Enrolment Policy
The enrolment priority order, age requirements, application timelines, fees and documents for enrolling a child at St Mary's College, Prep to Year 12.
St Mary's College welcomes families who seek a Catholic education in the tradition of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Places are limited, particularly at Prep and Year 7, so this policy explains how applications are prioritised, when they close and what families need to provide.
Purpose
To set out a fair, transparent and consistent process for enrolling students at St Mary's College, in line with the enrolment policy of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and the College's mission as a Catholic co-educational P–12 school.
Scope
This policy applies to all applications for enrolment at St Mary's College, including Prep and Year 7 intakes, mid-year entry and entry at other year levels. It applies to the Principal, the Registrar, the College Leadership Team and all families who apply.
Policy statement
- St Mary's College enrols students without discrimination on the basis of disability, gender, race or family circumstance, while giving priority to Catholic families in accordance with MACS policy.
- Enrolment is offered on the condition that families accept the College's Fees & Payment, Behaviour & Restorative Practices and Child Safety policies.
- All applications are treated confidentially in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
- Siblings of enrolled students are placed in the same House.
Procedures
Enrolment priority order
Where applications exceed available places, offers are made in this order:
- Catholic baptised children with a sibling currently enrolled at the College.
- Catholic baptised children from St Mary of the Cross Parish, then from other Catholic parishes.
- Other siblings of current students.
- Children of other Christian denominations.
- Other families who support the Catholic ethos of the College.
Within each category, the date the completed application was received may be used to order offers.
Age requirement for Prep
A child must turn 5 by 30 April of the year they start Prep. For children turning 5 between 1 January and 30 April, the Head of Junior School discusses readiness at interview.
Key timelines
| Intake | Applications close | Offers sent | Acceptance due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep 2028 | Friday 14 May 2027 | Within 4 weeks of closing | Within 2 weeks of offer |
| Year 7 2028 (MACS common timeline) | Friday 20 August 2027 | Friday 22 October 2027 | Friday 12 November 2027 |
| Other year levels and mid-year | Any time | As places become available | Within 2 weeks of offer |
Prep applications close on the Friday closest to 15 May of the year before entry; late applications join the waitlist. For current intakes see Prep 2027 and Year 7 2027.
Steps
- Visit. Book a College tour or attend the Year 7 Information Evening.
- Apply. Complete the online Enrolment Application via How to Enrol and pay the $110 non-refundable application fee.
- Documents. Upload or provide to the Registrar: birth certificate; baptism certificate (if Catholic); immunisation history statement; latest school report and NAPLAN results (Year 7 applicants); passport or visa (if applicable); any court or parenting orders; and any medical, allergy or learning plans.
- Interview. Prep and Year 7 applicants and their parents meet the Principal, Dr Helen Carmody, or the relevant Head of School.
- Offer. Offers are emailed by the Registrar. To accept, families sign the Enrolment Agreement and pay the $600 acceptance deposit per student, which is non-refundable and credited to the first fee instalment.
- Transition. Families join the Prep Transition sessions or Year 7 Orientation Day.
Students with additional needs
Families share reports and plans at application so the Learning Diversity Leader, Mr Sam Devlin, can plan reasonable adjustments. Disclosure never disadvantages an application.
Responsibilities
Parents and carers
- Provide complete, accurate documents by the closing date and update the College of any change in circumstances.
- Attend the interview and respond to offers within the stated timeframe.
- Accept the College's policies as a condition of enrolment.
Students
- Attend the interview and transition sessions and take part in the life of the College.
Staff
- The Registrar acknowledges every application within 5 school days and maintains the waitlist.
- The Principal makes all enrolment decisions and gives reasons in writing if an application is declined.
- The Business Manager, Mrs Annette Kowalski, handles fee questions and confidential hardship arrangements.
Related documents
- How to Enrol
- Prep 2027
- Year 7 2027
- Fees and Payments
- Scholarships and Bursaries
- Fees & Payment Policy
- Privacy Policy
Review
Policy owner: Principal. Approved by the College Leadership Team November 2025; ratified by the College Advisory Council; next review November 2027.
Frequently asked questions
We are not Catholic. Can we still apply?
Yes. Families of other Christian denominations and other families who support the Catholic ethos are welcome and are offered places after the higher priority categories have been met.
My older child is already at the College. Is my younger child guaranteed a place?
Siblings receive high priority (category 1 for Catholic baptised children, category 3 for others) but places are not automatic. Please apply by the closing date so your child is considered in the first round.
What if we miss the Prep closing date?
Late applications join the waitlist in priority order, and offers are made as places become available.
Is the $600 acceptance deposit refundable if we change our minds?
No. The deposit secures the place and is credited to the first fee instalment on 15 February of the entry year. If the enrolment does not proceed, the deposit is forfeited.
Can my child start mid-year?
Yes, if a place is available at that year level. Contact the Registrar on (03) 9555 0120 to discuss timing; a short interview and a visit day are arranged before the start date.