The foundations of a St Catherine’s education
From Kindergarten to Year 12, every aspect of school life is designed to help girls grow into confident young women of character, purpose and compassion, ready not only to succeed, but to make a meaningful contribution to the world around them.
Although every St Catherine’s girl follows her own path, there are certain qualities which unite our community. Through learning, relationships, faith and an education designed specifically for girls, each student develops the confidence, character and purpose to thrive in a changing world. Along the way, she learns to embrace challenges, support others, act with compassion and lead with conviction, qualities that stay with her long after she leaves St Catherine’s.
Why St Cath’s?
Learning at St Catherine’s is rigorous, demanding and purposeful. Girls are encouraged to step forward, embrace challenges and persevere when things become difficult. Through these experiences, they build determination, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility for their own learning. Effort is visible and valued. Progress is earned. Girls learn that confidence is not built by getting everything right the first time, but by developing the courage and self-belief to keep going when it matters most.
At St Catherine’s, no one stands alone. Support is woven into everyday school life, from the classroom and sporting field to the moments in between. Teachers know each girl and walk alongside her as she grows, while families and peers form a wider network of encouragement and care. Through these relationships, girls learn to support one another, celebrate each other’s success and understand that leadership is not only about moving forward yourself, but bringing others with you.
Our Anglican tradition encourages thoughtful reflection, compassion in action and service to others. It invites girls to ask questions, explore meaning and consider how their values shape the choices they make. As they grow, students develop moral courage, empathy and a sense of responsibility to the wider world. Faith provides a steady foundation, helping girls engage confidently, thoughtfully and generously with the communities around them.
Girls thrive when education is intentionally designed around how they learn and develop. At St Catherine’s, students are encouraged to speak up, think independently and engage deeply with ideas in an environment where their voices are valued. They learn to challenge assumptions, lead discussions, listen respectfully and develop confidence in their own perspective. These qualities, alongside emotional intelligence, independence and strong self-belief, prepare them to navigate a complex and changing world.
Why a girls’ school?
Helping girls become confident in who they are
Every girl deserves an environment where she feels confident to speak up, embrace challenges and discover who she can become. At St Catherine’s, our approach to girls’ education is built on a deep understanding of how girls learn, lead and flourish. Within our classrooms, girls are encouraged to participate fully, share ideas, ask questions and take thoughtful intellectual risks. Free from many of the social dynamics that can shape coeducational learning environments, students are able to focus on growth, curiosity and authentic engagement.
Supported by our wellbeing and Academic Care programs, girls develop confidence in their own voice and a strong sense of self. They learn not only how to achieve academically, but also how to lead with integrity, build meaningful relationships and contribute positively to the world around them.
Our learning approach
Learning that grows with every girl
From her first days in Junior School to her final year and beyond, a St Catherine’s girl is encouraged to become an active participant in her own learning. As she grows, learning evolves with her, building strong foundations, expanding opportunities and helping her discover what she is capable of achieving. We believe that when girls are known, supported and appropriately challenged, they develop both academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning.
In Junior School, girls build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and subject knowledge through curiosity, creativity and exploration. In Senior School, these foundations become launching points for deeper inquiry, greater independence and personalised pathways. With a broad curriculum and almost 40 HSC courses, including extension options, girls are encouraged to pursue their interests, embrace challenges and shape pathways aligned with their strengths and aspirations.
Alongside academic achievement, students develop essential life skills and graduate as capable, confident learners, prepared to navigate future opportunities and make meaningful contributions in an ever-changing world.nities and make meaningful contributions in an ever-changing world.
There are just so many places
Samantha
where you can thrive at this school,
where you can be nurtured and grow
to get to where you need to be.
Student wellbeing
Truly known and supported
Before girls can thrive, they need to feel seen, valued and supported. At St Catherine’s, wellbeing is woven through every stage of the student journey, helping girls develop a strong sense of identity, belonging and purpose. This belief sits at the heart of our Academic Care Program, which brings together wellbeing, learning and personal growth within a single, connected framework. Through visible and consistent support, every student is known, connected, challenged and assured throughout her time at the School.
Strong relationships are intentionally built within year groups and across our K-12 community, creating an environment where girls feel safe, valued and supported as they grow in confidence and resilience. Our dedicated Student Care team works closely with students and families to provide personalised support whenever needed. Additional confidential care is available through our School Psychologist and School Nurse, ensuring every girl has access to the guidance that will help her flourish.
Strong academic outcomes
We believe that when girls are known, supported and challenged, they achieve remarkable outcomes. Although St Catherine’s is academically non-selective, we consistently achieve outstanding results across a wide range of subject areas.
Academic
38th
Ranked out of the top 250 schools in NSW.
Academic
89.55
Median ATAR in the 2025 HSC.
Academic
99.65
Top ATAR in the 2025 HSC.
Academic
25.2%
ATARs above 95 in the 2025 HSC.
The Arts
27
2025 HSC showcase nominations.
Sport
25
Elite student athletes in 2026.
Sport
6
National gold medals in Rowing.
The Arts
1
Selections for ARTEXPRESS in 2025.
Our community
A community that feels like family
There is something distinctive about the St Catherine’s community. Families often feel it from the moment they walk through our gates. It is reflected in the kindness, support and connections shared between students, staff, families and alumni, creating a culture where people genuinely care for one another.
Every girl is known as an individual, valued for who she is and encouraged to find her place within the School. Supported by caring staff, engaged families and an active alumni network, students develop a strong sense of belonging and the confidence to grow with purpose, optimism and resilience.
Service education
Learning to make a difference
As girls grow in confidence and capability, we also encourage them to look beyond themselves and consider how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Service is an important part of a St Catherine’s education and evolves throughout each student’s journey. From the earliest years, girls learn the value of kindness, responsibility and community through age-appropriate experiences. As they mature, they engage more deeply with social, environmental and humanitarian causes, developing a broader understanding of the world around them.
As members of a global community, St Catherine’s girls are encouraged to think globally and act locally. Through fundraising, volunteering, advocacy and service initiatives, they learn that meaningful change begins with action. Through service, students develop empathy, perspective and a strong sense of purpose, understanding that leadership is grounded in care for others and that lasting impact comes through contribution.
New strengths and lifelong passion
An opportunity for everyone.
Through our Creative and Performing Arts, Sport and Beyond the Curriculum programs, students are encouraged to explore opportunities that complement their learning and broaden their experiences.
Whether participating for enjoyment, developing a new skill or pursuing excellence, girls are supported to engage in ways that feel meaningful to them. Across every cocurricular offering, the focus remains on growth, wellbeing, teamwork and connection, alongside achievement and performance. A distinctive spirit runs through cocurricular life at St Catherine’s. Girls encourage one another, celebrate effort and face challenges together.
These shared experiences strengthen confidence, deepen friendships and contribute to the strong sense of belonging that defines our School community.
Our Student Athlete Program
For students pursuing high-level sporting pathways, our Student Athlete Program provides personalised support that balances performance, learning and wellbeing. Each student athlete is supported by a dedicated team offering guidance across training, recovery, academics and personal development. This holistic approach enables girls to pursue ambitious sporting goals while remaining healthy, motivated and engaged in every aspect of school life.
A convenient location
One connected campus
On our single K-12 campus overlooking the ocean in Waverley, girls remain part of one connected community throughout their entire educational journey. Having learning, wellbeing, sporting, creative and community spaces together in one location allows students to build lasting relationships with peers and staff as they move confidently from Junior School to Senior School. This continuity fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection at every stage of a girl’s development.
Located in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, St Catherine’s is easily accessible for families across the region. The School is well serviced by public transport, with regular bus routes and Bondi Junction train station nearby, and is approximately 20 minutes from Sydney Airport. To support daily travel, St Catherine’s also offers a subsidised private bus service for students in Years 3 to 12, providing families with a reliable and convenient transport option.