How many students attend the College?
There are currently 750 students enrolled at Mercy Catholic College. Our current Year 7 intake is 140 students.
Where is Mercy Catholic College?
Mercy Catholic College is located in the heart of Chatswood in Sydney’s North Shore on Archer St, Chatswood. We are a short walk from Chatswood station.
I/we are not Catholic. Do you take applications from non-Catholics and what are our chances of being accepted?
Mercy Catholic College is very proud to be an inclusive community with students and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, including non-Catholic and non-religious backgrounds; what we all share is a commitment to Catholic values.
While priority in enrolment is given to students from CSBB priority feeder schools, we welcome applications from all families seeking a Catholic education for their daughters.
On acceptance of an offered place there is an expectation that families will support their daughter’s participation in all faith based activities including the Religious Education Curriculum (7-12), College Masses, camp and retreats, etc.
Why a single sex education school?
While research studies show there are differing benefits to both co-ed and single sex education, at Mercy Catholic College we believe that a single sex education enables our students to flourish in an environment free from gender stereotyping. Research has shown girls in a single sex environment are more likely to take chances and push past bias than their co-ed peers to maximise their social, emotional and academic potential. Single-sex schools allow girls to be more confident, competitive, and more likely to seek out student leadership roles. Click here to watch a short video.
How do I apply?
Simply complete the online Enrolment Form on our website.
Mercy Catholic College does not charge any application or acceptance fees.
When should I apply for Year 7?
The simple answer is ‘as soon as possible’ as we are nearing maximum capacity.
Generally, all applications for Year 7 should be submitted by the time students have reached Year 4. However, applications will be accepted at any time where places are available.
For students attending CSBB priority feeder schools please note that while we do guarantee offers of enrolment to students from these primary schools, they are subject to enrolment windows (and any special needs requirements), and it is strongly recommended the timeframe above be followed.
Note that waiting lists may apply.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes, waiting lists currently apply for all Year groups. For Year 7, applications often exceed available places each year. Please contact the College Registrar if you have any queries or concerns.
When will we find out if our daughter has a place in Year 7?
Enrolment offers are made approximately 2 years out from the desired calendar year of entry. Families who have submitted a completed enrolment application for their daughters within the preferred timeframe and who meet the Diocesan Enrolment criteria will be advised not later than Term 3 of the year their daughters are in Year 5. For those students whose enrolment is placed on a waiting list, you will be advised in writing as soon as a vacancy arises.
What are the Fees?
Please see the Schedule of Fees. Note that tuition fees, building levy, camps and retreats and most other costs are included in this schedule. There are also discounts for second and subsequent children as outlined. Please contact the College Business Manager should you have any fee related queries.
How much is the uniform?
School uniforms are available from our uniform supplier:
Cowan and Lewis, 1315 Pacific Highway, Turramurra
Phone: 9449 9777
Website: cowanlewis.com.au
Pricing is available there.
Second hand uniforms are also available via our College’s P&F Pre-loved Facebook page. Contact the College office for more information.
How would my child travel to school?
Chatswood station is a short walk away allowing students to connect with bus, train and metro transport. Free public transport is available to students who live more than 2.0km (straight line) or 2.9km (walking) from the College. Visit www.transportnsw.info for more information about the Student Transport Travel Scheme.
For students who are driven to school there is a ‘kiss and drop’ zone outside the College on Malvern Ave, Chatswood.
What subjects are studied?
The College offers a wide and varied choice of subjects in line with current NESA requirements. These include traditional core academic subjects and a range of Humanities, Creative and Performing Arts, Technology and Applied Studies, PDHPE, as well as Language and Vocational courses. Please visit the Inside our Classrooms Curriculum page for various Stage Information.
What sports are available at the College?
The College encourages the development of the whole person not just the academic, and offer many opportunities for students to participate in co-curricular sports and activities. There are a wide range of representative and school-based sports on offer including (but not limited to) netball, basketball, football (soccer), rugby union, cricket, volleyball, swimming, athletics, touch football, cross country.
In addition to the College Co-curricular sports and activities available select students have the opportunity to compete in The Broken Bay Secondary Schools Sports Association (BBSSSA) and represent the College at Diocesan and State level.
Please visit our Sport page for a more detailed overview of the range of sporting programs available.
What extracurricular activities do you offer?
Our extensive co-curricular program includes opportunities for academic and career pathways, sporting and performing arts and a range of other activities including debating, public speaking, STEM, robotics, careers workshops, music tuition, bands, musical performances, drama and dance productions. Opportunities also exist for Student Leadership, Outdoor Education, Retreat and Duke of Edinburgh programs as well as Global Immersion’s.) Please visit the Beyond our Classroom page and sections for more information.
Do you have a band? Is there a College Band?
Mercy Catholic College has a Junior and Senior Band as well as music ensembles to suit all levels of ability and musical styles. Please visit our Creative Arts page for more information.
Do you take Overseas Students?
Please contact the College directly as our ability to assist with enrolment of overseas students is dependent on Visa type.
What about TAFE and VET options for senior students?
The College embraces a diversity of student interests and offer a range of subjects, including VET and TAFE options for our students. Students of all abilities and interests are also guided by our unique Pathways and Careers Program which assists students and families with choices beyond school. Please visit the Inside our Classroom Integrated Courses page for more information.
Does the College cater for students with Special Needs?
Once a student’s needs are identified, the Learning Support Team in consultation with the class teachers and, where appropriate, outside professionals ensure that students’ are provided with appropriate individual support to ensure equal access and participation in the curriculum. Our Learning Support Team is comprised of teachers who have qualifications in a variety of fields of Special Education. Students are supported by expert Learning Support Assistants who work with individual students in mainstream classes across a variety of subjects. In keeping with our differentiated learning program the College does not withdraw students with learning support needs from classrooms. For further information, please contact the College to speak to our Leader of Learning Support.
Does the College provide any extension programmes?
Award Programmes including the Honour Programme and Blue and Gold Programme have been specifically developed to encourage student involvement across a wide range of Mercy activities, allowing students the opportunity to graduate with further accreditation from any Year level at Mercy Catholic College.
