Camberwell Grammar School is an independent, Anglican, single-sex day school for boys, located at 55 Mont Albert Road, Canterbury, an eastern suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Camberwell Church of England Grammar School was founded on Prospect Hill in 1886, before being re-opened in July 1891 under co-principals William A. Gosman and Alfred S. Hall.
The school occupied several sites around the suburb of Camberwell before settling on its current Mont Albert Road site, on Canterbury’s “Golden Mile,” from 1935.
Today, Camberwell Grammar educates approximately 1,300 students from Prep to Year 12 and is one of the original member schools of the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria (AGSV). The school is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2026, marked by special editions of the school’s Spectemur publication and other commemorative events throughout the year.
School Leadership
Camberwell Grammar School is led by Principal Ben Jeacocke, who was officially commissioned as the school’s 10th Principal in a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, in March 2025. The School Executive Team, under his leadership, oversees the development and implementation of educational policies and operations, supported by a 10-member School Council responsible for the school’s overall governance and strategy.
Academic Program
Camberwell Grammar offers the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) to all Year 11 and 12 students, with some students able to undertake VCE and VET Units 1 & 2 in Year 10 as part of advanced learning programs. Languages Other Than English (LOTE) taught at the school include Chinese, French, Indonesian, and Latin.
Co-Curricular Life: Sport, Music, and Cadets
Sport is a core part of school life — all students participate in weekly physical education classes, and students in Years 7-12 are required to take part in organised sport across summer, winter, and spring seasons as part of the AGSV competition calendar. The school has won numerous AGSV premierships over the decades, including 11 Athletics titles, 22 Badminton titles, and 21 Hockey titles. Students with particular athletic talent can also join the Sports Academy for individual or small-group coaching.
Music is similarly strong, with a wide variety of stringed, brass, and combined ensembles across age groups, supported by a dedicated Music Academy programme modelled on conservatorium-style training. The school holds a biannual concert at Hamer Hall featuring ensembles from the Junior, Middle, and Senior Schools.
The Camberwell Grammar School Army Cadet Unit (CGSACU), established in 1888, celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2018, making it one of the school’s longest-running traditions.
Notable Alumni
Camberwell Grammar’s alumni include figures such as comedian and performer Barry Humphries, television and radio personality Andy Lee, songwriter David Bridie, journalist Sir Keith Murdoch, and World War I flying ace Robert A. Little, reflecting the school’s long history of producing graduates across the arts, media, public service, and military.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 55 Mont Albert Road, Canterbury VIC 3126, Australia |
| Phone | (03) 9835 1777 |
| admissions@cgs.vic.edu.au | |
| Website | cgs.vic.edu.au |
| Principal | Ben Jeacocke |
| School type | Independent, Anglican, boys’ day school |
| Year levels | Prep – Year 12 |
| Founded | 1886 |
Camberwell Grammar School Term Dates 2026
As an independent school, Camberwell Grammar sets its own term calendar, which is broadly aligned with — but may vary slightly from — the standard Victorian Department of Education calendar.
| Term | Start Date | Finish Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 January 2026 (students start Wednesday, 28 January) | Thursday, 2 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | Monday, 20 April 2026 | Friday, 26 June 2026 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 13 July 2026 | Friday, 18 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 5 October 2026 | Friday, 18 December 2026 |
Camberwell Grammar School Term Dates 2027
| Term | Start Date | Finish Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wednesday, 27 January 2027 (students start Thursday, 28 January) | Thursday, 25 March 2027 |
| Term 2 | Monday, 12 April 2027 | Friday, 25 June 2027 |
| Term 3 | Monday, 12 July 2027 | Friday, 17 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | Monday, 4 October 2027 | Friday, 17 December 2027 |
Note: Independent schools like Camberwell Grammar typically follow term dates close to the Victorian government calendar but may set their own exact start/finish dates and additional pupil-free days. Confirm directly with the school for exact dates specific to Camberwell Grammar.
Last verified: 27 June 2026 Official source: Victorian Government — School term dates and holidays in Victoria (independent school dates may vary; confirm via cgs.vic.edu.au)
Enrolment
Camberwell Grammar School offers enrolment for boys from Prep to Year 12, with applications typically opening several years in advance due to high demand. The process includes:
- Submitting an application form with required documents and a non-refundable fee
- Priority given to siblings and sons of Old Boys (alumni)
- Entry assessments and interviews, particularly for Middle and Senior School entry
Early application is strongly encouraged to secure a place, and the school offers a limited number of scholarships for eligible students.
Vision and Values
The school is committed to nurturing each student’s potential through a balanced, supportive environment, with values centred on integrity, respect, and personal excellence. Emphasis is placed on academic achievement, co-curricular involvement, and community service, preparing students to lead with empathy and purpose.
Student Wellbeing
Camberwell Grammar places strong emphasis on student wellbeing, offering counselling services, wellbeing days, and pastoral care systems alongside Learning Enhancement and Learning Enrichment programmes and dedicated Careers Counselling.
Careers Program
The school’s careers programme supports students through one-on-one guidance, workshops, guest speakers, and access to resources covering university pathways, apprenticeships, and vocational training, alongside real-world experience through internships and work placements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Camberwell Grammar School?
The school was founded in 1886, making it 140 years old in 2026.
Who is the current Principal?
Ben Jeacocke, who was commissioned as the school’s 10th Principal in March 2025.
Is Camberwell Grammar a boys’ school?
Yes. It is a single-sex, independent day school for boys from Prep to Year 12. (Note: Camberwell Girls Grammar School is a separate, related institution.)
Does Camberwell Grammar follow the same calendar as Victorian government schools?
The school’s calendar is broadly aligned but, as an independent school, may set slightly different start/finish dates — confirm directly with the school.
Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?
Contact Camberwell Grammar School at (03) 9835 1777 or admissions@cgs.vic.edu.au.
Related Victoria School Calendars
- Geelong Grammar School Calendar
- Ivanhoe Grammar School Calendar
- Albert Park Primary School Calendar
- Firbank Grammar School Calendar
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