Applications for Entry and School Tour Day for 2026

The School has waiting lists for many year entries, so it is recommended that an application is made by your daughter’s first birthday or at least three years prior to the nominated entry level. Applications for all years are processed in the order in which they are received. For updated information, please view our online prospectus package.

The School is currently interviewing girls who will commence in Pre-K to Year 11 in 2028. If you would like to apply for the few places available in 2027 please follow the link to our online application form here.

It is always advisable to take a tour of the School as things have changed over the years. The next available MLC School tour days will be held on Thursday 21 May 2026 at 10.30am followed by Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 10.30am.

Numbers are limited and registration is required for all tour days. To register your attendance click on the button below, scroll down the page and click the tour you would like to attend.

If you have other enquiries about the enrolment process, please contact Vickii Scott, our Registrar, by email or phone 02 8741 3165.

Register for a tour

Scholarships for Year 5 – Opening Soon

MLC School offers an All-Rounder Scholarship for girls entering Year 5 in 2027.

Registrations open Tuesday 28 April 2026.

It is open to prospective students and those enrolled in Year 4 at the School. The scholarship offers 50% tuition fee relief for Year 5 to Year 12 (subject to conditions). For more information please email registrar@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Back to College Open Day

MLC School, Burwood
Friday 1 May 2026
10am – 2pm

Back to College Day is a key open day event for parents, grandparents, current students, Old Girls, current and previous staff, and current and previous parents to honour the School’s 140 years. The day will be filled with celebration and connection, including musical performances, a formal assembly, a chance to tour the School, Chapel Service and of course, the Boarders’ Luncheon. More details will be shared closer to the day. 

From the Principal

140 Years of Excellence: Community, Commitment and Achievement

Establishment of MLC School Army Cadet Unit

The Establishment Parade of the MLC School Army Cadet Unit marked an important milestone in the life of our school community: the formal beginning of a newly raised, all‑female Army Cadet Unit grounded in tradition, purpose, and leadership.

Guided by the command philosophy ‘Dare to Lead. Walk with Purpose’, this unit has been established with clear expectations, strong values, and a commitment to developing confident young women of character. While our unit is young, its foundations are strong, built on the proud traditions of the Australian Army Cadets and the enduring ethos of MLC School.

At its heart, this unit is about leadership. Leadership grounded in integrity, courage, and respect. Leadership that challenges cadets to step forward, support one another, and serve with pride, both in uniform and beyond the parade ground.

A central guiding principle of the unit is the belief in choosing the hard right over the easy wrong. Cadets are expected to act with honesty, courage, and accountability at all times. Whether in green or in blue, on parade or in daily life, character and integrity remain non‑negotiable.

The culture of the unit is anchored in four core values:

• Courage — doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
• Teamwork — working together, supporting one another, and putting the team first.
• Initiative — stepping up, solving problems, and acting with confidence.
• Respect — for others, for the unit, for the community, and for self.

Leadership within the unit is defined not by rank alone, but by example. Cadets are encouraged to lead through conduct, preparation, communication, and care for those around them. Safety, integrity, and accountability underpin every activity, ensuring a positive and supportive environment where all cadets can grow.

The MLC School Army Cadet Unit is more than a co-curricular. It is a leadership development space designed to build confidence, resilience, and purpose. Through realistic and engaging experiences, cadets learn to persevere, reflect, support one another, and celebrate success together, always with perspective, humility, and good humour.

As this unit takes its first formal steps on parade, it does so with pride and conviction. These young women represent the future of leadership at MLC School, committed, capable, and ready to serve.

Together, we will build a unit that inspires, endures, and leads with strength, service, and integrity.

– CAPT(AAC) Xavier Maling

‘Dare to Lead. Walk with Purpose’

Click on gallery to view full images

Celebrating Old Girl Andrea Lam (1999), a shining example of what it means to ‘Dare to Be More’

We are thrilled to celebrate our extraordinary Old Girl Andrea Lam (1999), who has been featured in the ABC’s ‘Creative Types with Virginia Trioli’.

Civic and Australia Day Awards Recognition for Isla and Téa

MLC School is delighted to share some recent community recognition involving Isla Costin, graduating class of 2025, and Téa, Year 9.

Isla was named 2026 Young Citizen of the Year for Burwood, and both Isla and Téa were also named joint winners of the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year for Canada Bay. These awards were presented at separate Australia Day ceremonies held last week. This recognition follows Téa being named 2025 Young Volunteer of the Year for Burwood (Isla received same award in 2024), as well as Isla and Téa jointly receiving the 2025 Group Volunteer of the Year for Ryde.

The awards were presented by the respective Mayors, John Faker for Burwood and Michael Megan for Canada Bay. During the presentations, both mayors spoke warmly about MLC School and the role it plays in supporting the girls who are actively engaged in their communities.

These awards recognise Isla and Téa’s ongoing community service and youth leadership across several local government areas.

Congratulations to Isla and Téa.

Click on image gallery for full size images

Visit to Queen Salote College (QSC)

At the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho, the School Chair, Kylie Bryden Smith, Deputy Principal, Melissa Boyd, and I travelled to Nuku’alofa, Tonga, joining thousands of Queen Salote College (QSC) alumni from around the world for several days of celebration and festivities to mark 100 years since the College’s founding in 1926.  

It is hard to explain the significance of QSC to the Tongan community but suffice to say that the Tongan government declared the anniversary a public holiday, underscoring the prestige of the event and the importance of QSC as the nation’s only all-girls school. The celebrations were livestreamed by ABC Pacific and watched by audiences from around the world.

MLC School in Sydney and QSC share an historical sister school partnership that has lasted over 90 years. This relationship is built on our shared Methodist foundations, a mutual commitment to providing excellence in girls’ education, and long-standing cultural and royal ties. With support from our school community, the partnership was reinvigorated in 2023. MLC School families have provided textbooks and supplies for QSC students and MLC School teachers volunteer their time to mentor QSC staff. In 2025 we were honoured to host a visit from Queen Nanasipauʻu to mark the significance of our collaboration.

The first official record of the relationship between QSC and MLC School is recorded in the 1935 edition of Excelsior, in which it is reported that in August 1935, Her Majesty the Queen of Tonga, Queen Salote Tupou III visited MLC School and addressed the student body who showed their appreciation through ‘a great storm of enthusiastic clapping’ and singing the School song for her. The Excelsior article that chronicles her visit refers to the fact that in the years prior, there had been several Tongan girls attending MLC School, many of whom were now ‘conspicuous in Tonga.’

Our records also show that Jeanette Loy (Maddox, 1960) MLC School Old Girl, former staff member and former member of the School Council was appointed Headmistress of Queen Salote School from 1971-1973. During Jeanette’s time at MLC School, the MLC School senior students supported the education of Tongan girls at QSC.

As part of my speech at the QSC celebrations, I was honoured to announce that the family of Jeanette Loy have created a fellowship which will support teachers from both Queen Salote College and MLC School to visit each other’s schools for the purpose of professional exchange and learning. The fellowship also provides for an annual prize to be awarded to a senior student at each school who demonstrates a commitment to global exchange and understanding through her involvement at school.

This fellowship will benefit students and teachers at both schools, encouraging excellence in teaching and learning and building intercultural awareness and understanding. We are very thankful for the Loy family support to enable this important initiative which enables us to continue to build the relationship and connection that Jeanette so strongly believed in.

As well as the funds from the Jeanette Loy fellowship, both the Queen Salote College ex-students association and the MLC School Old Girls Union provide financial support for the program.

The relationship is supported by the Australian High Commission and aligns with a broader commitment to Pacific education partnerships. While in Tonga we were invited to meet with Brek Batley, Australian High Commissioner to Tonga to discuss our partnership with QSC and how we might work collaboratively with his team to further the impact of our work.

– Lisa Moloney 
Principal

Click on gallery to view full images

Another First for MLC School

For 140 years, MLC School has been known for looking ahead, embracing new ideas and new technologies early, not for novelty, but because the right tools help our staff teach, support and care for students even better. From the earliest classroom innovations to today’s digital learning environments, we have consistently asked the same question: ‘what will best equip our girls to thrive in a changing world?’ That future-focused mindset, grounded in our enduring Values, continues to shape how we learn, lead and serve our community.

Most recently, this commitment has been recognised through our continued partnership with Microsoft and our willingness to adopt emerging technology to strengthen how we operate behind the scenes. Our approach includes exploring new, AI-enabled tools that help our teams work more efficiently and enhance our cyber security posture, an essential part of keeping student and staff information safe in today’s environment. It’s another example of MLC School leading with confidence: honouring our 140 Year history as a ‘first’ mover, while investing thoughtfully in the systems and capabilities that will support our community for decades to come.

Click here to read the full story.

Have You Tuned In Yet? The Dare to Be More Podcast

Did you tune in to the first episode of the MLC School Dare to Be More podcast yet? If not, now’s the perfect time. Our new podcast series offers short, engaging conversations that unpack what matters most in girls’ education, leadership and growth — straight from the people shaping life at MLC School.

In a recent episode, we explore the transformative power of debating with Amelia, the 2026 Debating Captain at MLC School. Amelia shares how debating has shaped her ability to think critically, see multiple perspectives, and lead with confidence.

Professionally hosted by Anthony Perl, each episode runs just 15-20 minutes and offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and anyone interested in girls’ education. New episodes will be released every two weeks.

Other episodes include:

• EP8: Inspiring Journeys of Alumnae Award Winners with Dr. Jan Milburn OAM
• EP9: Developing Leadership with Andrew Taylor, Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing, and Fiona Pow, Head of Students – Year 10 to Year 12.
• EP10: Developing Leadership with the 2026 School Captain, Anisha

Each episode is accompanied by short audio clips on our social media channels, giving you a glimpse into these fascinating conversations.

The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Simply search for “MLC School Dare to Be More”.

We hope you’ll tune in and join us on this exciting new journey.

Have your details changed?

Have you recently moved, changed your email or mobile phone numbers?

Please let us know so that we can continue to keep in touch. 

Update here

Nurturing Young Writers: Inside MLC School’s Carmina Lucem

Thanks to the generosity of the Old Girls Union Funding Initiative, I am delighted to share that the inaugural edition of Carmina Lucem is now in the hands of students, teachers and librarians across MLC School. This beautiful publication celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of our students and reflects the School’s strong commitment to nurturing young voices.

Strengthening Global Teacher Education through Partnerships

MLC School is proud to play a role in a growing international partnership that connects schools and universities across borders, cultures, and educational systems. Recently, MLC School welcomed 20 faculty members and preservice teachers from Seoul National University, widely recognised as South Korea’s top‑ranked university, who were visiting Australia as part of an exchange program with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

This visit exemplifies the strength of MLC School’s long‑standing partnership with UTS and the value of universities bringing global collaborators into that relationship. Through UTS’s established academic exchange with SNU, MLC School was able to offer Korean academics and preservice teachers a rich, authentic experience of Australian schooling in practice.

The day’s program reflected MLC School’s commitment to professional learning and to the teaching profession more broadly. Visitors engaged in classroom observations across a wide range of learning areas, heard from school leaders about learning and teaching at MLC School, and explored how professional learning is embedded across the school, so that our staff join our students in ‘Daring To Be More’. These experiences provided meaningful insight into contemporary pedagogy, student voice, and teacher professionalism within an Australian independent school context.

Equally important was the reciprocal nature of the exchange. Conversations throughout the day bridged cultures and educational traditions, fostering mutual understanding and shared reflection on teaching, learning, and teacher education.

MLC School is striving to be a lighthouse school for preservice teacher education, valuing its role in supporting future teachers both locally and internationally. Partnerships such as this demonstrate the power of collaboration between schools and universities to strengthen the profession, enrich practice, and prepare educators for an increasingly interconnected world

– Cathryn Moore
Strategic Project Leader

Click on gallery to view full images

Experience our Virtual Tour!

Our virtual tour is up and running! Click the link below to explore the MLC School’s Junior and Senior Campuses.

Watch Now!

MLC School Girls Achieve

HSC Works Selected and Nominated for Showcase

A number of performances and major works from MLC School girls were nominated for recognition as part of the HSC showcase events. To be nominated for any of these showcases is a significant achievement as it acknowledges these projects as best in the State. To be selected into a Showcase event is an outstanding recognition.

Click here to read about all of MLC School’s selections and nominations.

Congratulations to everyone! Click on the button below to read the full achievements of the Class of 2025.

Class of 2025 Highlights

You can also read an overview on the 2025 results on our website.

Tildesley Tennis – Championship Highlights

This term has been a wonderful reflection of the spirit, tradition and sense of belonging that define life at MLC School. In our 140th year of excellence in girls’ education, it was a joy to see a new generation of students step onto the courts at Pennant Hills Park to take part in the historic Tildesley Tennis Tournament — a prestigious interschool competition that has been running since 1918 and remains a cornerstone of MLC School’s sporting tradition.

MLC School holds a proud and distinguished place in Tildesley history. Since the tournament’s inception, the School has claimed the Singles title more than any other competitor, with an outstanding 19 victories, including eight all‑MLC School Singles finals. One of the most memorable moments came in 1977, when sisters Anne Lewis (1977) and Megan Lewis (1980) faced one another in the final — a powerful example of the continuity, excellence and family connection that continue to inspire students today.

Building confidently on this legacy, MLC School’s 2026 team delivered an impressive performance across both singles and doubles events. All five doubles pairings progressed beyond the first round, while seven of the nine singles players advanced past Round 1 — a testament not only to individual ability, but also to strong preparation, resilience and teamwork. Particularly exciting was the progress of the young doubles pairing Rayna (Year 7) and Katie (Year 8), who advanced to the third round, signalling a bright future for tennis at MLC School.

Beyond the results, the energy and camaraderie surrounding the tournament were equally impressive. Students from across year groups supported one another with enthusiasm, school spirit and pride, with cheers, face paint and Millicent, the MLC School mascot, creating a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere. Tennis Captain Serena (Year 12) led with confidence and generosity, ensuring every player felt supported — a wonderful example of the leadership opportunities fostered through sport at MLC School.

Special recognition also goes to Pauline (Year 7), whose enthusiasm and willingness to support her teammates stood out, and Olivia (Year 7) for her commitment and involvement throughout the tournament. Their contributions reflected the values that underpin sport at MLC School: encouragement, resilience and shared pride.

As MLC School celebrates 140 years, events such as the Tildesley Tennis Tournament beautifully illustrate the connection between past and present. Guided by the achievements of those who came before them, today’s students are developing confidence, character and capability — attributes that extend far beyond the tennis court.

Congratulations to the entire team on a wonderful tournament and on progressing through to Round 4.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Five Students Selected for Prestigious University of Sydney Mathematics Program

We are thrilled to congratulate Chloe (Year 11), Jocelyn (Year 11), Sophia (Year 11), Yolanda (Year 10), and Veronica (Year 10) on their selection for the Mathematical Problem Solving Correspondence Program (MaPS) at the University of Sydney.

This competitive program offers talented students the opportunity to extend their mathematical thinking well beyond the standard curriculum. Participants receive challenging questions on advanced concepts, while the online classes provide space to discuss the material and work through exercises with mentors and peers.

Each student is assigned a dedicated mentor for feedback, and once per term students gather at the University of Sydney for face-to-face sessions featuring mathematical talks from academic staff and current students, presenting an invaluable chance to connect with the broader mathematical community.

Congratulations again to Chloe, Jocelyn, Sophia, Yolanda, and Veronica. Selection for MaPS reflects genuine mathematical ability and the dedication these students bring to their studies, and we are proud to see you representing our School in this distinguished program.

– Alex Schroder
Mathematics Teacher

Immersive Learning at MLC School

At MLC School, immersive learning is an essential part of how students engage with their education. Across year levels and learning areas, students are given meaningful opportunities to step beyond the classroom and apply their learning in real‑world, creative, cultural and reflective contexts. These experiences enrich academic learning while nurturing confidence, curiosity, empathy and independence.

Challenge and Growth Through the Duke of Edinburgh Program

Through the Duke of Edinburgh Challenge, students experience learning that is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. A group of students from across the Senior School undertook an ambitious cycling journey through Victoria’s High Country, travelling more than 200 kilometres across scenic and often challenging terrain. What initially felt daunting quickly became a powerful exercise in perseverance, teamwork and self‑belief. Along the way, students navigated unfamiliar environments, supported one another through moments of mental and physical fatigue and took turns leading the group. Beyond the cycling itself, shared experiences and simple moments of connection helped build strong friendships across year groups. Students reflected on finishing the journey feeling proud of what they had achieved together and the life skills they had developed — resilience, leadership and responsibility — qualities that extend well beyond the trip itself.

Click on gallery to view full images

Responding to Place Through Visual Arts

Immersive learning also shapes how students experience creativity and the natural environment. In Visual Arts, students engage in site‑specific learning beyond the classroom, working on Gai‑mariagal Country at Narrabeen Lagoon to create land art using natural materials found within the environment.By responding directly to their surroundings, students explored colour, texture, shape and pattern in ways that connected artmaking to place. These ephemeral works were carefully documented through photography and sketching, encouraging students to reflect on how environments, both rural and urban, influence artistic expression. Experiences like this deepen students’ understanding of art as a dialogue between artist, material and landscape.

Click on gallery to view full images

Science in Action at Taronga Zoo

For Junior School students, immersive learning helps bring curriculum concepts vividly to life. A visit to Taronga Zoo allowed Year 6 students to deepen their understanding of animal adaptations and survival by observing and interacting with animals in an authentic environment.Guided by expert educators, students encountered a wide range of species and learned how physical and behavioural adaptations support survival in different habitats. Seeing animals up close, touching reptiles and mammals and observing behaviours such as balance, movement and feeding transformed textbook learning into memorable, hands‑on discovery. The experience nurtured curiosity, appreciation for wildlife and a stronger understanding of ecological diversity.

Click on gallery to view full images

Reflection, Faith and Community in Religious Education

Immersive learning also plays an important role in helping students understand values, beliefs and shared traditions. As part of Religious Education, Year 7 students visited the MLC School Chapel to explore its significance within the life of the school.Through guided discussion with school chaplains, students examined the purpose of chapel services and the role they play in fostering reflection, community and spiritual growth. Observing features such as stained‑glass windows and the baptismal font, students explored how symbols and stories communicate meaning within the Christian tradition. This experience helped connect classroom learning with lived practice, encouraging thoughtful questioning and respect for faith and tradition.Students extended this learning by engaging in interfaith dialogue, writing to peers at another faith‑based school to share perspectives and build understanding across beliefs.

Click on gallery to view full images

Cultural Immersion Through Language Learning

Language learning at MLC School is enriched through immersive cultural experiences that encourage students to apply their skills in authentic contexts. Senior French students attended a French Film Festival screening, experiencing spoken language, cultural humour and storytelling beyond the textbook.Students reported increased confidence in their listening skills, surprise at how much they understood and excitement about acquiring new vocabulary and expressions naturally. Engaging with language through film reinforced the idea that communication is living and dynamic, inspiring students to continue their language studies with greater enthusiasm.

Click on gallery to view full images

Harmony Week at MLC School

Harmony Week provided a meaningful opportunity for the MLC School community to celebrate diversity, inclusiveness and a strong sense of belonging — values that sit at the heart of school life. Throughout the Senior School, students took part in experiences designed to encourage understanding, respect and connection, reflecting the rich cultural backgrounds that make up our community.

Across the week, students engaged in a range of thoughtful and creative activities, including sessions exploring cultural inclusivity, Chapel services focused on unity and belonging, and vibrant cultural dances, games and activities. International music, themed café offerings and interactive reflections invited students to share what harmony means to them, creating moments of conversation and connection throughout the campus.

Beyond the classroom, MLC School students are also encouraged to contribute thoughtfully to the wider community. As part of this commitment, Year 11 students represented the School at a local youth advisory forum, joining students from across the electorate to discuss issues affecting young people today. When reflecting on those discussions, our students noted the importance of religious and cultural inclusivity — and expressed pride in the inclusive environment they experience daily at MLC School.

A highlight of Harmony Week was a Senior School Chapel service led by student leaders, supported by music performed by fellow students. The service reflected the confidence, compassion and leadership demonstrated by MLC School girls, as well as the importance placed on student voice, service and shared values.

Together, these experiences offered a glimpse into how MLC School nurtures globally minded, empathetic young women — students who are confident in who they are, respectful of others and prepared to contribute positively to the world around them.

Click on gallery to view full images

Pre-Kindergarten Start their School Journey – Term 1 Overview

The start of the year has been filled with excitement, curiosity and celebration in Pre‑Kindergarten, as our youngest students take their very first steps into school life.

This term marked the first official day of school for our five‑day Pre‑Kindergarten students. The girls arrived with excitement and pride, ready to begin their learning journey. After farewells, they quickly settled into their day, enjoying hands‑on activities and getting to know their peers and educators in their new environment.

The following week, we were delighted to welcome our three‑day students, bringing the full Pre‑Kindergarten cohort together. It has been wonderful to see new friendships forming as students confidently engaged in a wide range of activities both inside and outside the studio. The girls are becoming increasingly familiar with their daily routines and are already demonstrating growing independence, resilience and a love of learning. They have also enjoyed meeting their Specialist Teachers and participating in gross motor, fine motor, literacy and numeracy experiences.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

A special milestone for our Pre‑Kindergarten students was being officially welcomed into their School Houses and meeting their Junior School House Patrons for the very first time. This moment helped foster a strong sense of belonging within the wider school community, and we look forward to seeing their creativity shine at upcoming Junior School events, including the Cardboard Challenge.

Click on gallery to view full images

The students also embraced Harmony Week with enthusiasm, learning about diversity, respect and inclusivity through play‑based experiences. They explored similarities and differences, shared what they could learn from one another, and enjoyed stories, songs and videos that celebrated belonging. Wearing orange ribbons and decorating hands with vibrant orange designs was a highlight, with their artwork proudly displayed in the Pre‑Kindergarten studio.

The term ended on a magical note with a Pre‑Kindergarten Easter Egg Hunt. Convinced the Easter Bunny had quietly visited while no one was looking, the children delighted in searching the playground for colourful hidden eggs. The joy, laughter and sense of wonder captured the spirit of Easter and created a memorable shared experience for all.

What a special start to the year it has been. We look forward to a year filled with growth, discovery and joyful learning.

– Pre‑Kindergarten Team

Multigenerational High Tea

This year, International Women’s Day was marked with a truly special celebration in our 140th Year – our Multigenerational High Tea. It was a privilege to welcome members of the wider MLC School community, bringing together past and present generations of MLC School women and their families, for an afternoon celebrating connection, continuity and shared history.

Across the room, conversations flowed easily as stories were exchanged, laughter was shared and generations reconnected over high tea (with a little sparkle, too). Moments like these are a powerful reminder of what makes the MLC School community so enduring: the relationships formed across generations, the traditions that are carried forward, and the strong sense of belonging that connects families to MLC School long after their time in the classroom.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a warm and memorable gathering. This event marked a wonderful beginning to our 140 Year celebrations, and we look forward to sharing many more opportunities throughout the year to connect, reflect and celebrate the values and legacy that continue to shape the MLC School community.

Click here for the Facebook album.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Jocelyn and Stephanie represent at the Strathfield Youth Advisory Board!

During Term 1, we had the amazing opportunity to represent MLC School at the Strathfield Youth Advisory Board!

Comprised of a pair of students from schools located in the Strathfield electorate, the Youth Advisory Board allows like-minded students to raise concerns about the issues surrounding young people. Led by Jason Yat-Sen Li and Strathfield Council, the YAB is scheduled to meet four times in 2026 to allow for the discussion of real issues and their solutions.

In our very first session, we were assigned random groups and brainstormed the five main issues we believe young people face. Afterwards, we presented our thoughts and settled on three core ideas: mental health, social media, and religious/ethnic inclusion. Each year, the YAB establishes one main issue to tackle, and we found that our interest lay in the final idea: inclusion. This caused us to dive into insightful conversation, dealing with matters of religion and culture influencing the way people treat us, linking back to social media and its negative effects when distributing news. We were able to showcase our understanding of Australia and young people through our participation in group discussions. 

In all, this experience was extremely valuable. We were able to meet likeminded, passionate young people, discuss real-world issues in detail, and hear from a variety of perspectives. We’re extremely grateful for this opportunity and are looking forward to the next meeting!