From the Principal

Hello from all of us here at Pymble.

As we approach the end of the 2025 school year – our designated Year of Respect – we wanted to let you know about new academic courses we are introducing in 2026. Fittingly, 2026 will be our designated Year of Courage, with Courage defined by our community as being open to new experiences to learn and grow. New academic opportunities to learn and grow at Pymble in 2026 include:

Three new Cambridge (IGCSE) courses

Following our successful application to becoming a Cambridge International School in 2024, we introduced Year 10 IGCSE Mathematics at the start of this year, which has been a fantastic success. In addition to continuing to offer this course in 2026, we are growing our IGCSE portfolio with the introduction of a two-year Cambridge Global Perspectives course commencing in Year 9 2026. We are delighted to have enough take-up to fill two classes of this humanities-based elective, which explores topics including: Change in Culture and Communities; Development, Trade and Aid; Political Power and Action; Values and Beliefs; Social Identity and Inclusion; and Globalisation.  

In the Junior School, we are launching the inaugural Years 5 and 6 DREAM Diploma, which incorporates the Cambridge Global Perspectives curriculum for Primary School students. The two-year course is designed to equip our girls with essential skills to carry into their Secondary School years – and beyond – with a focus on analysis, collaboration, research, communication, evaluation and reflection.  

New Biotechnology Centre for Curriculum Redesign course 

The College has also been working closely with the Centre for Curriculum Redesign in Boston to introduce our inaugural Year 9 Biotechnology course in 2026. Student interest in this new Science elective has already exceeded our expectations, filling three classes! Our girls are excited to pioneer learning in this thriving field. 

Why these new courses?

A great deal of research and strategy sits behind these decisions. IGCSE courses are globally recognised (and highly respected) high school qualifications, which broaden our already diverse curriculum offering, which includes a remarkable 51 courses of study in Year 11 and 12. All of these new courses are designed to equip our students with the emerging skills required to thrive and achieve success in our rapidly changing world.

Attracting and retaining the best educators

Of course, a school can have the strongest academic offering and most dedicated students in the world, but without the right team of skilled, engaging educators to deliver the programs the magic doesn’t happen. 

Professional learning for our staff is a priority at Pymble, and each year we offer a vast array of external, internal and international courses, seminars, workshops and conferences for staff to attend and present at. This is in addition to a schedule of all-staff professional development days, professional learning grants, leadership development and mentoring, and the opportunity to participate in research with colleagues, students and external university partners.

The College also offers post-graduate support for teachers, and the number of staff with doctorates and master’s degrees at Pymble continues to grow each year. In the first half of 2025 alone, we celebrated four staff members who now proudly carry the title of Dr.

Since 2022, we have hosted seven ‘Think Pymble’ events, locally, here on campus, and in London and Dublin to attract a diverse range of highly experienced staff from all around the world, representing all different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. To retain our exceptional teachers and professional services staff, we offer a host of benefits, including competitive salaries and leave entitlements, health and wellbeing resources, flexible work arrangements and support for parents and new families, along with planning time, leadership allowances and teachers’ aides where required.

This investment in our staff is an investment in our girls and their future.

Signing off with this video showcasing just a few of the wonderfully diverse staff members who would love to meet you and support your daughter’s learning journey at Pymble. Enjoy!

Dr Kate Hadwen
Principal

Junior School Enrolment Update

It’s that time of year when we extend a huge welcome to the newest members of our Junior School – the girls and families who will be joining us next year.

Our incoming 2026 Kindergarten cohort have so far enjoyed four Orientation sessions, including a one-on-one session with a Learning Enhancement staff member to ascertain their learning style so as to best support them when they begin their foray into formal schooling. Meanwhile, our Kindergarten parents enjoyed opportunities to meet other new families whilst their daughters enjoyed a classroom experience, exploring and partaking in activities.

We also enjoyed a morning of perfect weather, refreshments and fun on Hedgehog Lawn for the 2026 Kindergarten Welcome Picnic. We welcomed so many of our new girls and their parents to this relaxed picnic providing opportunities to come together once again prior to the first day of school. 

Links Day took place the following week with our incoming 2026 Year 1 to 6 girls arriving at Pymble to spend the day making links with current Pymble students and teachers as well as meeting other new girls also joining the College in 2026. New friendships were further cemented the following day at the Year 1 to 6 Welcome Picnic. It was another morning of perfect weather with the girls re-connecting with friends made the previous day, with many friendships also made between parents. 

Families of new girls commencing in Years 1 to 6, will then come together again for Orientation Morning taking place the day before the first day of Term 1, 2026, with our Kindergarten families enjoying a catch up over tea and coffee after first day drop off.

Starting school or starting at a new school is an exciting yet nervous time for families. There is a lot to remember so our pre-commencement information is thoughtfully curated and conveniently compiled in a digital handbook. The handbook includes key staff names, co-curricular offerings, out of school hours care information, transport and meal options.

Our Kindergarten to Year 6 places are finalised with very limited places remaining in some year levels. Please contact me directly if you would like to apply.

We are so excited for all that 2026 holds for our new students and their families.
On behalf of the Enrolments Team, thank you for considering Pymble. We can’t wait to welcome you to our community.

In early 2026, attention will turn to our 2028 cohort. For families who have submitted an application for enrolment for Kindergarten to Year 6 and hold a provisional place for 2028, we will be commencing the enrolment interview process early next year and will be in contact soon to request updated information and outline next steps.

Still thinking of joining Pymble?

Choosing the right school for your daughter is one of the most important decisions you will make. My team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Here’s a quick overview of our Enrolment Process:

Get to know Pymble – Book a tour of the College or request a prospectus. We’d love to meet you and answer your questions.
Submit an Application – we recommend submitting an application as soon as you have made the decision to enrol at Pymble.
Provisional Place Offer – If a place is available at the time of application, you may be offered a Provisional Place.
Confirm your Intention to Proceed – For those holding a Provisional Place, around two years prior to commencement, we’ll invite you to confirm your interest and attend an interview.
Enrolment Interview
Accept a Confirmed Place Offer
Orientation and Commencement

What is a Provisional Place?
Accepting a Provisional Place gives you peace of mind that a place is being held for your daughter. If a place is not immediately available, your daughter will join our waitlist. Please note that a Provisional Place does not guarantee a confirmed offer. All students must attend an enrolment interview to be considered for a confirmed offer.

Students on the waitlist (without a Provisional Place) will only be invited to interview if places become available after the first round of interviews.

Click here to Apply to Enrol.

Melinda Clements
Enrolment Manager K-6

Secondary School Enrolment Update

Term 4 is off to a wonderful start! We were thrilled to welcome our new Year 7 2026 students and parents to the first of our Orientation events. This time of year is always filled with excitement and anticipation — new beginnings, new friendships and the start of an incredible journey.

The transition to Secondary School is a big step. For many of our students, it means a change of school, and for some, even a move to a new city or country. Moving from the familiarity of one classroom and one teacher to navigating a larger campus and a timetable full of specialist teachers is a significant milestone. Even for our current Year 6 students, this next chapter brings both excitement and a few butterflies!

Our annual Links Day gave our Year 7 2026 students the opportunity to come together, meet one another and “try out” life in Secondary School. Through a fun-filled day of sample lessons and a co-curricular expo to help them explore the opportunities in the College, the girls left with big smiles, new friends and plenty of enthusiasm for what’s ahead. They will enjoy two further Orientation Days at the start of Term 1 next year as they begin their Pymble journey.

Thinking of joining Pymble?

Choosing the right school for your daughter is one of the most important decisions you will make. My team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Here’s a quick overview of our Enrolment Process:

Get to know Pymble – Book a tour of the College or request a prospectus. We’d love to meet you and answer your questions.
Submit an Application – we recommend submitting an application as soon as you have made the decision to enrol at Pymble.
Provisional Place Offer – If a place is available at the time of application, you may be offered a Provisional Place.
Confirm your Intention to Proceed – For those holding a Provisional Place, around two years prior to commencement, we’ll invite you to confirm your interest and attend an interview.
Enrolment Interview – with a member of the executive team
Accept a Confirmed Place Offer
Orientation and Commencement

Students on the waitlist (without a Provisional Place) will only be invited to interview if places become available after the first round of interviews.

Enrolment Update

We will begin confirming places for Year 7 2028 next year in March. Year 7 2027 places are finalised, though a few places remain — please contact me if you are considering making an application.

Boarding at Pymble

Creating a sense of family is at the heart of our Boarding community. Our holistic approach, encompassing academic, co-curricular and mind-body-spirit programs, extends naturally into Boarding life. Every girl is supported in her intellectual, emotional, social, physical and spiritual growth. Our Keeping up with our Boarders newsletter is a great way to see this in real life.

We invite you to watch our new Boarding video, which follows the journey of three Boarders from Year 7 through to Year 12 — a beautiful snapshot of the friendships, resilience and joy that define Pymble Boarding.

Last week, we welcomed our new Year 7 2026 Boarders for their first Orientation. After meeting online, they were delighted to connect in person for a fun-filled city adventure followed by a two-night sleepover in the Boarding House. Nerves quickly turned to laughter and friendship – a wonderful start to their next chapter at Pymble.

We are so excited for all that 2026 holds for our new students and their families.

On behalf of the Enrolments Team, thank you for considering Pymble. We can’t wait to welcome you to our community.

Click here to Apply to Enrol.

Kylie Campbell
Enrolments Manager 7-12

New Performance Scholarship Announcement

To recognise and celebrate the strength of Performing Arts at Pymble, the College is proud to introduce a new Performance Scholarship – Performing Arts, open in the areas of Dance, Drama, and Music (Vocal).

This scholarship recognises the calibre and commitment of students who enrich the Performing Arts at Pymble. It is particularly fitting that this new scholarship aligns with the opening of the world-class Pymble Dance Centre – a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility featuring six studios, including two blackout performance spaces with seating for 100.

Applications for the 2027 Performance Scholarship – Performing Arts, as well as the 2027 All-Rounder and 2027 Sports Scholarships, are now open to both current and external students.

Click to find out more and to apply

Please note: Year 7 Academic, Music and Boarding Scholarships for 2027 are now closed.

Inspiring Futures in Aviation and Space at Pymble

Curiosity and imagination took flight at Pymble during the two-week Aviation and Space Expo – an immersive learning experience designed to open students’ minds to the possibilities of aviation, aerospace, and emerging technologies.

Across the program, students engaged in hands-on activities and interactive sessions with industry professionals, from flying drones and exploring the galaxy in a planetarium dome to learning about air traffic control and helicopter flight simulation. A special highlight was the visit from Qantas CEO and former Pymble student Vanessa Hudson (1987), who joined fellow Qantas professionals to share their insights into leadership, innovation and resilience in the aviation industry.

Through workshops, demonstrations and inspiring conversations, students discovered how skills in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology can lead to dynamic and rewarding careers. The Expo exemplified Pymble’s approach to learning, connecting curiosity with purpose, and classroom learning with real-world application, while empowering girls to dream boldly and think expansively about their futures.

The result was a campus alive with curiosity, confidence and possibility, reminding every student that at Pymble, the sky is not the limit but only the beginning.

How One Visit to Pymble Changed Everything

For Jemima McCalman, her Pymble journey began with a single visit that changed everything.

Originally enrolled elsewhere, she recalls watching her sister compete in sport against Pymble and thinking, “Hang on a second – schools in Sydney can look like this?”. That moment inspired her to change course and join Pymble as a Year 7 boarder.

Jemima had a lifelong passion for sport, but throughout her years at the College, she noted that it was at Pymble where her passion was truly nurtured. After exploring a wide range of activities across sport, performing arts and boarding life, she found her calling when she was introduced to Rugby 7s in her final year – an opportunity that, as Jemima reflects, “Unbeknownst to me at the time, this would be a decision that would significantly shape my future.”

“I left Pymble a confident young woman, shaped by the boarding community, my teachers, peers and teammates, and ready to take my next step in the real world.”

After graduating from Pymble in 2017, Jemima completed a double degree in Law and Communications while continuing to pursue her rugby career. Her academic focus gave her the grounding to succeed off the field, while her sporting experience instilled resilience and teamwork, qualities that later helped her navigate injury setbacks and career challenges.

Today, Jemima is living in France, playing professional rugby in the Élite 1 competition. Between training sessions, learning French and embracing the local lifestyle, she continues to grow as both an athlete and a young professional.

Her journey is a powerful reminder of how Pymble’s holistic education, combining opportunity, support and spirit, empowers young women to find their purpose and pursue their passions wherever life takes them.

Pymble Spirit Shines Bright at Garden Party

Our campus came alive with colour, laughter and connection as thousands gathered for Pymble’s much-loved Garden Party.

The sun shone as families, students, alumni and friends enjoyed thrilling rides, live entertainment, the Pymble Portobello markets, and delicious food from our many stalls. From robotics demonstrations to student performances, every corner of the College reflected in the curiosity, collaboration and sense of belonging that define life at Pymble.

More than just a day of fun, the Garden Party was a celebration of the heart of our community. It was a reminder of how our students, parents, staff, and alumni together shape the culture that makes Pymble so special.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and to our wonderful volunteers and staff whose generosity and enthusiasm made this event possible. Funds raised will support Mahboba’s Promise and the HerVillage Foundation, reflecting our College values of Care, Respect and Responsibility in action.

Junior School Builds Respect in the Community

Acts of kindness and connection sit at the heart of Pymble’s culture, and a group of Year 5 students demonstrated these qualities beautifully through their Bead4Love service initiative.

This small but passionate group collaborated to design and share beaded gifts as symbols of care and friendship. Recently, the students extended their project beyond the College gates, visiting residents at Killara Gardens Aged Care Centre. Their visit was filled with laughter, shared stories and new friendships – a powerful reminder of how compassion and connection can bring generations together.

Through Bead4Love, our students are learning that leadership begins with empathy and that small actions can make a lasting impact. Their kindness reflects the spirit of our College value of Respect, encouraging others to value diversity, understanding and inclusion.

Pymble Sport Recognised on the National Stage

At Pymble, sport contributes to developing young women with the confidence, resilience and curiosity to embrace new challenges and strive for their best.

This commitment to supporting every girl to grow and achieve her best has seen Pymble recognised as one of Tennis Australia’s official National Talent Hubs for 2025 to 2027 – an honour that places the College among the nation’s leading environments for both developing tennis talent and expanding sporting opportunity across all levels. From those picking up a racquet for the first time to aspiring athletes competing at the highest levels, every girl benefits from exceptional facilities, expert coaching and a culture that champions wellbeing, teamwork and achievement.

Pymble’s partnership with Tennis Australia represents more than sporting success. It celebrates opportunity, inclusion and the pursuit of excellence – qualities that define the Pymble sporting experience and inspire every student to lead with confidence and purpose, both on and off the court.

Junior School Mathematicians Excel on the State Stage

At Pymble, a love of learning begins early and is nurtured through curiosity, creativity and challenge. Students are encouraged to think critically, explore deeply and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways – skills that prepare them to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

This term, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our young mathematicians in the Mathematical Association of New South Wales (MANSW) Investigation Competition. Our Year 3 teams achieved first place with an imaginative investigation into the distances around Australia, while two Year 5 teams were awarded Highly Commended for their thoughtful and articulate submissions.

These achievements reflect the intellectual curiosity, collaboration and problem-solving that define learning at Pymble. We congratulate all students involved for their success and for exemplifying the spirit of excellence and engagement that underpins every aspect of a Pymble education.

The AIM Initiative at St Edmund’s College

Pymble is proud to recognise the ongoing partnership with St Edmund’s College, a specialised school in Wahroonga that provides quality education for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Together, the two schools participate in the AIM (Advocacy, Immersion, Mission) Initiative – a program designed to foster understanding, empathy and social responsibility through shared learning experience.

Through this partnership, Pymble students have meaningful opportunities to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, immerse themselves in a community enriched by diversity and ability, and embrace a sense of mission to support and stand alongside others with compassion and respect.

Students regularly connect with the St Edmund’s community through classroom visits, shared learning programs and events such as the annual swimming carnival, hosted by Pymble. These experiences nurture empathy, patience and authentic connection while reinforcing inclusion as a cornerstone of a Pymble education.

Together, both schools continue to build a community grounded in respect, friendship and shared joy.

Celebrating the Festival of Lights and Lanterns

The spirit of cultural celebration shone brightly at Pymble as students embraced the beauty and meaning of two cherished festivals – Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, and Loi Krathong, the Thai lantern and water festival.

Students marked Diwali by creating intricate mehendi designs and rangoli patterns made from coloured chalk and rice, each symbolising light, positivity and welcome. The celebrations continued with Loi Krathong, where students crafted delicate paper lanterns to honour this Thai tradition of reflection and renewal.

These shared experiences fostered connection and understanding, highlighting the richness that cultural diversity brings to College life. Through events like these, Pymble students learn to appreciate global perspectives and live the values of respect, empathy and belonging that are at the heart of our community.

Pymbulletin

Pymbulletin is our magazine-style publication covering student, staff, and College news, initiative, events, and achievements. With the 2025 edition currently in development, take a look back at the 2024 edition here.

Illuminate

We are #pymbleproud to launch the 11th edition of Illuminate, a Pymble Institute publication that shines a light on educational research at Pymble. Illuminate provides a platform for sharing the depths and discoveries of teaching and learning at Pymble and celebrated thought leaders in education.

Keeping Up with the Boarders

Discover the Winter 2025 edition of Keeping Up with the Boarders, a publication offering a glimpse into life within Pymble’s vibrant boarding community. Inside, you’ll find stories that celebrate the friendships, opportunities and experiences that define boarding life at Pymble.