Tips for finding the right school, and the things that matter most for your son’s future

Choosing the right school for your children is one of the most important decisions you can make at this stage of their young lives.

St Augustine’s College is a school for boys in Years 5 to 12, where the educational journey is based on Augustinian values and a holistic education model tailored to boys, which sets them up throughout their school years and beyond.

Our graduate lenses of Humility, Interiority, Community, Restless Search for Truth, and Ongoing Conversion shape the educational journeys and personal growth of our students. When trying to find the best school for your family, consider the following big questions:

1. What are the Culture and Values of the School
   Ensure the school aligns with your family’s values and supports your child’s development. St Augustine’s College offers a holistic education that nurtures academic excellence and character through Catholic Augustinian values. The College provides many opportunities to live out its values through its Service Education Awareness program and volunteering. As a comprehensive boys’ school, the College has a culture of academic achievement, balanced with a genuine participation in both sport and co-curricular. Its teaching style encourages a love of learning, discovery of interests, and problem-solving thinkers who grow into self-assured men.
   
   
2. How does the School Support Your Child Academically?
   Is the school comprehensive or selective? Does it assess and cater to every student’s needs? As a non-selective school, St Augustine’s College supports every student to achieve his personal academic best. Its enrichment programs are designed for gifted students requiring an extension of the curriculum. The Learning Enhancement Department offers targeted intervention programs and additional literacy and numeracy support. It measures success by students achieving at or above expectations, ranging to a top ATAR of 99.95 and HSC results in the top 10 of the state.
   
3. How Does the School Support Students’ Emotional and Social Development?
   Does the school have a clearly defined wellbeing program? A supportive environment is essential for a child’s wellbeing and academic achievement. St Augustine’s College uses the PERMA framework, a relationship-based model where pastoral care is provided by caring staff. Its wellbeing program, Augustinian Wellbeing in Education (AWE) is industry-leading, with staff presenting at international conferences to share their research. Bespoke initiatives target different year groups, and social and emotional learning occurs in timetabled lessons, and student-led and peer-based sessions.
   
4. What are the Qualifications and Experience of the Teaching Staff?
   The quality of teachers is a critical factor in your child’s education. At St Augustine’s College, learning is guided by exceptional teachers who offer a rich and challenging program, fostering critical thinking and curiosity. Students experience continuity of teaching and learning with each subject delivered by specialist teachers. Staff are encouraged to undertake Action Research Initiatives, post-graduate study and world-class professional learning, contributing to educational best practice.
   
5. What Sport and Co-curricular Opportunities are Available?
   Extracurricular activities are vital in the overall development of a child and can help build new skills, interests and friendships. St Augustine’s College offers a diverse, inclusive and successful program to provide a balanced education, with participation compulsory. The program continues to evolve based on student interest, with Surfing and Magic: The Gathering card game being the two most recent additions. Sporting pathways include IPSHA and ISA, where boys compete against top independent schools in NSW.
   
6. What Facilities does the School Offer?
   Great facilities can enhance learning experience and provide a safe and stimulating environment. St Augustine’s College offers world-class teaching and learning facilities without having to travel beyond the Northern Beaches. The College is designed to cater to the needs and learning styles of boys, with specialised spaces for Primary, Library, Music, Art, Science, Design and Technology, and a gymnasium managed by the Head of Athletic Development.
   
7. What is the School’s Community Like?
   Community plays a significant role in your child’s school experience. Community is key to an Augustinian education alongside the values of Truth and Love. St Augustine’s College draws nearly all its students from the Northern Beaches, providing a supportive environment for both students and families close to home. The College’s upcoming Open Day is a perfect opportunity to visit and talk to current parents, students, staff, and the entire welcoming community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see firsthand what makes St Augustine’s College unique. Register your interest in St Augustine’s College’s 2025 Open Day on Friday 28 February at https://www.saintaug.nsw.edu.au/open-day