Firbank Grammar School is an independent, Anglican, day and boarding school located in the Bayside suburb of Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria. Established on 26 April 1909 by the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, Henry Lowther Clarke — who left a generous legacy specifically for educational purposes — Firbank has provided quality education rooted in Christian values for over 115 years.
The school caters to approximately 1,200 students from ELC to Year 12 across three campuses. The Early Learning Centre and primary years are co-educational, while the Senior School (Years 7-12) is for girls only. Firbank has close ties with its brother school, Brighton Grammar School, with students from both schools participating together in music, drama, and other co-educational activities.
The school’s motto — “Vincit qui se vincit” (“One conquers who conquers oneself”) — reflects a philosophy of personal growth, character development, and resilience that runs throughout school life.
Leadership
Firbank Grammar School is led by Principal Ms Jenny Williams. The 2026 Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School is Ceri Lloyd, who recently joined the school in this role. The school’s 2026 Co-Captains are Isabella Tranter and Sophie Nicholls, announced at the Leadership Investiture Ceremony at the conclusion of 2025.
Three Campuses: Brighton and Sandringham
| Campus | Address | Year Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton Senior School | 51 Outer Crescent, Brighton VIC 3186 | Years 7–12 (Girls) + Boarding |
| Brighton Junior School (Turner House) | Middle Crescent, Brighton VIC 3186 | ELC – Year 6 (Girls + Co-ed ELC) |
| Sandringham Junior School | 45 Royal Avenue, Sandringham VIC 3191 | ELC – Year 6 (Co-educational) |
Students from the Sandringham Campus have guaranteed pathways: girls progress to Firbank’s Senior School in Brighton, while boys have a pathway to the neighbouring Brighton Grammar School Senior School.
Acknowledgement of Country
Firbank Grammar School acknowledges its campuses are situated on the Country of the Kulin Nations, honouring the sovereignty and connection to Country of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and paying respect to their Traditional Custodians and Elders past and present.
Academic Programmes
Firbank offers a comprehensive curriculum from ELC through to Year 12, including:
- IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) — at the Brighton Junior School, with students engaging in the PYP Exhibition as a culminating primary-years project
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) — for Years 11-12 in the Senior School
- Structured learning in literacy, numeracy, the arts, STEM, and humanities across primary years
The Senior School operates a Semester Two structure for Years 10-12 that begins earlier for the Senior School (Mid-June) than for Junior Schools (late July), to accommodate the shorter Terms 3 and 4 of the final year.
Co-Curricular Life
Firbank’s co-curricular programme is extensive, with particular strengths in:
- Rowing — Firbank has competed in rowing since 1992 and is a member of Girls Sport Victoria (GSV)
- Swimming — the school has produced many nationally and internationally recognised swimmers, with a dedicated Firbank Swim School operating 7 days a week year-round, including competitive squads and weekly lessons
- Music — choirs including the Bel Canto choir, ensembles, and joint performances with Brighton Grammar
- Drama — joint productions with Brighton Grammar and internal school productions
- Community Service — including a sponsorship of the Brighton Surf Life Saving Club Bathing Box Classic event
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Senior School Phone | +61 3 9591 5188 |
| Website | firbank.vic.edu.au |
| Principal | Ms Jenny Williams |
| School type | Independent, Anglican; co-ed (ELC/Junior), girls (Senior School) |
| Year levels | ELC – Year 12 |
| Enrolment | Approximately 1,200 students |
| Founded | 26 April 1909 |
| Motto | Vincit qui se vincit (“One conquers who conquers oneself”) |
Firbank Grammar School Term Dates 2026
The following dates are sourced directly from the official Firbank Grammar School website (firbank.vic.edu.au/term-dates/).
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Friday, 29 January 2026 | Thursday, 25 March 2026 |
| Term 2 | Tuesday, 13 April 2026 | Friday, 18 June 2026 |
| Term 3 | Wednesday, 14 July 2026 | Friday, 17 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | Tuesday, 5 October 2026 | Tuesday, 7 December 2026 |
Semester Two (Senior School only) commences Monday, 15 June 2026 — earlier than Term 3 start — to accommodate the shorter Terms 3 and 4 in senior years.
ELC Long Day School operates from Wednesday, 10 January 2026 to Tuesday, 17 December 2026.
Firbank Grammar School Term Dates 2027
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Friday, 31 January 2027 | Friday, 4 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | Wednesday, 23 April 2027 | Friday, 27 June 2027 |
| Term 3 | Wednesday, 23 July 2027 | Friday, 19 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | Tuesday, 7 October 2027 | Tuesday, 9 December 2027 |
Last verified: 10 July 2026. Official source: Firbank Grammar School — Term Dates
How Families Can Use This Calendar
Knowing the Firbank calendar in advance helps families:
- Note the earlier Senior School Semester Two start (mid-June rather than mid-July) when planning family activities for Year 10-12 students
- Plan around the ELC Long Day School calendar, which operates from January to December with its own dates
- Coordinate with Brighton Grammar School’s calendar for joint co-curricular events involving both schools
- Book the school’s popular open mornings and tours well in advance, particularly for ELC and Junior School entry
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Firbank Grammar School co-educational?
The ELC and Junior Schools are co-educational, while the Senior School (Years 7-12) is for girls only. Boys attending the Sandringham Campus have a pathway to Brighton Grammar School’s Senior School.
Who is the current Principal?
Ms Jenny Williams is the Principal of Firbank Grammar School.
Does Firbank offer the IB?
Yes. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered at the Brighton Junior School.
When does Term 1 start in 2026?
Term 1 begins Friday, 29 January 2026 — note this is different from the standard Victorian Department of Education calendar, as Firbank is an independent school.
Who do I contact for enrolments or general enquiries?
Contact Firbank Grammar School at +61 3 9591 5188 or visit firbank.vic.edu.au.