Ascham School is an independent, non-denominational day and boarding school for girls, located in Edgecliff, an eastern suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1886 by Miss Marie Wallis, the school was originally founded as a small private school in a terrace house in Darling Point before relocating to its current site at Edgecliff in 1910–1911.
The school takes its name from Roger Ascham, the renowned English scholar who served as tutor to Queen Elizabeth I. Since 1922, Ascham has been built around the Dalton Plan, an educational philosophy developed by American educator Helen Parkhurst. The Dalton Plan emphasises four core principles — independence, collaboration, responsibility, and reflection — and Ascham remains the only school in Australia to implement this approach across its curriculum fully.
Ascham caters to students from Preparatory level through to Year 12, with a strong boarding program that draws students primarily from rural New South Wales, interstate, and overseas, alongside day students from across Sydney.
Ascham School Calendar 2026-2027
Campus and Facilities
Ascham’s single campus spans approximately 5 hectares on the historic Glenrock estate, offering views over Double Bay and easy access to Sydney’s CBD. The school is organised into distinct sections by age group:
- Hillingdon — Preparatory to Year 2 (Infant School)
- Fiona — Years 3 to 6 (Junior School)
- Senior School — Years 7 to 12, taught under the Dalton Plan framework
Facilities on campus include the Packer Theatre, an indoor heated pool, a gymnasium, tennis courts, playing fields, science laboratories, and three libraries. The school also maintains international exchange partnerships with girls’ schools, including St Mary’s Calne (UK), Havergal College (Toronto), and Nightingale-Bamford School (New York).
Ascham School Term Dates 2026
Ascham follows a four-term academic year. Boarders have specific return and travel dates around each term break, which families should note alongside the standard term dates.
| Term | Starts | Ends | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Friday, 31 January 2026 | Thursday, 10 April 2026 | Boarders return Thu 30 Jan; Photo Day for Senior School on start date |
| Term 2 | Tuesday, 29 April 2026 | Friday, 27 June 2026 | Boarders return Mon 28 Apr; pupil-free day Fri 6 June |
| Term 3 | Tuesday, 22 July 2026 | Thursday, 18 September 2026 | Boarders return Mon 21 Jul; IGSA Sport Finals Sat 20 Sep |
| Term 4 | Tuesday, 14 October 2026 | Wednesday, 10 December 2026 | Boarders return Mon 13 Oct |
Key Dates to Note
- Australia Day: Monday, 27 January 2026
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 9 June 2026 (falls during Term 2)
- Boarders’ travel days: fall immediately after each term ends, allowing boarding students time to return home
Note: These dates apply specifically to Ascham School and may differ from NSW public school term dates, as Ascham is an independent school setting its own calendar.
Last verified: 27 June 2026 Source: Ascham School official term dates (as published by the school)
Enrolment at Ascham
Ascham operates a non-selective enrolment policy, with formal entry points at Preparatory, Kindergarten, Year 5, and Year 7. However, additional places may be offered at other year levels at the Head of School’s discretion. The enrolment process includes submission of academic records, references, and a formal interview.
Prospective families are encouraged to attend school tours or open days to experience Ascham’s campus and educational approach before applying. Given the school’s boarding program and strong demand, early applications are recommended.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Ascham offers scholarships and bursaries to support students who demonstrate academic excellence or talent in areas such as music, drama, or sport, as well as families with financial need. Scholarships are merit-based, while bursaries are means-tested financial assistance for boarding or day students who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Application timelines vary each year — families should check directly with the school’s enrolment office for current scholarship round dates, as these open and close on a yearly cycle.
Co-Curricular Life and Careers Support
Beyond academics, Ascham offers an extensive co-curricular program spanning sport, music, drama, and debating. The school also provides structured career guidance for senior students, including personalised counselling, workshops, and networking opportunities with alumni through the Ascham Old Girls’ Union (AOGU) — a network founded in 1899 that now includes over 4,000 alumnae.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 188 New South Head Road, Edgecliff NSW 2027, Australia |
| School type | Independent, non-denominational, day and boarding (girls) |
| Year levels | Preparatory – Year 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the school called Ascham?
The school is named after Roger Ascham, the English scholar and tutor to Queen Elizabeth I, not after any Swiss educationalist, as is sometimes incorrectly stated online.
What is the Dalton Plan, and why does Ascham use it?
The Dalton Plan is an educational philosophy developed by Helen Parkhurst, introduced at Ascham in 1922. It emphasises student independence, responsibility, and self-directed learning, and Ascham remains the only school in Australia to implement it fully.
Does Ascham offer boarding?
Yes. Ascham has a strong boarding program for students from Year 6 to Year 12, drawing boarders primarily from rural NSW, interstate, and overseas.
Are Ascham’s term dates the same as NSW public schools?
No. As an independent school, Ascham sets its own calendar, which may differ from NSW Department of Education public school dates.
Related New South Wales School Calendars
- Sydney Grammar School Calendar
- Trinity Grammar School Calendar
- North Sydney Boys High School Calendar
- Hornsby School Calendar
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