The newest non-government educational institution in Canberra, Stromlo Forest Anglican College, is set to open its high school enrollment earlier than initially planned to accommodate rapid growth in the region. The college, which is located in the burgeoning Molonglo Valley, will now accept students for years 7 and 8 starting in 2027, a year ahead of the original schedule.
The decision follows extensive consultations with local parents, who expressed a strong demand for additional high school options in the area. Founding principal Andy Gordon confirmed the change, emphasizing the school’s commitment to meeting community needs. “Parents were looking for a high school in the Molonglo Valley, and we are pleased to offer this opportunity earlier than expected,” Gordon stated.
Expanding Educational Horizons
Stromlo Forest Anglican College is poised to open its doors to preschool, kindergarten, and years 1 and 2 students in February 2026. The comprehensive educational plan includes an eventual expansion to cater to students from preschool through year 12, with a total capacity of 1,850 students. The college’s infrastructure will feature a unique design, with early education facilities housed in single-story buildings and the remainder of the school in four- and five-story structures.
The architectural design is inspired by the college’s namesake, Stromlo Forest, incorporating natural elements such as a tree in the early education meal space. “We should play to our strengths in this space,” Gordon commented, highlighting the school’s scenic views of the Telstra Tower and proximity to Stromlo Park and other recreational facilities.
Innovative Educational Approaches
The early childhood section of the college will adopt the Reggio Emilia approach to education, which emphasizes the rights of the child and a personalized learning experience. “Decisions revolve around the purpose, meeting a need, and the rights of the young person,” Gordon explained. He stressed the importance of tailoring education to individual students rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy will form a cornerstone of the college’s curriculum. Gordon noted, “Literacy and numeracy skills are the bookends of success,” underscoring their critical role in academic achievement and future opportunities. He cited a strong correlation between a school’s performance in these areas and students’ ATAR results.
Community and Growth
The Molonglo Valley, home to over 18,000 residents as of June 2025, is projected to grow significantly, reaching a population of 79,000 by 2065. Currently, the area hosts two government schools—a primary and a high school—with plans for an additional primary school in Whitlam by 2027. This expansion reflects the region’s rapid development and the increasing demand for educational facilities.
Gordon, who was appointed as the founding principal at the end of 2024, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served as the interim principal at Radford College and has been deeply involved in the planning and construction phases of Stromlo Forest Anglican College. “It’s been a journey to get here,” he remarked, reflecting on the challenges and achievements of the project.
“As a school leader across two decades, I had been involved in projects before, but not to this scale,” Gordon said.
With the Molonglo Valley’s continued growth and the college’s strategic expansion, Stromlo Forest Anglican College is set to become a pivotal educational institution in the region, offering innovative and tailored learning experiences to meet the needs of its diverse student body.
