Choosing the right school for your child: a parents’ journey at CGGS

Posted on 23 April, 2025

Whether your child is just starting their educational journey or making the transition from primary to high school, choosing a school can be a daunting process.

When Leanne and Robert were considering schools for their two daughters, they had a checklist in mind to help with their decision-making—smaller classes, tailored learning and a strong sense of community connection were all top priorities.

“We are of the view that every child is unique, and we wanted a school that would not just recognise that, but celebrate it,” Leanne says.

“It was important to us to make sure they weren’t going to be just another number or get lost in the crowd.”

When they first visited a Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS) Open Day, it ticked every box—and then some.

“As soon as we toured the campus, it was like a light switch turned on,” says Robert.

“Being a mid-sized School, we could instantly see that authentic community, the attention and care given to each student and the extensive opportunities they would have with the co-curricular program.”

“Our family is now years down the track—both our girls have really grown in confidence and are deeply involved in the School’s wonderful co-curricular program. What we were first focused on as our priorities became a reality at CGGS.”

On Thursday 1 May CGGS will hold its first whole-school Open Day of the year, which is an opportunity to learn about the School’s curriculum and Signature Programs, meet staff and students and tour the ELC, Junior School and Senior School campus.

The Open Day is also the best time to experience in person the Senior School’s world-class facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, gymnasiums, sports courts, purpose-built buildings for STEM and the performing arts, as well as its groundbreaking new multi-functional sports field. All this is set with the unique backdrop of the breathtaking heritage-listed Boarding House and other significant places and spaces that span the School’s enduring history.

As the School gears up to celebrate its Centenary next year, Principal Terrie Jones says there has never been a more exciting time to visit CGGS.

“There is certainly a special atmosphere at the moment, as we look to mark a century of inspired learning,” says Terrie.

“A revolutionary tone was set when the School was founded 100 years ago—female-focused and with the genuine belief that to the young, anything is possible. We remain dedicated to honouring the dignity and potential inherent in every child.

“Each CGGS learning experience focuses on meeting each student where they are and helping them to realise their own learning power. Our staff members foster a caring, learning community where students are encouraged to become independent, reflective and globally aware lifelong learners.”

Beyond strong academic learning and the School’s research-informed pastoral care program that supports their social and emotional development, students have access to the School’s extensive co-curricular offering, Cygnus at CGGS.

“There are more than 100 experiences on offer—everything from art, sports, dance, chess, cooking, debating, robotics and more, all encouraging students to lean into their strengths, develop new skills and thrive,” says Terrie.

With their eldest daughter moving to the Senior School campus last year, Leanne says the School’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition. This balanced programme commences in Year 6 at CGGS and is designed to meet the developmental needs of students aged 11 to 16 years of age, nurturing a love of lifelong learning through the intentional teaching of “learning to learn” skills, which encourage critical, creative and self-directed thinking and action.

“From the ELC to primary, then from primary to high school, CGGS made what could have been a daunting process enjoyable for our daughters, preparing them not just for the School journey, but for the world,” says Leanne.

See what’s possible for your child by exploring CGGS at their next Open Day on Thursday 1 May.

Register now.

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