Clayfield College Shines Bright at LUX 24 Arts Festival

Clayfield College will illuminate the night again with its annual LUX 24 exhibition.



Clayfield College
Photo Credit: Clayfield College File Photo 2023

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.

Clayfield College
Photo Credit: Clayfield College File Photo 2023

By celebrating its students’ creative spirits, Clayfield College continues to foster a strong tradition of artistic excellence.



LUX 24 is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic and artistic pursuits.

Published Date 04-November-2024

Clayfield Schools Shine in Latest Queensland Top 150 High School Rankings

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.

Photo Credit: Google Map/ Clayfield College

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.

Photo Credit: St Rita’s College

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.

Photo Credit: Aviation High School

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.

RankSchoolLocalitySectorState Overall Score2022 Rank
1Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and TechnologyToowongGovernment1001
2Brisbane Grammar SchoolBrisbaneNon-Government1002
3Brisbane Girls Grammar SchoolBrisbaneNon-Government1003
4Brisbane State High SchoolSouth BrisbaneGovernment1004
5Somerville HouseSouth BrisbaneNon-Government1009
6St Peters Lutheran CollegeIndooroopillyNon-Government10010
7Somerset CollegeMudgeerabaNon-Government1005
8Ormiston CollegeOrmistonNon-Government1006
9St Joseph’s College Gregory TerraceBrisbaneNon-Government9911
10Cannon Hill Anglican CollegeCannon HillNon-Government9913
11Whitsunday Anglican SchoolBeaconsfieldNon-Government997
12Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)East BrisbaneNon-Government9915
13AB Paterson CollegeArundelNon-Government9922
14St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ SchoolCorindaNon-Government998
15All Hallows SchoolBrisbaneNon-Government9916
16Emmanuel CollegeCarraraNon-Government9924
17St Margaret’s Anglican Girls SchoolAscotNon-Government9914
18Ipswich Grammar SchoolIpswichNon-Government9912
19Redeemer Lutheran CollegeRochedaleNon-Government9921
20Matthew Flinders Anglican CollegeBuderimNon-Government9919
21All Saints Anglican SchoolMerrimacNon-Government9917
22Hillbrook Anglican SchoolEnoggeraNon-Government9927
23Mansfield State High SchoolMansfieldGovernment9929
24Citipointe Christian CollegeCarindaleNon-Government9834
25Brisbane Boys’ CollegeToowongNon-Government9818
26Sheldon CollegeSheldonNon-Government9823
27John Paul CollegeDaisy HillNon-Government9831
28Indooroopilly State High SchoolIndooroopillyGovernment9835
29Sunshine Coast Grammar SchoolForest GlenNon-Government9845
30Mt St Michael’s CollegeAshgroveNon-Government9825
31St Rita’s CollegeClayfieldNon-Government9828
32Northside Christian CollegeEverton ParkNon-Government9820
33Immanuel Lutheran CollegeBuderimNon-Government9869
34Annandale Christian CollegeAnnandaleNon-Government9874
35Loreto CollegeCoorparooNon-Government9839
36Stuartholme SchoolToowongNon-Government9844
37Ipswich Girls’ Grammar SchoolEast IpswichNon-Government9833
38Padua CollegeKedronNon-Government98New Entry
39St Andrew’s Anglican CollegePeregian SpringsNon-Government9847
40Moreton Bay CollegeManly WestNon-Government9752
41Marist College AshgroveAshgroveNon-Government9732
42Kelvin Grove State CollegeKelvin GroveGovernment9748
43Trinity Anglican SchoolWhite RockNon-Government9740
44Brisbane South Secondary CollegeDutton ParkGovernment97New Entry
45St John’s Anglican CollegeForest LakeNon-Government9757
46Mount Alvernia CollegeKedronNon-Government9741
47Cavendish Road State High SchoolHolland ParkGovernment9746
48Moreton Bay Boys CollegeManly WestNon-Government9762
49Townsville Grammar SchoolNorth WardNon-Government9726
50Villanova CollegeCoorparooNon-Government9760

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.

Published Date 24-May-2024

Clayfield College, 3 Other SEQ Schools to Enjoy New Scenic Rim Retreat

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. 

Clayfield College
Photo Credit: PMSA Schools

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.

PMSA Schools
Photo Credit: PMSA Schools

A Community-Oriented Approach

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.

Published 7-Dec-2023

From 1932 to 2003: The Rise and Fall of Turrawan Private Hospital

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.


Read: Clayfield: Revisiting the Historical Places That Made This Suburb Great


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. 

Turrawan Private Hospital
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 Private 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.


Read: Church to Home Conversion on Bonney Avenue Hits the Market


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.

Published 3-October-2023

Rafa Nadal Tour Nationals Champ From Clayfield College Spain Stint

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.

Clayfield College Year-8 student, Ivy Lauder
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 Demand Prompts Clayfield College To Take In More Students

‘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.


Read: Clayfield Baptist Church: How Fellowship in A Small, Wooden House Became a 170-year-old Mission


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).

coed schools bne
Photo credit:clayfield.qld.edu.au

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.

clayfield school
Photo credit: clayfield.qld.edu.au

“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.

To learn more about Clayfield College’s new education option, visit www.clayfield.qld.edu.au

Clayfield: Revisiting the Historical Places That Made This Suburb Great

Let’s revisit the historical places and heritage landmarks that have helped Clayfield evolve from a mid-19th century settlement to the highly desirable suburb we know today.

Clayfield: What’s in a Name?

The suburb’s name was derived from the “clay fields” in the mining town of Albion, where large deposits of clay were transported to Hendra and the neighbouring suburbs for brickmaking. This industry was vital to the growth of the settlements in the north. 

With settlements dating back to the mid-1870s, the Clayfield community started with the opening of a Baptist church catering to Clayfield and Hendra.

From the 1870s to 1901, allotments of subdivisions and estates were advertised and auctioned off with Clayfield turning into a locale with heaps of large residences rivaling that of homes in Hamilton and Ascot, where the old rich also settled. 

Clayfield’s appeal was underpinned by its elevation and accessibility to the racecourse and central Brisbane.

North Coast Railway

Stages in the evolution of Clayfield were marked by houses or structures that reflected the suburb’s progress and development. One of the developments that greatly influenced the placement of houses in 19th-century Clayfield was the North Coast Railway.

The North Coast Railway opened in 1882 with a line running from Clayfield, Eagle Junction, and Albion. The post office opened the following year. It did not take too long after that before European families started to build houses in the area.

Ralahyne

One of the most notable homes that were established during this period is the heritage-listed property, Ralahyne (1888) in Enderley Road. The house was also called East View, Nowranie, Koojarewon, and Huntington as it changed owners. 

Clayfield resident Under Colonial Secretary Robert Gray
Under Colonial Secretary Robert Gray
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

The single-storey timber residence with iron roof stands on an eight-acre property that Under Colonial Secretary Robert Gray bought. George HM Addison designed the modest four-bedroom home, then known as East View.

The house had distinctive wide verandahs with cast-iron balustrading and frieze panels. On the north side of the house, the verandah opened to a large ballroom with dome ceilings and skylights.

Most of the rooms in Ralahyne had timber ceilings while the dining room featured moulded beams. The drawing room had a Carrara marble fireplace with two fluted columns. 

In 1904,  the firm of Halls & Dods renovated the house after Ada Laird bought the property from Gray. Three years later, Laird sold the house to Anne Millar and her family lived here until 1918.

Ralahyne
A peek at Ralahyne
Photo Credit: Google Maps

Ruby Winten owned the property until she sold this to Henrietta Watson, who renamed the house to Ralahyne.

Story on fundraising social in Ralahyne
Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

Enderley Road Heritage Precinct 

The Watson family owned Ralahyne until 1985, when its current private owners bought the place. The property was subdivided several times during the various phases of ownerships, forming what is known today as the Enderley Road Heritage Precinct.  

Enderley Road Heritage Precinct
Enderley Road Heritage Precinct
Photo Credit: BCC

Clayfield and Ascot locals are proud of the homes in this precinct, including the surrounding street of Alexandra Road, for its aesthetic and historical value. Enderley Road became a model for historical architectural styles in Brisbane as the houses were designed by prominent architects and built during significant times in history — Federation 1890-1914, World War I 1914-1918, Interwar 1919-1939.

The housing styles in these prestigious locations included California Bungalow, Free Classical, Old English, Queen Anne, Spanish Mission. Aside from Ralahyne, the Delcotta house on Craven Street (formerly 51 Enderley Road) has been highlighted for its Tudor design. Delcotta was built around 1929 to 1930 for Mr A. Ure McNaught, a dentist, and his family. 

Delcotta House in Clayfield
Delcotta House, Clayfield
Photo Credit: University of Queensland Library

Incidentally, Clayfield has the largest concentration of Old English house designs in Brisbane at 18, followed by Hamilton (12), St Lucia (9), Ascot (8) and New Farm (6). Old English houses were deemed out of reach for the average Brisbane homeowners but some local architects believed it did not fit into the climatic and living conditions of Queensland. 

Fetlar, the California Bungalow, was designed by Chambers and Ford for Richard Baxter, who was regarded as a wool expert. He named the house Fetlar for his Scottish roots.

Fetlar House in Clayfield
Fetlar House, Clayfield
Photo Credit: BCC 

The Interwar house featured large hallways with spacious living and dining rooms. It has the classic elements of a housing style introduced in Australia around  1910, such as low pitched roofs with street-facing gables, roughcast rendering, and sleep-outs.

Baxter’s property was sold in 1965 to a private owner following his death.

Sandgate Road Electric Tram

When the Sandgate Road electric tram opened in the early 1900s, Clayfield’s housing and building structures also flourished. Spanish mission-style buildings were becoming popular with the opening of the Savoy Theatre, which had a major art deco renovation in 1937. The building was characterised with bevelled glass mirrors and light fittings from sandblasted glass. 

Old Savoy Theatre in Clayfield
Inside the Old Savoy Theatre
Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook
Savoy Theatre foyer
The foyer at the Savoy Theatre
Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook

Unfortunately, Savoy Theatre ceased to exist in 1962, in the advent of the popularity of television at homes.

Clayfield Schools 

From 1895 to 1926, a boom in educational institutions defined the suburb, beginning with the opening of the Eagle Junction Primary School.

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC), now known as Clayfield College, started operating in 1902. 

BBC moved to its present site in Toowong when the school community had outgrown the campus, allowing Clayfield College to open a primary school on the site, which was named the Somerville House. By 1935, Clayfield College established its secondary school followed by its boarding school a decade later. 

Clayfield College continued its expansion amidst the construction of the tunnels in Sandgate Road to provide access to the east of Brisbane. The school bought the former Turrawan Private Hospital and increased its boarding facility. 

Turrawan Private Hospital
Turrawan Private Hospital
Photo Credit: BCC

The heritage-listed Turrawan Private Hospital is a two-storey masonry building designed in the Interwar Georgian Revival style by prominent local architect Eric Percival Trewern. It was regarded for its high level of care. Matron Amy Olive Aitkin sold the hospital in 1971 but it continued to operate as intended until Clayfield College took ownership.

In 2023, Clayfield College will begin its transition to co-educational learning.



Meanwhile, other Anglican churches in the suburb also built their own schools, such as St Marks in Bonney Avenue, St Michaels in London Road, and St Rita’s College in Enderley Road. St Rita’s College was established in a former house built for produce dealer John William Forth and his wife Selina. 

Outside Stanley Hall in Clayfield
Stanley Hall
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons 

Stanley Hall, now a heritage-listed property, went through different stages of construction. Most of the building’s rich ornamentation was retained, including the elaborately detailed Dutch gables.

Inside Stanley Hall in Clayfield
Inside Stanley Hall
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons 

Stanley Hall has grand rooms with interlinked modest service rooms. The main entrance is marked by stained glass surrounded by a hibiscus motif, alongside a cedar staircase with carved balusters and fine timber panels. Stanley Hall also has free-flowing wrap-around verandahs. 

St Rita's College in Clayfield
St Rita’s College
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons 

In 2021, St Rita unveiled its new state-of-the-art Trinity Learning Centre.



By the 1970s, many of the suburb’s lavish dwellings, especially around Bayview Terrace were turned into units. Property prices rose when the shopping strips filled with essential businesses were established. 

For the 12-month period ending September 2021, Clayfield’s median house price sits at $1,380,00 and the median unit price is at $400,000, according to Property Market Updates



Clayfield College Upgrades Continue, Science Lab Now Being Updated

At Clayfield College, upgrades and building works continue, with the science laboratories now being updated, following the completion of a competition-size tennis court in mid-2021.



Work on the science labs started in mid-December 2021 with plans to paint each room with different colour themes. New furniture, cupboards, and equipment to match the upgraded rooms will also be installed before the new school term starts. 

Science lab upgrades
Installation of panels
Science lab upgrades

Whilst this is ongoing, MondoClad installation will also continue in the Year 7/8 Building. MondoClads are energy-efficient, low-maintenance solid aluminium panels that can withstand the harsh Australian environment. 

Clayfield College building work

According to Dr Andrew Cousins, the principal of Clayfield College, the campus refresh is expected to enhance student learning.

Apart from the new tennis court and the upcoming science labs, the campus also underwent a refurbishment of the Assembly Hall, and the welcome wall on Bayview Terrace last year.

The next phase of the renovation, set for the June/July 2022 school holiday, will include the demolition of the Whitesands Apartments, Vacant House and Maintenance House. 

“While these three buildings may be Clayfield College landmarks, they have reached the end of their useful life,” Dr Cousins said.

“Their removal provides a starting point to modernise and visually open up the campus. At this point in time, the areas left by the buildings will, for the most part, provide additional green space for our students.”



The campus refresh received support from the P&F Association and the Old Collegians’ Association and Foundation.

These upgrades come as Clayfield College is set to transition into a coeducational institution in 2023. Director of Corporate Services Director of Corporate Services Mr Dan Drewe also said that they school will be releasing a new Strategic Vision for 2022 to 2025.

“Building on our rich 90-year history, this will be a period of growth and development for our College, and we can’t wait to share this journey with our Clayfield family.”

Clayfield College Fully Transitions to Coeducational Learning Beginning 2023

Clayfield College, one of Brisbane’s most prestigious private schools for girls from Year 7 to Year 12, will fully transition to a coeducational learning environment with a Parallel Learning model.



In a statement to parents, the administrators of Clayfield College revealed that the transition will be introduced in 2023 and will take place for five years, allowing incoming Year 7 students of all gender to enjoy “the best of both worlds and benefit from the Parallel Learning model.” 

“Year 7s will begin single-sex learning streams, continuing through Years 8 and 9,” the statement read. “In Year 10 students come together for selected classes, and then benefit from fully coeducational classes in Years 11 and 12.” 

Principal Dr Andrew Cousins confirmed that the school’s dwindling enrolment was a factor in the decision to shift to coeducational learning. Surveys conducted by the school showed that modern parents do not find any value in having a coeducational model from prep to Year 6 and then an all-girls model from Year 7 to Year 12. 

At least 40 percent of parents supported the move to co-ed as it would also mean no more separate school drop-offs for siblings, especially since their sons in the lower levels would prefer to remain in Clayfield College for their secondary education. 

Photo Credit: Clayfield College/Facebook
Photo Credit: Clayfield College/Facebook

Experts said that the students may benefit from having a diverse learning environment since genders learn to co-exist in real life. 

Dr Cousins expect there will be at least 250 male students when Clayfield College fully transitions to coeducational learning in 2027. The school’s current population is below 500. Nearly a decade ago, there were more than 800 students a year. 



Clayfield College, under the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association, turned 90 years old in 2021. The school produced notable students like Jan McLucas (politician), Tania Major (Australian of the Year), and Stephanie Rice (Olympic gold medalist).  

Get Your Kids into Coding by Signing Them Up in Clayfield College’s Code Camp

Do your children love creating things? Are they always fascinated by technology? Sign them up for Clayfield College’s code camp happening from 9 April- 11 April where they will get to use their creativity whilst learning how to code.

Known as Australia’s highest rated school holiday camp, this event offers activities for children ages 5 to 13. Find out which camp suits your children based on their age and knowledge of coding:  

Little Heroes (April 10-11)

Photo Credit: Code Camp/Facebook

Designed for kids ages five to six, the camp will teach young ones the important steps to becoming creators of technology. This camp requires students to bring their own tablet that will be used for coding.

Other activities for this two-day camp include board games around coding and problem solving. Apart from online activities, kids will also have fun with offline activities prepared for them.

Spark (April 9-11)

Photo Credit: Code Camp/Facebook

Recommended for kids ages seven to 12, this camp can help young ones start their Code Camp journey regardless of their prior coding experience.

By joining this camp, children will walk away with their very own app playable via the Code Camp Community App on  iOS, Android or via any web browser. They will have an access to a range of video tutorials so they can continue coding at home.

3D World Builders (April 9-11)

Photo Credit: Code Camp/Facebook

It’s the world’s first 3D coding platform designed for kids to code, create and build spectacular worlds and apps. This camp is designed for children ages eight to 13 or those who have completed Spark and are ready to take on the world of pure JavaScript.

Designed for advanced learners, this camp will provide children with a solid understanding of Javascript and a confidence of being a Blast 3D graduate.

For booking details and further information about each camp, visit the Codecamp website or follow them on Facebook.

Coding for Brisbane Kids

In 2016, the Queensland Government reviewed the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Brisbane state schools. One of the main findings of the review confirms a need for more research in the emerging areas of engineering and computer programming in schools.

The Department of Education launched #codingcounts and have introduced robotics in schools and the use of digital technologies to answer questions and real world problems.