Clayfield College is celebrating outstanding results from its Class of 2025, with special recognition for top performers including Caroline Zhang, Charlotte Lay and Manidhi Chezhian, who achieved some of the highest ATARs in the cohort. Their achievements reflect dedication, resilience and the support of teachers, families and peers throughout their senior schooling journey.
The release of the 2025 ATAR results brought a wave of pride across the school community as students received their university entrance scores. Many students met or exceeded their personal goals, opening pathways to further study, vocational training or early career opportunities.
Photo Credit: Clayfield College
Outstanding Individual Achievements
Leading the cohort were standout results from the school’s top performers, whose hard work and focus placed them among the highest achievers. Alongside them, many other students achieved notable ATAR scores, with a number of graduates earning impressive results in a wide range of subjects.
These results are a testament not just to academic ability but to perseverance through a demanding two-year senior curriculum. For many students, the journey involved balancing rigorous study with extracurricular activities, leadership roles and community involvement — experiences the school says help shape well-rounded young adults.
Photo Credit: Clayfield College
A Community Effort
Teachers and staff at Clayfield College have acknowledged the collective effort that goes into preparing students for these milestones. From subject-specific mentoring to wellbeing support, the school’s approach aims to nurture confidence and capability as well as academic excellence.
Parents and carers were also recognised as vital partners in the education process, offering support, encouragement and practical help as students navigated their final year of school.
Photo Credit: Clayfield College
Looking Ahead
With their ATARs in hand, graduates are now planning their next steps. Many have already accepted offers to study at universities both in Australia and overseas, while others are exploring alternative pathways that align with their passions and strengths.
The school community is expected to come together in the coming weeks for celebration events where students, staff and families can reflect on achievements and memories from senior schooling.
A Future Full of Possibility
For the Class of 2025, ATAR results mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As students move on to further study, work or gap-year adventures, the school’s leadership has expressed confidence in their ability to contribute positively to the world beyond Clayfield College.
The pride and excitement across campus — from classrooms to corridors — shows how much these results mean not just to those who achieved them, but to the wider community that has watched these young people grow.
Students in Years 7 to 10 at Clayfield College stepped away from their regular timetables late last month as the school held its annual IGNITE Week, running from 21 to 27 November 2024.
The week-long program replaced standard classes with a range of hands-on activities, workshops and experiences designed to help students learn in practical, real-world settings. IGNITE Week is aimed at broadening students’ perspectives while strengthening skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Learning Beyond the Timetable
During IGNITE Week, students took part in programs tailored to their year levels, with a focus on experiential learning. Activities were designed to challenge students to think differently, work collaboratively and engage more actively in their learning.
Rather than traditional lessons, students were encouraged to learn through doing — applying problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills in new environments and situations.
Photo Credit: Clayfield College
Building Confidence and Connection
A key aim of the program was to strengthen connections, both among students and between learning and life beyond school. Students worked alongside peers they may not normally interact with and were encouraged to reflect on different viewpoints and experiences.
The program also provided space for students to develop independence and resilience, particularly as they navigated unfamiliar tasks and responsibilities throughout the week.
Photo Credit: Clayfield College
Supporting Different Learning Styles
Teachers involved in IGNITE Week noted that the shift away from standard classroom structures allowed many students to engage in different ways. The variety of activities gave students opportunities to discover strengths that may not always be visible in traditional academic settings.
By reducing the emphasis on formal assessment, the program aimed to create a more inclusive learning environment that values curiosity, creativity and personal growth.
Photo Credit: Clayfield College
An Established Part of the School Calendar
IGNITE Week has become a regular feature of the Clayfield College calendar, with the program continuing to evolve each year. Feedback from students and staff helps shape future iterations, ensuring activities remain relevant and engaging.
As students returned to normal classes following the program, teachers said the focus was on carrying forward the skills and insights gained during the week into everyday learning.
Clayfield College’s beloved community event On the Green is set to return in 2025 with an even bigger celebration — and this year, it’s bringing one of Australia’s most iconic voices to the stage.
Set for Sunday, 3 August, the 2025 edition will see the legendary Kate Ceberano headline what promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of live music and entertainment.
Held on the college grounds, On the Green is a signature event on the Clayfield calendar, drawing students, families, alumni, and local residents for an open-air celebration of music, food, and community spirit. This year, the program is packed with talent, offering a diverse musical lineup that highlights both local and national performers.
Photo credit: Clayfield College/Facebook
Alongside Ceberano’s highly anticipated set, the afternoon will feature performances by the Clayfield Big Band and Chloe Noon, a talented vocalist and member of the graduating Class of 2024. Audiences can also look forward to the bold and brassy sounds of the Brisbane City Big Band, adding to the festival-style feel of the event.
Known for her genre-spanning career and dynamic stage presence, Ceberano is expected to deliver a performance that blends soul, pop, and jazz — including hits from her decades-long catalogue. With multiple ARIA Awards and countless albums to her name, her headline act is set to be a major drawcard for the Clayfield community and beyond.
In addition to the stellar entertainment, guests will be treated to a wide range of food and beverage options available throughout the afternoon, making it an ideal outing for all ages.
Guests can enjoy favourites such as Briz Wood Fired Pizza, Sate House, SoCal Tacos, and the ever-popular House of Poffertjes. There will also be a CCOCA Cheese Box stall, a variety of beverages from the P&F bars including champagne and general drinks, along with offerings from the Aether Beer Bar and New Tricks Gin Distillery Bar.
For those after a caffeine fix, a coffee van will be on site. Guests are also welcome to bring their own picnic if they prefer a more personal spread.
With the lush school grounds transformed into a relaxed picnic-style venue, the atmosphere will be casual and family-friendly — perfect for an afternoon under the winter sun.
Whether you’re a long-time Clayfield supporter or a first-time visitor, On the Green 2025 offers a unique chance to enjoy top-tier live music in a welcoming and vibrant community setting. Organisers encourage guests to check Clayfield College’s website for updates, and most importantly, to bring along friends, family, and neighbours for what is shaping up to be the event’s biggest year yet.
The Australian Education Awards has selected Clayfield College as an Excellence Awardee for both the Best School Strategic Plan and Boarding School of the Year categories.
The Australian Education Awards, now in their eighth year, celebrate outstanding achievements across the country’s schools, principals, department heads, and teachers.
The awards ceremony will be a black-tie gala event held at the Star Event Centre in Sydney on Friday, 8 August 2025. This year, the awards span 29 categories, including Best Student Wellbeing Program and Australian School of the Year, highlighting the best in Australian education.
Clayfield College’s recognition for “Best School Strategic Plan” acknowledges the vision and leadership driving significant changes within the College. This includes its transition to a fully co-educational model from Pre-Prep to Year 12, which uses a “Parallel Learning” approach.
The College’s Strategic Intent, which outlines a “bold new era,” is being put into action through four main areas: focusing on innovative and personalised learning experiences; emphasising comprehensive pastoral care and a supportive community; encouraging broadened interests through extensive co-curricular programs and real-world opportunities; and aiming for long-term viability and responsible resource management.
Initiatives that have come from their strategic planning include the move to a fully co-educational school with the Parallel Learning model from 2023, the introduction of a new uniform, and the expansion of the eiPulse offering for student and staff mental health and wellbeing. The College has also revitalised its facilities, including a Blackbox Drama Space, Strength and Conditioning and Cardio Studios, an Administration Block, the Ida Kennedy Physical Education Centre, and the Carolyn Hauff Boarding House.
Additionally, Clayfield College has participated in events such as the Da Vinci Decathlon and the reimagined LUX 23 Exhibition, and offers PMSA Teacher Education Scholarships and a Christian Mission and Service Assistance Program.
The Carolyn Hauff Boarding House at Clayfield College has also been named an Excellence Awardee in the “Boarding School of the Year” category at the 2025 Australian Education Awards. This award confirms the strength of their boarding program.
Key factors contributing to this honour include major improvements to the physical buildings, creating a better living space for boarders. There has also been a renewed focus on improving academic results and student success, which includes an extensive tutoring program that involves former students and experienced educators, providing individualised support.
The boarding house is known for its caring environment, ensuring boarders can progress academically and receive personal attention. It maintains a strong, connected culture, which was especially clear during difficult periods like the COVID-19 pandemic, when the boarding house remained open and continued to provide excellent support.
The boarding house is home to more than 75 students from rural Queensland, other Australian states, and overseas, bringing diverse cultural perspectives to the school community. Since 2023, the boarding program, which cares for students from Years 7 to 12, has begun welcoming both girls and boys. These awards together confirm Clayfield College’s strategic direction and the commitment of its staff and community to providing a high-quality educational experience.
This long-standing tradition, which has captivated audiences for years, will showcase the exceptional artistic talents of students across all year levels on 8 November.
The event will transform the campus into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions. From stunning visual arts to captivating live performances, LUX 24 offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy a delicious “Fork and Walk” dinner, while young artists can participate in engaging workshops.
Photo Credit: Clayfield College File Photo 2023
By celebrating its students’ creative spirits, Clayfield College continues to foster a strong tradition of artistic excellence.
Three Clayfield schools have emerged as strong contenders in the latest rankings of Queensland’s top 150 high schools, according to an independent analysis by Better Education.
The 2023 rankings, based on Year 9 English and Maths results, reveal significant improvements for schools outside of Brisbane, with several making impressive strides.
Clayfield College on Gregory St is among the 19 new entries in the 2023 rankings, showcasing the growing academic strength of institutions outside the metropolitan area. The school placed alongside St Rita’s College on Enderley Rd, ranked at #28, and Aviation High School on Widdop St, ranked at #123.
Clayfield College is an independent, co-educational, Uniting Church Day, and boarding school. Established in 1931, it caters to students from preschool to Year 12. The college is known for its focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and a wide range of co-curricular activities.
St Rita’s College is an independent, Roman Catholic, single-sex secondary school for girls. Founded in 1926 by the Presentation Sisters, it serves students from Years 7 to 12. The college emphasises academic achievement, faith formation, and social justice, offering a well-rounded education that prepares young women for leadership roles.
Aviation High School is a state secondary school that specializes in aviation-related studies. Established in 2010, it caters to students in Years 7 to 12 who are interested in pursuing careers in the aviation industry. The school offers a unique curriculum that combines academic subjects with practical training in aviation, aerospace engineering, and aeronautical science.
While the top four positions remain unchanged, with esteemed institutions such as the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Technology and Brisbane Grammar School leading the pack, several schools have made notable climbs.
Somerville House and St Peters Lutheran College, both in Brisbane, each jumped four spots, securing fifth and sixth place, respectively. AB Paterson College on the Gold Coast also made a significant leap, rising nine places to break into the top 15.
Rank
School
Locality
Sector
State Overall Score
2022 Rank
1
Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology
Toowong
Government
100
1
2
Brisbane Grammar School
Brisbane
Non-Government
100
2
3
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
Brisbane
Non-Government
100
3
4
Brisbane State High School
South Brisbane
Government
100
4
5
Somerville House
South Brisbane
Non-Government
100
9
6
St Peters Lutheran College
Indooroopilly
Non-Government
100
10
7
Somerset College
Mudgeeraba
Non-Government
100
5
8
Ormiston College
Ormiston
Non-Government
100
6
9
St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace
Brisbane
Non-Government
99
11
10
Cannon Hill Anglican College
Cannon Hill
Non-Government
99
13
11
Whitsunday Anglican School
Beaconsfield
Non-Government
99
7
12
Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)
East Brisbane
Non-Government
99
15
13
AB Paterson College
Arundel
Non-Government
99
22
14
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
Corinda
Non-Government
99
8
15
All Hallows School
Brisbane
Non-Government
99
16
16
Emmanuel College
Carrara
Non-Government
99
24
17
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
Ascot
Non-Government
99
14
18
Ipswich Grammar School
Ipswich
Non-Government
99
12
19
Redeemer Lutheran College
Rochedale
Non-Government
99
21
20
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Buderim
Non-Government
99
19
21
All Saints Anglican School
Merrimac
Non-Government
99
17
22
Hillbrook Anglican School
Enoggera
Non-Government
99
27
23
Mansfield State High School
Mansfield
Government
99
29
24
Citipointe Christian College
Carindale
Non-Government
98
34
25
Brisbane Boys’ College
Toowong
Non-Government
98
18
26
Sheldon College
Sheldon
Non-Government
98
23
27
John Paul College
Daisy Hill
Non-Government
98
31
28
Indooroopilly State High School
Indooroopilly
Government
98
35
29
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Forest Glen
Non-Government
98
45
30
Mt St Michael’s College
Ashgrove
Non-Government
98
25
31
St Rita’s College
Clayfield
Non-Government
98
28
32
Northside Christian College
Everton Park
Non-Government
98
20
33
Immanuel Lutheran College
Buderim
Non-Government
98
69
34
Annandale Christian College
Annandale
Non-Government
98
74
35
Loreto College
Coorparoo
Non-Government
98
39
36
Stuartholme School
Toowong
Non-Government
98
44
37
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
East Ipswich
Non-Government
98
33
38
Padua College
Kedron
Non-Government
98
New Entry
39
St Andrew’s Anglican College
Peregian Springs
Non-Government
98
47
40
Moreton Bay College
Manly West
Non-Government
97
52
41
Marist College Ashgrove
Ashgrove
Non-Government
97
32
42
Kelvin Grove State College
Kelvin Grove
Government
97
48
43
Trinity Anglican School
White Rock
Non-Government
97
40
44
Brisbane South Secondary College
Dutton Park
Government
97
New Entry
45
St John’s Anglican College
Forest Lake
Non-Government
97
57
46
Mount Alvernia College
Kedron
Non-Government
97
41
47
Cavendish Road State High School
Holland Park
Government
97
46
48
Moreton Bay Boys College
Manly West
Non-Government
97
62
49
Townsville Grammar School
North Ward
Non-Government
97
26
50
Villanova College
Coorparoo
Non-Government
97
60
The rankings reveal that public schools are holding their own against some of the state’s most prestigious private institutions. Five public schools, including Mansfield State High and Indooroopilly State High, have secured positions within the top 50.
Regional schools have also demonstrated remarkable improvement. Annandale Christian College in Townsville, St Luke’s Anglican School in Bundaberg, and Tamborine Mountain State High School in the Scenic Rim have all made significant jumps in the rankings.
Other notable advancements include Immanuel Lutheran College on the Sunshine Coast, Springfield Anglican College in Ipswich, and St Andrew’s Lutheran College on the Gold Coast, all of which have climbed considerably in the rankings.
The 2023 list highlights the dynamic nature of Queensland’s educational landscape, with schools across the state striving for excellence. The inclusion of new entries and the impressive progress of numerous institutions signal a promising future for education in the region.
Students from Clayfield College, Brisbane Boys’ College, Somerville House, and Sunshine Coast Grammar School are poised to experience a unique blend of leadership and teamwork development at a newly acquired rural retreat in the Scenic Rim.
The Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA), which governs these four prominent South East Queensland schools, has recently purchased a significant property near Lake Moogerah.
This acquisition represents a strategic shift from the previously planned Outdoor Learning Campus at Mount Moon, as the PMSA seeks to provide more diverse and enriching educational experiences for its students.
Embracing Nature and Leadership
Located in the serene backdrop of Lake Moogerah, the new retreat promises a host of outdoor activities designed to foster practical and active learning.
The PMSA envisions this space as not just a site for physical activity but as a hub where students can connect with nature and each other, away from the distractions of technology.
This aligns with their broader objective of holistic student development, emphasizing Christian values and behavioural characteristics such as resilience, confidence, and leadership.
The PMSA’s decision to acquire this new property was driven by a desire to enhance and enrich the educational opportunities available to students and their families.
“Through this purchase, we will now have our own dedicated outdoor education facility that will support the delivery of a PMSA outdoor education experience,” PMSA Board Chair, Margaret Berry said.
This vision extends beyond the PMSA schools, as the facility will also be available to other schools and private groups after the completion of building works.
Building Towards the Future
Under the guidance of the PMSA, the new retreat will undergo refurbishment and remodeling to become a state-of-the-art outdoor education center.
Expected to be operational by 2025, it will serve as a dynamic environment for students to learn, adapt to changes, work collaboratively, and become better versions of themselves.
“Camp Moogerah gives us the capacity to operate a purpose-built facility that will enable us to facilitate a robust and comprehensive outdoor education program to meet the holistic needs of our students and support the long term needs of schools,” PMSA Chief Executive Officer, Shane Coppin said.
The PMSA schools regularly engage in a range of collaborative activities, from Christian fellowship to debating, sports, and leadership programs. These activities, now further supported by the new retreat, underscore the association’s commitment to building caring school communities and delivering exceptional education.
Did you know that the Carolyn Hauff Boarding House in Clayfield College boarding house was once the stately Turrawan Private Hospital?Get to know the story behind this elegant brick structure that once served as a pillar of healthcare in the community for over 70 years.
Known for its elegant red brick structure with its distinctive Georgian Revival architectural flair, this building has a rich history closely linked to the development of the local area.
The hospital was the vision of Matron Amy Olive Aitkin, a dedicated nurse who purchased the land on New Sandgate Road in 1932.
Nurses at the hospital, approximately in early 1940s (Photo credit: Pam Jansons/Old Brisbane Album – Facebook)
Aitkin commissioned prominent local architect Eric Percival Trewern to design the two-story masonry building, which was hailed by the Brisbane City Council upon its completion that November as “an exceptionally fine hospital.”
‘Turrawan Hospital, Clayfield, 1948′ (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Matron Aitkin had already been operating the “Turrawin” Private Hospital nearby for around four years, but now had a permanent home for her passion. Trewern’s classic design with tiled roof and Victorian-era flourishes created an elegant yet welcoming environment for Matron Aitkin’s patients.
Photo credit: Brisbane’s Heritage Register
Less than three years later, Trewern was brought back to expand the hospital with additional wings for operating theatres and extra rooms. As medical technology advanced, many smaller private hospitals were unable to keep up with the stringent requirements imposed by the Queensland Department of Health. Yet Turrawan continued adapting and expanding, cementing its status as one of the leading independent hospitals in the area.
In 1960, the hospital purchased a neighbouring property that contained an attractive 1920s timber residence. This became the new nurses’ quarters, allowing Turrawan to increase its care capacity. Matron Aitkin eventually sold the hospital in 1971, but its service to the community continued for another three decades under new ownership.
A postcard for the Turrawan Private Hospital in 1979 (Photo credit: Julie Watt/Old Brisbane Album – Facebook)
Generations of Brisbane residents were born at Turrawan or healed within its walls. Even after closing in 2003 and being acquired by nearby Clayfield College, the hospital’s Georgian brick facade stands as a monument to healthcare and perseverance. Its proximity to Clayfield’s former tram terminus is a reminder of the suburb’s development around it.
Today, the historic building serves as Carolyn Hauff Boarding House, a boarding house for Clayfield College students, giving the structure a new chapter whilst preserving its legacy.
Matron Aitkin’s vision resulted in a hospital that rose above challenges and adapted to meet the needs of its patients. The enduring legacy of Turrawan Private Hospital remains a proud part of Clayfield’s living history.
Clayfield College student Ivy Lauder has just returned from her two-week stint at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, as part of her winning the national finals of the 2021/22 Rafa Nadal Tour tournament.
Ivy Lauder has recently returned from the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain as part of her winning at the Tournament’s Australian Masters Invitational for Girls 12/u event 2021/22 season held from 11 to 15 January 2022. She won against Zali Illitch in the final event (3-6, 4-6) with Scarlett Dattoli and Brooke Komorowski, taking third and fourth place, respectively.
Photo credit: Facebook / Clayfield College
Rafa_Nadal Tour is a nine-state premier event for juniors in the 12/u and 14/u held from April 2022 to January 2023. It is a junior tennis circuit that was launched in Spain in 2014 and has been running in Australia since 2019 in collaboration with the 22-time Grand Slam winner, Rafael Nadal.
The Rafa Nadal Tour focuses on sport and education, particularly the importance of sportsmanship, commitment, humility and resilience (updated fundamental values for 2022/23). With the Australian Tour, each state and territory event runs a Junior Gold Tournament.
The four winners from each 12/u and 14/u singles event and the four selected winners of the Trophy of Values progress to the end-of-circuit Australian Masters event. The Trophy Values are awarded to players who have shown on- and off-court positive attitudes and behaviour, and who live the Values of the Rafa Nadal Tour.
A maximum of 16 players are invited to compete in each of the 12/u and 14/u boys and girls Masters event. At stake were Rafa and Rafa Nadal Academy prizes including flights to Spain and two free weeks of training in Mallorca, Spain.
‘Strong enrolment demand’ from local families has led Brisbane independent school Clayfield College to add an extra class in each Year level from Prep to Year 5, starting 2023.
College Principal, Dr. Andrew Cousins, said they already have families on waiting lists for these Years, and with continued strong enquiry levels and demand for their tours, they felt it was the right time to announce the increase and allow families time to plan their educational arrangements for 2023.
The additional classes are just among the big changes coming to the college, after it announced plans to transition as fully co-educational (Pre-Prep to Year 12).
At present, Clayfield College is co-educational from Pre-Prep to Year 6, and girls only from Years 7 to 12.
Boys will be added to the Secondary School one cohort at a time until the College is fully co-educational in 2027.
The transition will be done using the Parallel Learning Model, which combines the advantages of single sex and co-educational education.
The learning model promises the “best of both worlds” because it allows for gender-specific teaching when it matters most, with all the social benefits of a co-educational campus.
“For some years and across multiple surveys and feedback forums, parents have asked the College to become fully co-educational because it would better suit their families,” the school stated in its website.
From 2023, Year 7 students will begin single-sex learning streams, continuing through Years 8 and 9. In Year 10, students come together for selected classes and then benefit from fully co-educational classes in Years 11 and 12.
“Families are appreciating the opportunity for a co-educational offering at one of Brisbane’s finest schools, and with an enviable heritage and a bright, innovative future, Clayfield is well placed to truly offer an exceptional educational experience,” Dr. Cousins said.
