MLC School, formerly known as Methodist Ladies’ College, is a prestigious independent Uniting Church day school for girls, located in Burwood, in Sydney’s inner west. Since its founding in 1886,
MLC School has led the way in advancing educational opportunities for girls, being one of the first schools in Australia to offer young women the same academic challenges as boys. With a legacy in science education, a commitment to early learning, and modern facilities like the Aquatic Centre and Junior School, MLC continues to evolve while staying rooted in its rich history.
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | MLC School |
| Location | Rowley Street, Burwood, NSW 2134, Sydney, Australia |
| Type | Independent, nonselective day school for girls |
| Religious Affiliation | Uniting Church (formerly Methodist) |
| Established | 1886 |
| Year Range | Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 |
| Gender | Girls |
| Website | www.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au |
Current Principal
| Name | Ms Lisa Moloney |
|---|
Fee Structure (2024-2025)
| Year Level | Annual Fees (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Approx. $22,664 |
| Year 12 | Up to $39,648 |
Student & Staff Data
| Metric | Number/Ratio |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 1,308 |
| Student to Teacher Ratio | 9.9 : 1 |
| Staff | Approx. 212 employees (including educators and support staff) |
Academic Performance
| Measure | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median ATAR (2022) | 91.7% |
| HSC Success Rate | 27% |
| Ranked by SMH for HSC Results | #46 in NSW |
| IB Diploma Participation | 30% of Year 11-12 students |
| IB Median Score (2010 data) | Rank 98.8 percentile |
| IB Perfect Scores (2010) | Four students scored maximum ATAR equivalent (99.95) |
| % Students with ATAR > 90 (combined HSC and IB) | 55% |
Comparative Rankings
| Category | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Girls’ schools in Sydney | #5 |
| Private Schools in Sydney | #5 |
| Schools360 Score | 91.1% |
Program Metrics
| Program Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | NSW Board of Studies curriculum (K–12) with HSC and IB options |
| Special Programs | International Baccalaureate Diploma (since 2001) |
| Co-curricular Program | Extensive, including performing arts, sport, leadership, service |
| Character Education | Strong focus on skill acquisition, moral courage, and character |
| Round Square Membership | Yes – focus on Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, Service (IDEALS) |
| International Coalition of Girls | Founding member |
Facilities & Resources
| Facilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Science Labs | First science lab opened 1924; cutting-edge laboratory facilities |
| Performing Arts | Professional studios and theatre spaces with active drama and music productions |
| Sports Facilities | Comprehensive sports fields and fitness resources |
| Kindergarten | Purpose-built with early learning expertise |
| Technology | Modern learning technology integrated across curriculum |
Student Development
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wellbeing and Care | Comprehensive pastoral care supporting individual growth |
| Creative Talents | Focus on arts including dance, drama, theatre sports |
| Leadership Development | Encouraged through co-curricular and service activities |
| Moral and Social Growth | Emphasis on compassion, courage, and community contribution |
Operational Metrics
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Revenue | Approx $31.2 Million (estimated) |
| Enrollment Growth | Stable with broad community diversity |
| Staff Development | Continuous professional development and specialist staff |
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is MLC School co-educational? | No, it is a girls-only school. |
| Does MLC School offer boarding? | No, boarding was phased out in 1979 after a fire incident. |
| What curriculum does MLC offer? | NSW curriculum with options for Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate. |
| What is the school’s educational philosophy? | To empower girls to be fearless thinkers with moral courage and compassion, supporting personal and academic growth. |
| Are there any notable programs? | Yes, MLC School is a member of Round Square and a founding member of the International Coalition of Girls, emphasizing global citizenship and character education. |
| How diverse is the student body? | Students come from a wide variety of cultural and faith backgrounds typical of Sydney’s global city. |