Fairholme College — A place where girls grow without limits.
Choosing a school is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your daughter. It’s not just about uniforms or campuses—it’s about choosing the environment that will shape her identity, values, and future.
At a girls’ school, your daughter will be supported, challenged, and inspired. It’s a place designed entirely around how girls learn, lead, and thrive. Where she can be herself—intellectually, emotionally, and socially—without apology. Where she can lead, try, fail, try again, and succeed.
It’s a place where she belongs.
Explore the three pillars that make an all-girls education so powerful
Academic Success
Research consistently shows that girls in single-sex schools outperform their peers in co-educational settings—even when accounting for factors such as socio-economic background and academic ability.
- Studies from the Australian Council for Educational Research reveal that by Year 7, girls in all-girls schools are up to 18 months ahead in reading and 9 months in mathematics (ACER, 2017).
- PISA Data (2015, 2018) also confirms stronger performance in literacy, maths and science for girls in all-girls schools (Bridge, 2022).
Why does this happen?
Girls in single-sex classrooms enjoy the freedom to engage deeply without fear of stereotype or social pressure. They ask questions, take intellectual risks, and feel empowered to speak up.
In single-sex classrooms, girls are more likely to pursue STEM subjects, less likely to self-censor, and are more confident in their abilities (Sullivan, 2009; Watson, 1997).
Girls benefit from classrooms that are calm, focused, and relational, with high academic expectations and meaningful feedback (Bridge, 2022). Our teachers can design learning in ways that specifically support how girls engage, think and thrive.
Wellbeing and Belonging
At the heart of every girl’s success is a strong sense of wellbeing.
We know from research—and experience—that girls who feel emotionally safe, confident and connected are far more likely to succeed, not just in school, but in life.
Girls’ schools are deeply intentional about creating cultures of belonging.
A 2021 study by AQR International found that girls in single-sex schools display higher confidence, emotional control, and resilience than their co-ed peers. They are better equipped to handle pressure, stress, and setbacks.
Brutsaert & Van Houtte (2002) found that girls in single-sex schools report a stronger sense of community, built on shared identity and mutual support. These environments reduce social pressures and help girls develop secure, positive relationships with both peers and teachers (Bridge, 2022).
Here at Fairholme College, every leadership role belongs to a girl—from Head Girl to Prefect for Sports. These opportunities not only build character, but also instill a deep sense of purpose and capability.
Even during times of challenge, like the COVID-19 pandemic, girls in single-sex schools showed greater mental toughness and adaptability, indicating long-term wellbeing benefits (Fitzsimmons, Callan & Paulson, 2020).
Girls’ schools don’t just nurture achievement—they cultivate the confidence and character to carry it forward.
Co-Curricular Pursuits
Where passions are discovered, friendships are forged, and real-world skills are honed.
In all girls' schools, every opportunity is open to girls. Beyond the classroom, Fairholme College offers a rich co-curricular life where students are encouraged to discover their passions and push beyond their comfort zones.
- Research shows that girls in single-sex environments are more likely to try new activities, particularly those traditionally dominated by boys—like coding clubs, robotics teams, or competitive sport (Else-Quest & Peterca, 2015; Pahlke et al., 2014). This willingness to take risks, without fear of judgement, fosters resilience, curiosity, and courage.
- Programs are also intentionally designed around girls’ learning preferences—collaborative, creative, and relational—enhancing both engagement and personal growth (UNGEI, 2016).
- Girls' schools often offer rich alumni networks and mentoring programs that provide students with access to internships, university support, and early career connections (Sullivan, Joshi & Leonard, 2010). The Fairholme Old Girl connections don’t fade after graduation—they grow stronger.
Be a Fairholme Girl
for a day
Register for our next event!
We welcome your daughter to experience a day in the life of a Fairholme girl. Meet our amazing teachers, make new friends and experience the incredible opportunities at Fairholme College.
