Anglican Church Grammar School — universally known as “Churchie” — is an independent Anglican day and boarding school for boys, located at Oaklands Parade, East Brisbane, Queensland, a vibrant inner suburb just a few kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD.

Founded in 1912 by Canon William Perry French Morris and his wife, the school is one of Queensland’s most prestigious independent schools and a founding member of the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland (GPS).

The school currently caters to approximately 1,800 students from Reception to Year 12, with 150 boarders drawn from Years 7 to 12 from across Queensland, interstate, and internationally. Churchie is owned by the Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane and is led by Headmaster Dr. Alan Campbell.

An Unusual Heritage: St Magnus and the Viking Tradition

One of the most distinctive features of Churchie is its unique connection to Saint Magnus — a Norseman earl known for strength of character — chosen as the school’s patron saint by founder Canon Morris. This Viking tradition is woven throughout the school’s identity: the coat of arms bears a shield and battle axes symbolising Viking courage, the school’s rowing boats are named after Viking figures, and the school mascot “Eric” is a Viking effigy. Canon Morris had originally hoped students would be called “Magnates” — however, “Churchie” had become commonplace and respected by the 1930s, and the nickname stuck.

A Genuine Grammar School Question

Despite its name, Churchie is not a Grammar School in the legislative sense. In 2016, the Queensland Parliament passed legislation defining Grammar Schools, specifically excluding Anglican Church Grammar School. The legislation nonetheless permitted the school to retain its historic name — a uniquely Queensland legal peculiarity that distinguishes Churchie from Brisbane Grammar School, Ipswich Grammar, and other true Grammar Schools in the state.

Mission and Four Founding Tenets

Churchie’s central mission is expressed as “the making of men” — nurturing and inspiring men of character who will lead and serve in communities across the world. This mission is built around four founding tenets:

1. Academic Excellence
2. Spiritual Awareness
3. Personal Growth
4. Service

These values are expressed through a commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, serving, and personal development, bound by tradition, culture, and community.

International Baccalaureate

Churchie is an International Baccalaureate World School, offering both the IB Diploma Programme (senior years) and the IB Primary Years Programme — placing it among a select group of Queensland independent schools offering IB pathways from the earliest year levels through to Year 12 completion.

Contact Information

Churchie (ACGS) Term Dates 2026

The following term dates are published directly on the official Churchie website (churchie.com.au/news-and-events/term-dates/).

Churchie (ACGS) Term Dates 2027

Note: As an independent school, Churchie sets its own term calendar independent of the Queensland Department of Education. The 2026 dates above are taken directly from the official school website. 2027 dates beyond Term 1 were not fully available at the time of writing — confirm via churchie.com.au closer to the date.

Last verified: 07 July 2026. Official source: Anglican Church Grammar School — Term Dates

Co-Curricular Life

Churchie is renowned for its exceptional co-curricular programme across sport, music, drama, and community service. GPS competition is central to the school’s sporting identity, with teams competing in cricket, rowing, rugby, swimming, tennis, and many other codes. The school’s rowing programme is particularly storied, with boats named after Viking figures — a distinctive tradition unique to Churchie.

Music is equally celebrated, with choral and instrumental programmes offering pathways from junior school through to performance at the highest levels.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Churchie offers a range of financial support options, including:

• Academic Scholarships
• Boarding Bursaries
• GPS Sporting Excellence Scholarships
• Music Excellence Scholarships
• Choral Scholarships

Enrolment

Churchie operates a non-selective enrolment policy — meaning academic results are not a barrier to entry, though places are competitive due to high demand. For boys boarding from Years 7-12, the school provides residential house facilities on campus. Prospective families can subscribe to Churchie’s Enrolments News at churchie.com.au for updates on upcoming information events and open days, which are regularly held across Brisbane and regional Queensland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Churchie” mean, and where did the name come from?

“Churchie” is an informal nickname that emerged from the school’s original name (Church of England Grammar School). Founder Canon Morris initially disliked the nickname, but it had become universally used and respected by the 1930s, and he accepted it.

Is Churchie a selective school?

No. Churchie has a non-selective enrolment policy, distinguishing it from many other GPS schools.

Is Churchie really a Grammar School?

Legally, no. Despite the name, Queensland legislation passed in 2016 specifically excluded Anglican Church Grammar School from the legal definition of a Grammar School — though it was permitted to retain its historic name.

Who is the current Headmaster?

Dr. Alan Campbell leads Anglican Church Grammar School.

Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?

Contact Churchie at +61 7 3896 2200 or visit churchie.com.au.

Related Queensland / Australia School Calendars

• Brisbane School District Calendar
• Anglican Church Grammar School Calendar (Queensland)