and influential young woman, ready to contribute to the world with purpose and lead with heart.

Intentionally designed with Secondary School girls in mind

Distinct learning precincts

Pymble girls in the Middle, Upper and Senior Schools have their own dedicated learning precinct and common areas, fostering strong, close connections within their cohorts and with the staff leadership team for each sub-school.

School spirit and connections

Girls in each year group have ample opportunities to mix with the whole school when it counts, at assemblies, House Carnivals, in leadership teams, co-curricular programs and at student-led events at lunchtimes, where everyone is invited and supported to join the fun and games.

Extended learning and leadership

Extended learning programs

In addition to our extensive list of curriculum subjects, students are encouraged to participate in extended learning programs that sit outside classroom lessons. These include Sokratis Research Projects, the Young Entrepreneurs Society, and contributing to the Pymble Institute's research journal, conferences and College Ethics Committee.

Vast leadership opportunities

Every girl can apply for leadership roles at Pymble. With more than 200 opportunities throughout the Secondary School years, students can explore a wide range of roles, including: Student Representative Council, House Leaders, Compass Captains, Chapel Leaders, Middle and Upper School Leaders, Peer Support Leaders, Academic Leaders, Co-curricular Leaders and the Year 12 Prefect team.

Leadership curriculum and mentorship

Student leadership at Pymble is underpinned by a leadership curriculum and staff mentorship, including one-on-one mentoring for Year 12 students with senior and executive staff.

Co-educational experiences to build healthy relationships

Learning with our boys’ school partners

Pymble Ladies’ College is, was and always will be proudly just for girls. We believe in the evidence that proves girls learn best and thrive in an all-girls’ learning environment. Built into this environment are authentic programs and opportunities to learn and lead with our boys’ school partners.

Co-educational programs

Co-educational programs and opportunities for Pymble girls include Sony Camp co-hosted with Shore School, Positive Relationships program with Knox Grammar School, the joint Knox/Pymble Swimming Team, annual social events with neighbouring schools, collaborations with boys' schools on large-scale musicals and the four-week Residential Program at Vision Valley.

INTELLIGENT LEARNING FOR GIRLS

Our four focus areas for teaching and learning at Pymble are designed to develop each girl’s passion for learning and scholarship, a strong assurance of her own worth, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to her local and global communities.

We call this our Watch Us Change the World strategic direction.

Academic Intelligence Emotional Intelligence Social Intelligence Digital Intelligence

Coming soon: Secondary Innovation Precinct (SIP)

Our new Secondary Innovation Precinct (SIP) is coming soon for Year 11 and 12 students. Aligned with the College’s Watch Us Change the World strategic vision, SIP will support our focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning and educating our students for tomorrow’s careers, with state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, a new robotics laboratory, and community areas for self-directed learning and socialising.

Find out more