Adolescence is an exciting and challenging time. The move from the certainty of the Junior School classroom to the complexities of Senior School (not to mention all the developmental changes!) requires a caring and responsive approach.
An exciting curriculum, appropriate behaviour expectations, a values-rich environment, and strong support systems keep everyone on track. At HVGS we embrace all of the learning, all of the joy and all of the complexity that growing up brings.
As students approach their final years of school, three exciting learning pathways unfold, empowering them to choose the direction their futures will take after graduation.
Learning in Years 7 - 10
The Middle Years Programme
Students in Years 7-10 learn within the framework of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP is an inclusive program that places an emphasis on intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.
Learning in Years 11 - 12
Pathways to Excellence
We offer three exciting pathways for students in Years 11 - 12. Students can choose to study the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Senior School Enrolment Process
Enrolling in the Senior School
We’re thrilled you’re considering Hunter Valley Grammar School for your family. With waitlists at most year levels, it’s never too early to enquire. Joining the Waitlist gives you peace of mind and greater certainty.
+ View the Enrolment ProcessEnrolment into the Senior School
Enrolling into Year 7
Stepping up into Senior School can be a tricky time for students – and the whole family! Suddenly things change. There’s a need to be more organised, more responsible and to navigate new frontiers. But there’s also new opportunities to explore personal interests, make new friends and for the first time, the hint of independence. It’s huge!
A comprehensive transition program means that your child will step up with confidence and will find their place in our School.
More about Year 7
- Our transition program is second to none. Over a full week, new and continuing students experience life in the Senior School. They’ll meet their teachers and other students, and follow a Year 7 timetable. They’ll also meet key people who will form an integral role in their learning and wellbeing for the years to come.
- We offer a variety of scholarships for new and existing Year 7 students. Visit our Scholarships page for more information.
Thinking about joining the Junior School?
Year 7 is very popular, with extremely strong enrolment demand. Starting in the Junior School at HVGS ensures your child’s formative and impressionable years will be defined in your school of choice. Our Enrolment process into Year 7 starts at least two years before the child's commencement date at the school, so it's important to be prepared early.
Many families interested in starting in the Senior School at HVGS, are making the decision to start their HVGS learning journey earlier in Year 5.
Changing schools in Year 5 can happen for a variety of reasons. Often, a change in family circumstances prompts the change, or dissatisfaction with the current school, or for parents choosing independent schooling in a K – 12 environment, strong enrolment demand for Year 7 warrants much earlier consideration to guarantee a high school place. This certainly is the case at Hunter Valley Grammar School.
Enrolling into Year 8 and Year 9
We can enrol new students into the Senior School all year round – provided a vacancy exists.
We welcome your enquiry and if you’d like to chat with key staff about your child’s academic and pastoral care at HVGS, we can certainly arrange that too.
We know that a happy start in a new school is really important so we have structures in place to ensure a friendly welcome and a supported transition.
Enrolling into Year 10 and Year 11
Year 10 is one of our key entry points. For many students, it's the time when they really want to knuckle down for success.
It's also a time when change is in the air! We're entering the stage of development where peer groups take centre stage, and parents might feel like they’re moving to the sidelines. While we can’t smooth out every bump on the journey of growing up, we can make the ride a little smoother.
At HVGS, students in Years 11 and 12 have three exciting pathways to choose from:
- the HSC
- the IB Career-related Programme, or
- the IB Diploma Programme.
Each offers a dynamic and challenging curriculum designed to keep students engaged and inspired to learn. Alongside these academic choices, our pastoral programs provide support as students discover new interests, grow, and find what brings them joy at school.
When our Year 12 students graduate, they leave not only with a passion for lifelong learning but with real, tangible pathways to both tertiary and vocational futures. Curious about where they go next? Take a look at the incredible places they head after HVGS!
Why the HVGS Senior School?
There is no other school in the region that will offer your child three learning pathways in the Senior Years. This means that there’s lots of choice for students to study subjects that appeal to their interests and to extend themselves in the areas they’re good at.
Inclusion and Diversity
Gifted and Talented
We recognise the unique challenges gifted and talented students may face. To help them succeed, we provide personalised learning and differentiated instruction that offer the right level of academic challenge. In addition, we offer social and emotional support, as well as extracurricular activities, to nurture their interests and further develop their talents.
Wellbeing
Support for students
Our student support services focus on overcoming barriers to learning by addressing academic and social-emotional needs. We collaborate with families, specialists, and students to create personalised plans that foster growth and resilience. Our goal is to empower students to take charge of their learning journeys and develop lifelong skills.
Uniquely You at HVGS
Personalise your experience
Discover how your passions and interests are realised at HVGS.
+ Discover Uniquely You at HVGS
Beyond the classroom
Co-curricular Education
Our students thrive beyond the classroom in diverse opportunities in sports, academics, performing arts, and special interest clubs - catering to a broad range of interests and passions. There is something for absolutely everyone here.
Beyond the classroom
Experiential Learning
At HVGS, learning comes to life through experience. By actively exploring new concepts, students turn knowledge into meaningful insights. As an IB World School, we champion a dynamic, holistic education where hands-on learning is key to preparing students for both academic and real-world success.
Home and School Harmony
Resources for Families
Our Team of expert educators are here to help you navigate through the challenges and the triumphs of adolescence. Discover some of the resources they have developed to support your family at home.
+ Search Resources
Futures and Careers
Career Education
High-quality career education is crucial in shaping students' futures. Our dedicated Futures and Careers Advisor plays a pivotal role in guiding students through their career pathways, helping them explore further tertiary study, gain valuable work experience, and connect with meaningful mentoring opportunities.
Academics
Academic Achievement
While HVGS is not academically selective, our students consistently achieve impressive results, demonstrating growth and academic success. This is because we create an environment where students are encouraged to flourish, embrace a love for learning, and confidently take risks.