Ivanhoe Grammar School is a well-respected independent, co-educational school located in Ivanhoe, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1915 as St James’ Grammar School, it is a school of the Anglican Church of Australia and has grown into one of Victoria’s larger independent schools, catering for approximately 2,600 students from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12.
The school operates across four campuses, including a university-integrated campus at La Trobe University. It is affiliated with the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference, the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia, and is a founding member of the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria. Ivanhoe Grammar has also been an International Baccalaureate World School since December 1994.
School Leadership
Ivanhoe Grammar School is led by Gerard Foley, who has served as Principal since November 2015 — only the fifth Principal in the school’s more than 100-year history. Under his leadership, the school has established initiatives including the Ivanhoe Institute, the First Nations Scholarship Program, and the Ivanhoe Instructional Model. In 2026, Gerard Foley joined the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship, a leadership program run through the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership at Monash University.
In 2026, Ivanhoe Grammar School was also officially recognised as an Australian School of Character by Character.org, an international organisation advancing character education, following a rigorous evaluation including a virtual site visit and documentation review.
Campuses
| Campus | Address | Year Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Ivanhoe Campus (Ridgeway) | 41 The Ridgeway, Ivanhoe VIC 3079 | Years 7–12 |
| Buckley House | Ivanhoe | Early Learning Centre (3+) – Year 6 |
| Plenty Campus | 730 Bridge Inn Road, Doreen VIC 3754 | Prep – Year 12 |
| University Campus | Terrace 1 & 2, Terrace Way, Macleod VIC 3085 | University-integrated programs |
Postal Address: PO Box 91, Ivanhoe, VIC 3079 Phone: +61 3 9490 1877 Email: info@ivanhoe.com.au
Curriculum and Global Perspective
Ivanhoe Grammar offers a comprehensive curriculum from Early Learning through to Year 12, with a strong focus on academic excellence, personal development, and community involvement. The school provides an International Baccalaureate pathway alongside the Victorian curriculum, supporting a global outlook through international exchanges, study tours, and partnerships with educational institutions worldwide — including a 2026 Arts and Culture Tour through London, Paris, Florence, and Venice.
Facilities across the campuses include modern classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, sports fields, and art studios, supporting hands-on learning and collaborative projects.
Ivanhoe Grammar School Term Dates 2026
As an independent school, Ivanhoe Grammar sets its own term calendar, which differs slightly from the standard Victorian government school calendar — particularly around Term 1 start dates and specific school events.
| Term | Dates | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Friday, 30 January – Thursday, 2 April 2026 | Year 7 & 12 Orientation Day: Thu 29 Jan; all other students start Fri 30 Jan; Labour Day: Mon 9 Mar |
| Term 1 Holidays | Fri 3 April – Sun 19 April 2026 | Includes Good Friday (3 Apr), Easter Sunday (5 Apr), Easter Monday (6 Apr) |
| Term 2 | Monday, 20 April – Friday, 19 June 2026 | Assessment & Planning Day: Fri 22 May; King’s Birthday: Mon 8 Jun |
| Term 2 Holidays | Sat 20 June – Sun 12 July 2026 | |
| Term 3 | Monday, 13 July – Friday, 18 September 2026 | Ivanhoe Conference: Fri 14 Aug |
| Term 3 Holidays | Sat 19 September – Sun 4 October 2026 | |
| Term 4 | Monday, 5 October – Wednesday, 9 December 2026 | Mid-Term Break: Mon 2 Nov; Melbourne Cup Day: Tue 3 Nov |
| Term 4 Holidays | Thu 10 December 2026 – Mon 1 February 2027 |
Ivanhoe Grammar School Term Dates 2027
| Term | Dates | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Friday, 29 January – Thursday, 25 March 2027 | Year 7 & 12 Orientation Day: Fri 29 Jan; all other students start Mon 1 Feb; Labour Day: Mon 8 Mar |
| Term 1 Holidays | Fri 26 March – Sun 11 April 2027 | Includes Good Friday (26 Mar), Easter Sunday (28 Mar), Easter Monday (29 Mar) |
| Term 2 | Monday, 12 April – Friday, 18 June 2027 | Assessment & Planning Day: Fri 21 May; King’s Birthday: Mon 14 Jun |
| Term 2 Holidays | Sat 19 June – Sun 11 July 2027 | |
| Term 3 | Monday, 12 July – Friday, 17 September 2027 | Ivanhoe Conference: Fri 13 Aug |
| Term 3 Holidays | Sat 18 September – Sun 5 October 2027 | |
| Term 4 | Monday, 4 October – Wednesday, 8 December 2027 | Mid-Term Break: Mon 1 Nov; Melbourne Cup Day: Tue 2 Nov |
| Term 4 Holidays | Thu 9 December 2027 – Sun 30 January 2028 |
Note: These dates apply specifically to Ivanhoe Grammar School and differ from the standard Victorian government school calendar, including a slightly later Term 1 start and an earlier Term 4 finish to allow for examinations and orientation activities.
Last verified: 29 June 2026 Official source: Ivanhoe Grammar School — Term Dates.
How Families Can Use This Calendar
Knowing the Ivanhoe Grammar calendar in advance helps families:
- Plan around the staggered Term 1 start, where Year 7 and Year 12 students return a day earlier than other year levels
- Book travel during the official term holidays rather than during instructional weeks
- Stay aware of school-specific events such as the Assessment and Planning Day and Ivanhoe Conference, which are non-standard pupil-free days unique to this school
- Plan around the slightly shorter Term 4, which concludes in early to mid-December, to allow time for assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ivanhoe Grammar follow the same calendar as Victorian government schools?
No. As an independent school, Ivanhoe Grammar sets its own term dates, which are similar to but not identical to the Victorian Department of Education calendar — particularly around Term 1 start and Term 4 finish dates.
Who is the current Principal of Ivanhoe Grammar School?
Gerard Foley has served as Principal since November 2015, making him the fifth Principal in the school’s history.
How many campuses does Ivanhoe Grammar School have?
The school operates across four campuses: the Ivanhoe (Ridgeway) Campus, Buckley House, the Plenty Campus in Doreen, and the University Campus at La Trobe University in Macleod.
Is Ivanhoe Grammar a religious school?
Yes, it is a school of the Anglican Church of Australia, though it welcomes students from diverse backgrounds.
Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?
Contact Ivanhoe Grammar School at +61 3 9490 1877 or info@ivanhoe.com.au.