At Toorak College, we believe that the earlier a girl steps into a space that nurtures her potential, the stronger and more confident she becomes. That’s why we encourage families to consider beginning their daughter's all-girls private school journey in Year 5, rather than waiting until Year 7. This early transition offers more than just a head start: it’s a launchpad for developing a strong sense of identity, academic confidence, and social-emotional intelligence.

Stronger Foundations, Greater Growth

Research and internal performance data consistently show that girls who start at Toorak in Year 5 demonstrate significantly greater academic growth by Year 12 compared to those who begin their journey in Year 7. You might be wondering, why?

The Year 5 to Year 6 period is socially, emotionally and intellectually formative. It’s when girls begin developing deeper cognitive skills, building resilience, and forming the friendships and identity that will shape their adolescent years. When this development occurs in an environment designed specifically for girls—with specialist teachers who understand how girls learn—the outcomes are profound.

A Seamless Transition into Senior Years

Starting in Year 5 means that girls are already familiar with Toorak’s learning environment, homework expectations, and culture by the time they reach Year 7. Rather than spending their first year adjusting to a new school environment (often at a critical academic and social stage), these girls begin Year 7 with confidence, clarity, and momentum. This continuity allows for accelerated academic development, stronger teacher and peer relationships, and a deeper sense of school belonging — all of which are linked to long-term success.

The Advantage of an Early Start

This is what our data shows for girls who begin at Toorak in Year 5:

  • They’re supported through focused, early intervention and tailored instruction, which helps lay the groundwork for stronger outcomes in literacy and numeracy by the end of Year 6.

  • They maintain consistently higher academic achievement through Years 7–12.

  • They often develop a deeper sense of school connection and confidence, which can encourage greater involvement in leadership opportunities and co-curricular programs during their senior years.

  • They foster deeper relationships and a sense of belonging, both strongly linked to self-efficacy and resilience.

You Can Tap Into the Toorak Advantage Now

Choosing when to transition your daughter into her secondary education journey is an important decision. By starting in Year 5, you are giving her more than two extra years of enriched learning — you are giving her The Toorak Advantage, earlier.

At Toorak College, we don’t just prepare girls for the future: we empower them to shape it.

If you are interested in submitting an enrolment application for Year 5, 2026, there are limited places available in our new class, so please complete your details here as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, you can contact our Admissions team at enrolments@toorakc.vic.edu.au or on +61 3 9788 7234.


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