Adolescence is both an exciting and challenging time. We know students thrive when the curriculum is inclusive, challenging, and engaging, and when they feel a strong sense of belonging at school.
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.
Why the HVGS Senior School?
There is no other school in the region that will offer your child three robust 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.
The Middle Years Programme
Learning in Years 7-10
Students in Years 7–10 learn through the framework of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), which challenges them to think critically and connect their learning to real-world issues.
Pathways to Excellence
Learning in Years 11-12
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 Waitlpool 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!
Discover more about Year 7 via the link below.
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 remove 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!
Inclusion and Diversity
Gifted and Talented
We understand the unique needs of gifted and talented students and support them through personalised learning and differentiated instruction that provide the right level of academic challenge. We also nurture opportunities to explore their passions through enriching extracurricular activities.
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 HVGSAcademic 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.
Students at HVGS achieve excellent results - well above average in national tests and in a wide variety of local and national competitions. NAPLAN is just one measure of success, and HVGS uses a variety of tools and assessments to measure student achievement.
Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN at a glance!
In 2025, our Year 7 and Year 9 students achieved above the national average in every domain.
View our 2024 Academic results for students in Years 7, 9 and 12 in our Annual Report and Celebrate Magazine.
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.
Futures and Careers
Career Education
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.
Leadership and Service
Student Leadership
We see service and leadership as essential to every student’s growth. Through our IB programmes, leadership programs and community engagement initiatives, students at all levels develop the skills to lead with purpose. Leadership opportunities, both formal and informal, are woven into our academic, co-curricular, and sporting programs, empowering students to explore and grow their leadership potential.