Cheltenham Girls High School

Amidst the leafy tranquility of Cheltenham, a vibrant energy pulses. This energy belongs to Cheltenham Girls High School. Cheltenham Girls High School stands proudly on what was once the grand estate of the Vicars family. Established in 1957, Cheltenham Girls High School opened its doors to eager students in 1958. Initially, classes were held at Epping Boys High School while construction was completed. Can you imagine the girls sharing a playground, separated from the boys by a strict divide? The boys faced consequences if they crossed into the girls’ territory. A common misconception is that the school’s distinctive pink uniform resulted from a bequest. However, the Vicars family, the original landowners, actually chose the color. Those pink dresses remain a recognizable symbol of Cheltenham Girls High School today. Each year, a special occasion unfolds. The entire student body, accompanied by staff and parents, embarks on the “Cheltenham Express.” This dedicated train transports them to the Sydney Opera House for the annual Presentation Day. Imagine the scene: students filling the iconic Opera House, their voices uniting for a powerful rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus. Cheltenham Girls High School offers a diverse curriculum. From compulsory subjects to electives and accelerated courses, students have a range of options to pursue their academic passions. The school consistently achieves excellent results in the Higher School Certificate examinations, outperforming even some selective schools. Cheltenham Girls High School fosters a strong sense of community through its house system. Students are divided into six houses, each with its own unique color and emblem, inspiring friendly competition and school spirit at sporting carnivals and events. Cheltenham Girls High School also boasts a vibrant student leadership program, with elected prefects, transport prefects, and a Student Representative Council ensuring student voices are heard and school activities thrive. From the annual Art & Craft Show organized by the Parents and Citizens’ Association to the active Old Girls Association, Cheltenham Girls High School enjoys strong ties with its community, past and present. Cheltenham Girls High School has nurtured some remarkable alumnae, including celebrity chef Kylie Kwong, mathematician and TV presenter Lily Serna, and award-winning playwright Meredith Oakes. Their successes are a testament to the empowering environment fostered at Cheltenham Girls High School.