Independent Schools Guide 2022: Presbyterian Ladies’ College, a place where every student is known

Since 1875, Presbyterian Ladies’ College has played a pivotal role in the education of young women. That education not only supports academic excellence but prioritises student wellbeing and ensures each girl is known, cared for and valued during their time at the school.

Today, PLC has approximately 1600 students from ELC to Year 12, and each of them is supported as they begin and complete their journey at the school.

“There is a clear academic pathway for our students, and along that pathway, there are definitive steps to ensure each child is cared for,” says PLC principal Cheryl Penberthy.

“Our year-level structures and house structures create a great sense of belonging, and teachers, year level co-ordinators, and our Wellbeing Team monitor each girl closely. We also regularly review our wellbeing programs to make sure they are contemporary, research-based and respond to what society is demanding now of young women.”

PLC has a strong Christian foundation and has designed a whole-school wellbeing framework that takes into account the different ages and stages of students. In the early years, the program focuses on accepting others, creating a sense of self and accepting difference.

“It explores core values around honesty, trust, bouncing back when things don’t go your way, and it’s premised on a sense of hope. We want girls to develop the skills they need to feel confident about their place in that world and the influence they can have on the people around them,” Penberthy says.

“If you feel optimistic and that you are coping with life, then you can focus on learning. It is one of PLC’s great strengths – our girls reach the end of their secondary education with such optimism about the future.

“They have a well-rounded education, with multiple school experiences that help them develop academically, socially and personally. They are ready to launch into the world and to use their skills and talents to make a difference.”

PLC’s academic results consistently prove the powerful and effective impact of wellbeing on performance. In 2021, despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, the school achieved impressive results.

PLC’s median ATAR in 2021 was 95.95, with eight girls achieving an ATAR of 99.95 and 17 per cent of students achieving scores that placed them in the top 0.5 per cent of students in Australia.

Added to this, 28 per cent of PLC students achieved a 99+ ATAR that placed them in the top 1 per cent of students.

PLC also offers the International Baccalaureate and 100 per cent of the 2021 cohort achieved a notional ATAR of 90+, putting them in the top 10 per cent of results nationally.

“We have built a strong body of knowledge, and we understand what a true education is,” Penberthy says.

“Over time, our understanding of what this is has evolved. But, at the core, we are nurturing educated women who have a strong focus on service and on using their skills and talents to support others.

“PLC is a leading school where young women are given the opportunity to have a very bright future and all the teachers and I feel a great sense of responsibility for the students in our care. Our young people are relying on us to ensure that every day is the best it can be for every girl.”

PRESBYTERIAN LADIES’ COLLEGE \ 141 Burwood Highway, Burwood 9808 5811

plc.vic.edu.au

KEY DETAILS

141 BURWOOD HIGHWAY,
BURWOOD, VIC 3125

ENQUIRIES
(03) 9808 5811
admissions@plc.vic.edu.au
plc.vic.edu.au

YEARS
Early Learning to Year 12

BOARDING
Years 7 to 12

DENOMINATION
Presbyterian

GENDER
Girls

FEES
$19,972 to $35,028

BOARDING
Yes

SCHOLARSHIPS
Yes

ATAR
(Median for 2021): 95.95