See Beyond
Our Strategic Plan | 2026 - 2030
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Dharug people of the Dharug nation. On this land they taught and continue to teach their children their beliefs, knowledge, and culture, and we pay our respect to them as we seek to do the same for our children.
We also acknowledge our God and heavenly Father who made the heavens and the earth, and to whom we are responsible for the current stewardship of this land that has been entrusted unto us.
From the Principal and the Chair
The development of a strategic plan is a bold and hopeful journey—one that invites us to reflect deeply, listen widely, and imagine courageously. Over the past year, we have engaged in a rich process of consultation, gathering insights from parents, staff, and students through surveys, conversations, and focus groups. Together, we have explored our enduring strengths, identified areas for growth, and considered the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
The result is this five-year strategic plan: a vision that invites us to “see beyond” the present and shape a future where our school community continues to flourish.
As a Christian Grammar School committed to excellence, we aspire to be a place that is both responsive and resilient—equipping students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We see beyond the immediate and embrace the exciting possibilities that emerge when faith, learning, and innovation converge.
This plan is anchored in three strategic themes:
Culture and Community
Developing a deeply connected and engaged community.
Teaching and Learning
Cultivating teaching and learning that goes beyond the classroom.
Sustainability, Renewal and Growth
Building a future-ready educational environment with a clear value proposition.
The plan is supported by dedicated project teams who will guide the implementation of every objective and milestone over the next five years.
We are united in our excitement for the future of this remarkable school. May this plan inspire us all to see beyond—with faith, purpose, and vision.
In Christo Futurum.
The development of a strategic plan is a bold and hopeful journey—one that invites us to reflect deeply, listen widely, and imagine courageously.
Mr Ian Wake Principal
Mr Brett Redman Chair of the Board
About St Paul’s
Founded in 1983 through the vision and determination of a small group of local families, St Paul’s Grammar School was established to provide Christian education that would serve the growing Penrith community. From these humble beginnings, St Paul’s has flourished into one of the leading schools in the region, recognised for its strong academic foundation, caring community, and commitment to nurturing the whole child.
Situated on 70 acres of native gardens and bushland, our campus provides a peaceful and inspiring environment for learning. Students enjoy exceptional facilities, open skies, and a natural landscape that reflects the school’s commitment to balance, wellbeing, and curiosity.
We are a Christian Grammar School providing students with a holistic education, ensuring each learner is equipped to develop academically, personally, and spiritually.
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with a dual credential offering, St Paul’s provides a seamless continuum of education from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. For over 30 years, our IB programmes have been fully integrated with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum.
At St Paul’s, education is not limited to academic success. We believe in nurturing intellectual curiosity, physical health, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth. Through diverse curricular and cocurricular opportunities, our students are encouraged to explore their interests, discover their strengths, engage fully in the life of the school, and go out to serve the world.
Our goal is simple yet profound: to prepare our students for life beyond school. We inspire them to see beyond themselves—to recognise that they are part of something larger—and to carry forward the values, understanding, and courage to flourish in whatever path they choose.
We are a Christian Grammar School providing students with a holistic education, ensuring each learner is equipped to develop academically, personally, and spiritually.
Our Motto Our Vision
In Christo Futurum
In Christ, The Future
St Paul’s will be a dynamic, transformative and exemplary Christian Grammar School, where students and staff can flourish, both within and beyond the school.
Our Core Values
Hope
Strength to persevere, an assurance of tomorrow.
For in this hope we were saved
Ref: Romans 8
Wonder
Curiosity, inquiry, and thanksgiving.
The moon and the stars
Ref: Psalm 8
Grace
Demonstrating love, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith
Ref: Ephesians 2
Humility
Placing others before ourselves.
In humility value others above yourselves
Ref: Philippians 2
Truth
Illuminating the unknown. Guide me in your truth and teach me
Ref: Psalm 25
Community
Working together for the good of all.
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds
Ref: Hebrews 10
Love
With all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
Ref: 1 Corinthians 13
Faith
Believing with your heart; knowing your mind.
The righteous will live by faith
Ref: Romans 1
Our Mission
As a Christ-centred community, St Paul’s Grammar School enables excellence in all areas, empowering students to be discerning and knowledgeable individuals of integrity, who are called to serve in the world with respect and compassion.
Strategic Plan Overview
1 Culture and Community
• Commitment to being an authentic Christian Grammar School
• Flourishing students, staff, and families
• Engaging and serving our community
• Dynamic and engaged alumni network
2 Teaching and Learning
• Excellent learning modelled by students and staff
• Commitment to being an authentic Christian Grammar School
• Quality Christian staffing
3 Sustainability, Renewal and Growth
• Communicating effectively the value of a St Paul’s education
• Maximising opportunities
• Exceptional grounds and facilities
• Financial stability—enabling renewal and growth
Culture and Community
Statement of Direction
As a Christian Grammar School of excellence, belonging at St Paul’s means being part of a vibrant, deeply connected community where families are engaged, every individual is known and celebrated, and our culture of care and high expectations continue to inspire deep respect across the wider community.
What we will do
We will continue to strengthen our culture of belonging by fostering deep, genuine partnerships among students, staff, and families. As an authentic Christian Grammar School, we will live out our mission and vision through shared purpose, collaboration, and community engagement. We will equip and support staff to teach and model a Christian worldview that is confident, thoughtful, and invitational, helping students understand their place and purpose in God’s story.
We will ensure our wellbeing framework is visible and active across the whole school, allowing every individual to feel connected, known, and valued. Through cocurricular involvement, leadership, and service opportunities, students will be encouraged to participate fully and find their place within the life of the school.
In all we do, we will nurture a community marked by faith, learning, and care, making St Paul’s a place where every person can grow and flourish.
What we will see
We will see a vibrant, connected community where belonging is genuine and shared across students, staff, and families. Our Christian faith will be visible in daily life, shaping relationships, guiding actions, and inspiring a culture of grace and purpose. Students, staff, and families will collaborate in learning, prayer, and community events, reflecting a shared sense of identity and mission.
We will see staff and students equipped to think deeply and critically about the
THEME ONE | Culture and Community
world around them, engaging with ideas and perspectives through a Christ-centred worldview that invites discernment, encourages thoughtful reflection, and cultivates wisdom in responding to the wider culture. Across the school, wellbeing and values will be evident in the way people learn, serve, and interact. Classrooms, playgrounds, and shared spaces will reflect calm, connection, and joy in belonging.
Together, we will see a flourishing community grounded in faith, purpose, and care for one another.
2 Teaching and Learning
Statement of Direction
As a Christian Grammar School of excellence, we cultivate a learning community where curiosity is nurtured, innovation is embraced, and learning goes beyond the classroom, equipping students with the knowledge, character, and courage to flourish in a changing world, as they are formed through a holistic education that inspires awe, fosters belonging, and honours excellence at every stage.
What we will do
We will position ourselves as leaders in evidence-informed teaching and learning, grounded in our identity as an authentic Christian Grammar School. We will equip and enable our teachers to deliver innovative, well-resourced curriculum and approaches of the highest quality across the IB and NESA programmes.
Our focus will be on strengthening teaching and learning partnerships, building connections with universities, industries, families, and alumni, and supporting our senior students through purposeful academic and pastoral care. We will also model best practice in technology use, including preparing our community for an AI world.
In all we do, we will foster a culture of belonging and purpose by investing in leadership, wellbeing, and professional growth.
What we will see
We will see excellent learning modelled by both students and staff—our classrooms alive with curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning. Teachers will confidently share expertise and engage with new research, while students will approach their learning with creativity, courage, and critical thinking.
We will see innovative teaching in action, well-resourced programmes, and strong skills for learning evident across the school. Senior students in both IB and HSC pathways will thrive academically and personally, demonstrating resilience, purpose, and readiness for life beyond school. Technology will be used thoughtfully to enhance learning, and wellbeing will be woven throughout the environment in every classroom.
Together, we will see a vibrant learning community marked by excellence, faith, and a shared sense of awe and wonder.
Sustainability, Renewal and Growth
Statement of Direction
As a Christian Grammar school of excellence, we are building a future-ready community where inspiring education is matched by exceptional facilities and financial strength, delivering a clear value proposition that families and staff aspire to join.
What we will do
We will strengthen the long-term sustainability of St Paul’s through clear communication, thoughtful renewal, and purposeful growth. As a Christian Grammar School of excellence, we are building a futureready community where inspiring education is matched by exceptional facilities and financial strength.
We will continue to share and refine the story of a St Paul’s education, one that combines academic depth, character formation, and outstanding opportunities through both the IB and HSC pathways. We will plan wisely for the future through demographic insight, infrastructure renewal, and targeted growth in areas of opportunity. By fostering philanthropy, expanding partnerships, and strengthening our alumni network, we will build enduring relationships that support our shared vision.
We will continue to implement our Master Plan with care and creativity, ensuring that our facilities and resources reflect the quality and ambition of our community.
What we will see
We will see a flourishing school community marked by confidence, renewal, and faith in all we do. Strong enrolments will reflect the recognised value of a St Paul’s education, with families and staff drawn to a community known for its excellence, care, and purpose. We will see balanced and sustainable financial growth, guided by wise stewardship that enables new opportunities, strengthened resources, and modern facilities serving both current and future generations.
Our grounds will be beautiful and purposeful—landscaped with care, designed sustainably, and enriched with outdoor learning spaces that invite connection. Alumni will play an active and visible role in school life, contributing their expertise, celebrating achievements, and strengthening community ties.
Together, we will see a school that continues to grow with purpose and grace, where excellence, belonging, and renewal work hand in hand.
THEME THREE | Sustainability, Renewal and Growth
See Beyond
Where others saw barren, unusable land, the founders of St Paul’s saw green playgrounds with native gardens giving beauty, shade and shelter. They saw thoughtful, well-designed learning spaces enabling excellent education. They saw beyond the lack of resources to a vision of flourishing, evident in our school today.
This strategic plan seeks to build on the vision of those who have gone before, to honour their work as we seek to see beyond and continue to develop a rich, vibrant and dynamic learning community.
As a community we desire to see beyond:
• See beyond ourselves and live our lives marked by grace, humility, and love.
• See beyond our own fears and insecurities and have hope and a sense of wonder.
• See beyond our tendency to be independent and to actively work to build community.
• See beyond the uncertainties of this world and be confident in the truth that God brings.
• See beyond our doubt and have faith—believing in our hearts and understanding with our minds that we can know God, understand His word, learn of His world, and live an assured life with certainty of the things we cannot see.
As we see beyond, we look to Christ who is our future.
In Christo Futurum
