Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School

We are a friendly, co-educational school where boys and girls mix with one another and our dedicated staff in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. We aim to develop resilient, resourceful and capable young men and women, who are prepared to continue their journey of growth beyond School.

Our students have space to play, grow and learn, with our campus set on 33 hectares of natural bush. The unique bushland environment of our School provides a relaxing and natural environment which enhances the wellbeing and learning of our students.

Our School is small enough for students to be known as individuals, yet large enough to offer comprehensive choice in subjects and opportunities. Our Boarders enjoy unique Secondary boarding facilities, with cottage style accommodation and a supportive study program. By nurturing our students, and making them feel happy and safe at school, we enable them to flourish as individuals and achieve their potential.

Our School offers comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs, as well as opportunities found nowhere else in the South West. We instil high academic standards and encourage students to do their best within a stimulating academic environment. Alongside teaching and caring for your child, we provide many diverse and challenging co-curricular activities which encourage every student to pursue their personal interests.

The origins of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School can be traced to Bishop Hawkins’ establishment of a Provisional School Council in 1967 to pursue his vision of a cathedral school for the children of the Diocese. Classes commenced with 73 students in 1972 and a strong foundation was provided by the leadership of Bishop Hawkins and Mr Val Lishman, a prominent local surgeon.

The School has often been at the forefront of educational innovation. The first co-educational boarding school in Australia that offered both Primary and Secondary education, the School developed firm structures under the first Headmaster, Mr Eric Speed. Committed foundation teachers and the strong support of parents and friends of the School combined to enable the School to flourish.

Mr Tony Brooker became Headmaster in 1978 and his leadership helped establish further tenets central to the School’s ethos. Positive relationships between staff and students thrived and the giving of service to others was celebrated. The School’s unique bushland was enhanced by provenance planting and revegetation, and Campus development continued with the building of Richard Palmer Oval, additional hardcourts, the Gymnasium, the Practical Arts complex and Auditorium. Boarding progressed with the world-leading conversion to vertically-integrated cottage accommodation.

The Headmastership of Mr Simon Murray saw major developments in the use of technology in education. The Design and Technology Building was part of a vision which included an inquiry-based approach to education and the use of Information Technology in all subject areas. The Music program also developed significantly, strengthening Music’s role within the School.

The extension of the co-curricular program and the strengthening of pastoral care through a restructured House system were early priorities for the fourth Headmaster, Dr Bruce Matthews. Joining the Round Square Organisation during this era provided wonderful opportunities for students and staff to grow, and Pastoral Care became a feature of the Year 7 transition program implemented in 2010. Our ongoing building program saw the Lishman Library,Father Brian Newing Café, Irene Bourne Centre, Eric Speed Early Childhood Centre, and Tony Brooker Pavillion and Playing Fields provide further high quality facilities, representing the School’s commitment to the best opportunities for students of all levels of the schooling spectrum.

Mr Michael Giles commenced as Head of School in 2012 with major priorities that look to the future, yet build on our past. Upgrading and innovating through ICT, a focus on Positive Psychology and Positive Education, and adopting the latest in research to enhance the wellbeing of our community continue to deliver an excellent environment and education for students. The School aims to maintain the provision of a high quality education in the South West, which allows all students to thrive and engage with a dynamic mindset.