Since our foundation in 1982, Hills Grammar has always been forward looking and thinking. From the beginning, our School was shaped by a belief that education should prepare young people not only for the world they know, but for the world they will help create. More than four decades later, that same spirit of thoughtful, future-focused planning continues to guide us.
As part of this ongoing commitment, the School Council is submitting a Development Application to The Hills Shire Council. The purpose of this application is to future proof the School by seeking approval for an increase in student number capacity of up to 250 students.
Importantly, this does not mean Hills Grammar is seeking to grow beyond the School size we believe is right for our community. Our current model remains 80 students per year group in Kindergarten to Year 6 and 120 students per year group in Years 7 to 12. We believe this is the optimal size for Hills Grammar: large enough to offer students a rich breadth of opportunities, programs, friendships and pathways, while remaining small enough for us to know each child’s story, strengths, interests and journey.
The proposed increase in approved capacity is a long-term planning measure. It gives the School flexibility should future generations of School leaders and Councils need to respond to changing community needs, educational opportunities or demographic shifts. Just as those who founded Hills Grammar in 1982 made decisions with confidence in the future, we are also planning carefully and responsibly for the decades ahead.
At the heart of this planning is our commitment to preserving what families value most about Hills Grammar: a strong sense of belonging, a broad and engaging educational experience, excellent relationships between students and staff, and a community where every student is known and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean the School is planning to become much larger?
No. Hills Grammar is not seeking to move beyond the School size we believe is optimal for our community: 80 students per year group in Kindergarten to Year 6 and 120 students per year group in Years 7 to 12. The Development Application is about future proofing and ensuring flexibility for the long term.
Why seek approval for additional student capacity now?
Good governance requires schools to plan well ahead. Seeking approval now allows the School to make responsible, strategic decisions for the future, while continuing to operate in a way that reflects the values, relationships and scale that define Hills Grammar today.
Will class sizes change?
The School’s commitment to an educational environment where students are known, supported and challenged remains unchanged. Class sizes of 20 in the Junior School and 20-25 in the Senior School continue with student learning, wellbeing and relationships at the centre.
What about traffic, transport and local roads?
Traffic and transport has been considered as part of the Development Application process. The School currently offers 9 private bus routes servicing a variety of locations across the Hills District. We review these routes regularly and encourage our families to engage with the school regarding future routes. We also encourage our students to utilise the public services available to them and ask that all students apply for a student Opal card, and use it to and from school as it is this data that external transport planners utilise to assess future usage.
Will the character of Hills Grammar change?
Our intention is to protect and strengthen the character of the School. Hills Grammar has always sought to balance opportunity with personal connection. Future-focused planning helps ensure we can continue to offer a rich and contemporary education while remaining a community where students, families and staff feel known and connected.
What happens next?
The Development Application has been submitted to The Hills Shire Council and is being assessed through the usual planning process. The School will continue to communicate with families as appropriate and keep our community informed as this important long-term planning work progresses.