Alphington Grammar School is an independent, co-educational school located at 18 Old Heidelberg Road, Alphington, Victoria, situated on 5 hectares of parkland alongside the banks of Darebin Creek — approximately 7 kilometres north-east of Melbourne’s CBD. The school serves students from Pre-Preparatory (Pre-Prep) through to Year 12, including a VCE programme in senior years.
The school was established by the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GCM) in 1988, with the site previously having been used by Parade College as a junior school campus from 1956 to 1981. Alphington Grammar opened its doors in 1989, with Mr Nicholas Bates appointed as Establishment Principal.
The campus itself holds additional heritage significance — it was built on the former homestead of Charles Trescowthick, a prominent Melbourne boot-maker of the late 19th and early 20th century, whose Edwardian-style home Flowerdale House still stands on the grounds, offering views over Darebin Creek.
A Non-Denominational School with Greek Heritage
Despite being founded by the Greek Community, Alphington Grammar was designed from its inception as a non-denominational school — reflecting the GCM’s vision of a school that connected to the Greek community while welcoming students from all cultural and religious backgrounds. Today, the school’s student body represents approximately 25 ethnic and religious backgrounds, making it one of the most genuinely multicultural independent schools in Victoria.
The school maintains its close relationship with the Greek Community of Melbourne, which holds Greek language classes on campus on Friday evenings and weekends — a living connection between the school and its founding community.
Alphington Grammar School Calendar 2026
Leadership
Alphington Grammar School is led by Principal Dr. Vivianne Nikou, who was appointed in 2013 as the school’s first female Principal. Under Dr. Nikou’s leadership, the school has undergone significant growth and development, including major building projects such as the Lyceum Centre, a state-of-the-art STEM wing, music rooms, a dance and drama studio, and an expanded administration and student amenities block. Enrolments have grown to over 650 students with waiting lists, rivalling much larger and more affluent competitor schools in academic results.
Campus and Facilities
The school sits on 5 hectares of attractive parklands and sporting ovals alongside Darebin Creek, with mature native flora and fauna providing an idyllic learning environment. Facilities include:
- Modern classrooms from Pre-Prep through VCE, including a recently built Years 3-6 classroom wing
- Lyceum Centre — conference and staff space
- STEM wing — state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics facilities
- Performing Arts building — including dance and drama studio, modern gymnasium
- Music rooms — supporting the school’s broad music programme
- Flowerdale House — the original Edwardian homestead, now part of the school grounds
- New sports facilities and underground car park (in staged development)
The school also operates private bus services from various Melbourne suburbs for families unable to access public transport routes.
Curriculum and Co-Curricular Life
Alphington Grammar follows the Victorian Curriculum (junior years) and VCE (senior years), with core subjects including Mathematics, English, Science, Humanities, Creative Arts, Physical Education, Greek, Chinese, and Information Technology through to Year 9. A wide range of VCE subjects is offered, with class sizes generally kept below 20 to ensure personalised attention.
The school’s motto — “Trying to be the Best” — reflects its commitment to individual student achievement across all domains.
Over 40 clubs and societies are available across Primary and Secondary schools, including:
- Sports: Walking Club, Running Club, Swim Squad, Basketball, Tennis, Yoga, Athletics Enrichment
- Music and Arts: Junior Orchestra, Concert Band, Greek Choir, Greek Band, Latin Band, Folk Band, Metal Band, String Club, Senior Band, Alphington Drumline, Art Club, Drama Club
- STEM: Code Camp, Coding Club, Python Programming, Environment Club
- Social: Chess Club, Book Club, Debating, Public Speaking, Radio Club
The Gateways Programme
A flagship initiative introduced in 2014, the Gateways Programme provides students with international and interstate travel experiences connecting learning to global contexts and the school’s Greek heritage. Over 115 students travelled to London, Italy, Sicily, and Greece — including the Acropolis in Athens, the Samaria Gorge in Crete, Delphi, and the monasteries of Meteora — experiencing an “open classroom” across iconic sites.
Scholarships Available
Alphington Grammar offers scholarships in the following categories:
- Academic
- General Excellence
- The Arts
- Greek (language and culture)
- Senior School
- Music
Alphington Grammar School Term Dates 2026
As an independent school, Alphington Grammar sets its own term calendar, broadly aligned with the Victorian Department of Education calendar but with school-specific variations possible.
| 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 |
Alphington 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: As an independent school, Alphington Grammar may vary slightly from state government school dates. Confirm exact term dates directly via ags.vic.edu.au each year.
Last verified: 07 July 2026. Official source: Victorian Government — School term dates and holidays in Victoria (independent school dates may vary — confirm via ags.vic.edu.au)
Annual Events Highlights
Key recurring events in the Alphington Grammar calendar include:
- Annual Music Concert — featuring students from Years 4, 5, and 6 showcasing musical talents
- Annual Open Day — student-led school tours, performances, and activities for prospective families (recently held Saturday 16 March as an example)
- Gateways international trips — senior students traveling to culturally significant destinations
- Greek Community events — Friday evening and weekend Greek language classes, cultural celebrations
Enrolment
Alphington Grammar is an independent school with selective enrolment, and strong demand means places are limited — families interested in 2027 and beyond are encouraged to enquire early.
The school’s small size (approximately 540-650+ students) is a deliberate feature, enabling every student to be known individually by staff. For enrolment enquiries, visit ags.vic.edu.au or contact the school office directly at (03) 9497 4777.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Principal of Alphington Grammar School?
Dr. Vivianne Nikou was appointed in 2013 as the school’s first female Principal.
Is Alphington Grammar a Greek school?
It was founded by the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria but is explicitly non-denominational, welcoming students from approximately 25 different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
What is the Gateways Programme?
Introduced in 2014, it provides students with international and interstate travel experiences connecting classroom learning to global cultures and Greek heritage sites.
Does Alphington Grammar follow the same calendar as Victorian government schools?
The school’s calendar broadly aligns with the Victorian government calendar but, as an independent school, may vary — confirm exact dates via ags.vic.edu.au.
Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?
Contact Alphington Grammar at (03) 9497 4777 or visit ags.vic.edu.au.
