Stuartholme School

Stuartholme School is an independent Catholic secondary day and boarding school for girls located in Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Founded in 1920 by Archbishop James Duhig under the auspices of the Society of the Sacred Heart, the school serves approximately 700 students from Years 5 to 12, including around 150 boarders. The school began offering Year 5 in 2024 and Year 6 in 2025, expanding its educational offerings to younger students.[4]

Historical Background and Affiliation

Stuartholme School was established to provide a faith-based, holistic education grounded in the charism of the Society of the Sacred Heart, which emphasizes discovering and making known the love of God through education. The school is part of the global network of Sacred Heart Schools and aligns with the Society's mission to foster spiritual development and personal relationships with God, self, others, and creation.[4][5]

Educational Philosophy

The school’s philosophy centers on the five Sacred Heart Educational Goals, which guide its mission and community values. These goals include fostering a personal and active faith in God, respect for intellectual values, social awareness that impels to action, building community as a Christian value, and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Stuartholme encourages students to live out these values in daily life within a supportive and faith-filled environment.[5]

Academic and Community Life

Stuartholme offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to empower young women with leadership skills and academic excellence. The school boasts high academic achievement, with over 95% of the 2024 cohort achieving an ATAR of 80 or above, and a 100% Queensland Certificate of Education attainment rate. Students have opportunities to engage in diverse activities such as international exchange programs, sports including rugby, and participation in community projects like an award-winning urban farm.[2]

The school community is inclusive, composed of students, staff, parents, alumnae, and friends who contribute to an uplifting and dynamic environment. It promotes a sense of unity and shared purpose under its motto “Cor Unum” (One Heart).[2][4]

Governance and Affiliations

Stuartholme School operates as a non-government school registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and holds the Australian Business Number (ABN) 19 091 211 451. It participates in transitional reporting arrangements with the Department of Education.[3]

The school is affiliated with professional and educational organizations, including the Alliance of Girls' Schools Australasia (AGSA), the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA), the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA), and the Catholic Secondary Schoolgirls’ Sports Association (CaSSSA).[4]

Heritage and Recognition

The school site is listed on the Brisbane Heritage Register, recognizing its historical and cultural significance in the region.[4]

Foundation and Support

Stuartholme School is supported by the Stuartholme Foundation, a body established to sustain the school’s mission and support future generations of students. The Foundation plays an important role in community engagement and fundraising to maintain the quality of education and facilities.[1]

Stuartholme School remains a leading institution for girls’ education in Brisbane, integrating academic rigor, spiritual growth, and community values to nurture empowered young women.

[1] https://stuartholme.com/our-community/foundation/ [2] https://stuartholme.com [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/264c387a-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuartholme_School [5] https://stuartholme.com/about/philosophy/