High Schools: Years 7-10
High schools cater for students aged from about 12 to 16 in Years 7 to 10.  A Year 10 Certificate and High School Record detailing programs undertaken by a student in Years 9 and 10 are issued at the end of Year 10.

Year 7 is an introductory year in which students are given the opportunity to sample many of their schools’ curriculum options to help them make informed choices in later years.  They also commence their studies in the core area. Teachers and counsellors   encourage students to make choices that will broaden their interests and help prepare them for a career or further education.  Students’ subject choices are approved by their parents in consultation with the school.

High schools provide a comprehensive range of programs which offers all students a balanced curriculum suited to the needs and interests of the individual, the challenges of secondary college and life as a productive  and contributing member of the community.  Each high school produces a handbook which outlines curriculum and organisation, and members of staff are happy to discuss the needs of intending students with parents.

High Schools:

• Alfred Deakin High
• Amaroo School
• Belconnen High
• Calwell High
• Campbell High
• Canberra High
• Caroline Chisholm High
• Ginninderra District High School
• Gold Creek School K-10
• Kaleen High
• Kambah High
• Lanyon High
• Lyneham High
• Melba High
• Melrose High
• Stromlo High
• Telopea Park School
• Wanniassa K-10

Secondary Colleges: Years 11-12
At the completion of high school in Year 10, students may proceed to secondary college. Enrolment for secondary colleges commence in August of each year. Secondary colleges cater for Years 11 & 12 and there is a very high retention rate from Year 10 to Years 11 & 12.

Students are given guidance in arranging courses of study that will best prepare them for careers and further education. At the same time they are expected to make decisions for themselves, to develop maturity and judgment and to set and achieve realistic goals. To succeed they must organise themselves effectively and work hard.

Colleges have proved to be very effective in preparing young people for both work and tertiary education.

Each college develops its own range of courses.  These are accredited by the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies.  The Board also ensures that courses leading to tertiary entrance qualifications will meet the requirements of tertiary institutions throughout Australia.

No subjects are compulsory in secondary colleges.  However, students are encouraged to choose courses from all areas of the curriculum to develop a comprehensive range of knowledge and skills.

Secondary Colleges: 

• Canberra College - Weston
• Canberra College - Woden
• Copland College
• Dickson College
• Erindale College
• Hawker College
• Lake Ginninderra College
• Lake Tuggeranong College
• Narrabundah College