Why are interviews required if Hillbrook is a non-selective school?

All students who would like to attend Hillbrook need to attend an enrolment interview before an offer can be made.

Our interviews are an important opportunity to provide your family with a better understanding of our ethos, culture and the values of our school. Our aim is that parents and students leave an interview knowing what Hillbrook has to offer and with all of your questions answered.

What should parents consider before attending an interview?

We ask parents/care givers  to consider the following, which are compulsory components of our school curriculum:

• the ability of your child to benefit from the strong academic, non-vocational educational offerings of Hillbrook – all students are required to complete an academic pathway and achieve an ATAR at the end of their schooling; and
• the expectation of full participation in programs and activities integral to the School’s curriculum, including our Outdoor Education program.

Does Hillbrook provide learning support?

The LANE (Literacy and Numeracy Enhancement) Program is offered in Years 7, 8 and 9 to assist students who require additional support with English and Mathematics. Classes are provided in a small group format with no more than 12 students.

Students are welcome to access learning support in our Enrichment Centre (such as assistance with organisation and assignment writing) during break times. Our Enrichment team does not provide individual on-going tutoring in specific subject areas.

Subject specific tutoring (e.g. Mathematics) is provided by some subject Departments one afternoon per week after school, but general tutorial sessions are not provided by the school. General tutoring is the responsibility of parents/caregivers.

Our Enrichment Centre staff attend a limited number of classes in Years 7-10 each week to provide support for any students who might require assistance during that class. This is not individual tutoring and only applies to a limited number of classes per week.

For some students, the School may not be able to cater for all their identified needs. In these cases, clear expectations between the family and the School need to be established before the enrolment is formalised.

What if I miss out on my Year 4 interview due to illness, COVID or some other unforseen event?

We can organise to conduct an interview over Zoom if you are affected by a COVID restrictions, illness or currently live interstate.

If I decline an interview will I lose my place on the waiting list?

Families who decline the opportunity for an interview can remain on the waiting list, however the original date of enrolment will be amended to the date the family reinitiates interest in their child attending Hillbrook, this will become their new date of enrolment.

How are students selected for an offer?

Hillbrook is a non-selective school, and places are offered based on the date order we receive enrolment applications, factoring in our sibling policy (see below).

Students who have a sibling who are currently attending Hillbrook, have an accepted offer or are a past student will benefit from our sibling policy and move to the “Sibling Group” at the head of the enrolment waiting list within their date order. For our sibling policy to be enacted, students must be placed on the enrolment waiting list within a reasonable time frame of each other.

We maintain separate enrolment lists for male and female students to ensure an even gender balance in each year level. Students who are transitioning gender will be placed onto the list of the gender they identify with.

Does an interview guarantee an offer at Hillbrook?

Not all students interviewed will receive a place in the initial offer rounds, (due to their date order of enrolment) however, due to a wide range of circumstances, some families may decline or cancel their offer and as this occurs we will continue to contact families who are next on the enrolment waiting list.

Interviewed students not offered a place will remain on the waiting list based on the date order of their Enrolment Application, pending vacancies arising.  The waiting list will be updated early in Year 6 in preparation for expected cancellations throughout that year.

How long does the offer process take?

The offer process begins a few weeks after the interviews and this process can take several months as we work our way down the enrolment list, so please don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear from us immediately.

If you would like to check on the progress of your child’s enrolment following the interviews, we would be grateful if you could delay contacting us until mid September, by which time our enrolment waiting lists will have been updated and the offer process commenced.

What happens after we accept an offer of place?

Accepting an offer will secure your child’s place upon receipt of the first instalment of the reservation payment along with your signed Enrolment Agreement.

The reservation payment is payable in two instalments; the first at the time of accepting the offer, and the second payment early in the year before high school commences. The “fees in advance” component of the reservation fee will be credited towards your tuition fees.

The Enrolment Agreement, signed on acceptance of an offer, is a contract between the parents or guardians and the School to uphold the ethos of the school, abide by all school policies and ensure that all school fees are paid on time.

How much are the Tuition Fees?

Hillbrook aims to remain a moderate fee school, balancing the need to keep fee increases to a minimum while ensuring the quality of education and resources offered to students is of the highest standard. Full details of our current Fee Schedule can be found at www.hillbrook.qld.edu.au/enrolment

What happens if we decline an offer of place?

Families who do not accept an offer can either cancel their enrolment or remain on the waiting list. Please note in this instance your place on the waiting list will be revised, based on the date you advise us of your renewed interest in your child’s enrolment at Hillbrook.

Please ensure that we are informed of any changes to contact details, in particular email addresses (and that we are flagged as a “safe” with your email provider) as our inability to contact families could result in an Enrolment Application being cancelled.

If you require further information please contact our Enrolments Office by email at enrolments@hillbrook.qld.edu.au or call on 3354 6440. You can also find more information by vising our website  www.hillbrook.qld.edu.au/enrolment.