From the Principal 

There is a wonderful sense of pride and excitement across Cheltenham Secondary College at present, as we celebrate both the outstanding achievements of our students and the many opportunities that make school life so rewarding.

Our 2026 NAPLAN results provide strong evidence of the progress being made across the College. Our students achieved results above similar schools and our network in student growth (Year 7 to 9), with particularly strong outcomes in Grammar and Punctuation, Spelling, Writing and Numeracy. These results reflect the commitment of our students, the expertise and dedication of our teachers, and the continued support of families.

While we are incredibly proud of these academic achievements, education is about far more than results alone. It is also about the experiences, relationships and opportunities that shape young people and help them develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.

This is particularly evident in the excitement building around our upcoming College production of We Will Rock You, which commences next week. The production represents months of commitment, creativity, rehearsals and teamwork from our students and staff. Whether performing on stage, playing music, assisting backstage, managing lighting and sound, creating costumes or supporting the production in other ways, every student involved has made an important contribution.

School productions, camps, sporting teams, leadership opportunities and other co-curricular experiences provide students with opportunities to discover new interests, take positive risks, develop friendships and create memories that often remain with them long after they leave school.

Throughout our lives, the relationships we build can have an enduring impact on who we become. These relationships are shaped through our engagement with one another, through respectful conversations, shared experiences and the challenges we face together. Whether those challenges relate to learning, friendships or personal growth, the way we respond can have a lasting influence on ourselves and those around us.

Schools are an important part of this journey, but they are only one part. At Cheltenham Secondary College, we want every individual to thrive, but we also recognise that our greatest achievements occur when students, staff, families and the wider community work together with respect, kindness and a shared commitment to one another.

Our strong NAPLAN results and the excitement surrounding We Will Rock You demonstrate what is possible when academic endeavour, creativity, relationships and community come together. They remind us that success can be measured not only through achievement, but also through participation, connection, courage and the positive contribution we make to the lives of others.

We congratulate our students and staff on everything they continue to achieve and look forward to celebrating a wonderful production. 

Kind regards,

Karl Russell

Principal