Introducing Stage 3
Building Connections, Continuity and Culture
Key points
- Rosebank College is introducing Stage 3 starting with Year 5 from 2027
- Families will have an opportunity to start at Rosebank in Year 5 or join the cohort in Year 7
- This opportunity will be offered to up to 90 students based on our existing enrolment criteria.
- Rosebank will be the only co-educational independent Catholic school in the area to provide education from Year 5 - Year 12
- We will not be significantly increasing the size of our student population and our long-term plan is to reduce the size of the secondary cohorts over time.
A New Era for Rosebank College
The Rosebank College Board is pleased to announce that Rosebank College will expand its educational offerings to include Year 5 in 2027, followed by Year 6 in 2028. This significant development marks a unique milestone, making Rosebank the only co-educational independent Catholic school in the area to provide continuous education from Year 5 through to Year 12. This allows us to bring our Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition to younger students in our local community.
This new Stage 3 program will provide a seamless transition from primary to secondary learning that focuses on building connection, continuity and community. By establishing a framework that supports students academically, emotionally and socially from Year 5 onward, students will be confident and capable, ready for the challenges and opportunities of high school.
The Rosebank Board and Leadership Team have worked closely together to develop this exciting strategy and will continue to work closely with our community as we prepare for this new development. We look forward to sharing all that shines here at Rosebank with a younger cohort and having a lasting impact on the next generation of Rosebank.
“There is already a pattern within the inner west where students change schools at the end of Year 4. And for a long time now, parents have been asking Rosebank to be part of this. Well, now we can say we will be.”
Iris Nastasi, Principal
Supporting Student Wellbeing
Rosebank College’s new Stage 3 program is designed to support students academically, socially and emotionally. Our approach prioritises a well-rounded educational experience, emphasising a smooth transition between stages, creating a culture of belonging and continuity from Year 5 through to Year 12.
By joining us in Year 5, students can build a strong sense of belonging and continuity, helping them thrive as they progress through their schooling journey. However, regardless of when you choose to join the Rosebank community - whether it is in Year 5, Year 7 or in any other Year group - we will ensure your child is well-supported during this time of change through our exceptional transition program.
Expanding Opportunities for Families
In addition to the social, emotional and educational benefits for students, the change also ensures long-term viability for the College and will keep up with the growing demand in the area.
Rosebank College is a highly sought-after school in the inner west, and the general demand for co-education, as well as the pattern of changing schools at the end of Year 4, is increasing. By adding Stage 3 for boys and girls, Rosebank will provide local families with an opportunity to join the community from an earlier age.
Purpose-Built Facilities
Stage 3 students will have their own dedicated space in the College with access to the facilities and resources that the wider College provides, including music and drama rooms, science labs, sporting facilities and diverse learning spaces. Additionally, plans are already underway to develop specialised learning areas with special care to maintain the learning and experience of our current students with minimal disruption.
FAQs
When will you introduce Stage 3?
We will introduce students in Year 5 from Term 1, 2027 and Year 6 from 2028.
My child is enrolled for Year 7 2029, how will this affect me?
If you are currently on the 2029 waitlist you do not need to do anything. The College will contact you to further outline your enrolment options.
What if I don’t want to send my child in Year 5 2027, will this affect my child’s application for Year 7?
Your child’s enrolment will not be affected if you choose not to start in Year 5. The same enrolment criteria will apply for Year 5 as it does for all new students looking to enrol at Rosebank.
Rosebank already has a large student population, how will you fit more onto the campus?
We will not be significantly increasing the size of our student population and our long-term plan is to reduce the size of the secondary cohorts over time. Additionally, we will be maximising the spaces we already have as well as adding more learning areas for our current students.
Is this decision financially motivated?
In making this decision, the Board would have been mindful of its responsibility to ensure the financial stewardship and ongoing delivery of high-quality education and the co-curricular experiences of Rosebank. This, coupled with both demographic and enrolment data, show a strong interest within our community for a co-educational and contemporary Catholic education. Additionally, there is a pattern in the inner west of students changing schools at the end of Year 4. By making this change, we are responding to our local community’s desire for Rosebank to become a Stage 3 school.
I’m worried the change and the ongoing building works will affect my child who is already in high school. How will you mitigate this?
Over the past 20 years, the College has managed a substantial building program and not impacted the learning culture. Building works for this will be small-scale in comparison and we remain committed to our dynamic and always-improving learning culture.
What will the fees be for Stage 3?
Details of fees will be made available in 2026.
Will there be any information about Stage 3 at your upcoming Open Day?
Absolutely! We will have a stand dedicated to sharing information about Stage 3 at Rosebank. We look forward to sharing more information with you then.
How integrated to the rest of the College will the Stage 3 children be?
Students will also have access to the facilities and resources that the wider College provides, including music and drama rooms, sporting facilities and diverse learning spaces.
How many new students will be coming in this new cohort?
This opportunity will be offered to up to 90 students based on our existing enrolment criteria.
What will the uniform be?
Details of the Stage 3 uniform will be made available in 2026.
Will the children be involved with College-wide activities like the Swimming and Athletics carnivals, Presentation evenings and Mass/Assemblies?
The College is looking at ways to integrate our Stage 3 students with the wider College community but still give them many opportunities to thrive in their own cohort.
How will this benefit my child?
By starting sooner, your child will be able to build connections with Rosebank from an earlier age - this will help with their transition to secondary school. Our younger cohort will be able to access our state-of-the-art facilities while making friends and establishing strong bonds as they move to Year 7. Rest assured that regardless of when you choose to enrol your child at Rosebank, they will be well supported throughout their transition period and beyond.