For over 25 years, the College has grown steadily on a strong foundation, grounded in Christ, community, and care for each individual student. This solid base has supported steady growth, with increasing enrolments and a vibrant school culture that continues to flourish.

The concept of being known and valued lies at the heart of how we strive to care for students and families within the Penrith Anglican College community. The House System provides a strong structure that enables us to know and value each student. Heads of House are leaders within this system - a group of compassionate and dedicated professionals who are committed to working with students and families in the pursuit of learning, ably supported in their day-to-day work by Mentor teachers.

The strength of leadership demonstrated by our Heads of House over many years has fostered a deep sense of belonging and a strong attachment to the House System among students across the College and amongst alumni. This connection is a cultural hallmark of a Penrith Anglican College education - one of which we are immensely proud, and upon which we will build in future years.

As the College continues to grow, the College Council and Executive Team have been carefully considering the structures and processes that ensure students and families continue to be known and valued within a community that is expanding in number. One step towards addressing this has been the introduction of Assistant Heads of House in the Secondary School in 2025, to support the work of the Heads of House. This role has increased the number of wellbeing staff available to students and strengthens the team-based approach to supporting students.

The College leadership has continued to reflect on the most appropriate way forward for our growing community and has made the strategic decision to expand the number of Houses from four to six in 2027. This decision aims to deliver a structure with sufficient resources to maintain the high level of care we aspire to provide for our students and families.

This change presents an opportunity to renew our focus on the House System and reflects the College’s commitment to providing high-quality pastoral care through a vertical structure. House culture is already deeply embedded in both the Secondary and Primary Schools. With the addition of two new Houses, this culture will grow from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, encouraging greater connection between the two sections of the College.

In the Secondary School, the creation of the two new Houses will allow each House to comprise approximately 110 students. This not only accommodates future growth but also reinforces our commitment to strong, supportive relationships and high-quality care for all members of our community.

As a College community dedicated to the development of both students and staff, the introduction of two additional Houses will also bring enhanced leadership opportunities for all.

Periods of change can feel both exciting and unsettling. To help address some of the questions that families may have, we have compiled an Anticipated Questions document. This resource seeks to provide clarity as we move forward together.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Felicity Grima,

Principal