At Radford College, wellbeing is woven into every aspect of school life. Students are supported through a framework of care, leadership and values that nurture growth, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Pastoral care
Wellbeing begins with strong pastoral care. Each student is seen, known and supported through a network of dedicated staff, including Heads of Year, Teacher Mentors and specialist services. The framework is designed to:
- foster meaningful relationships between staff and students
- promote character education
- provide academic, social and emotional guidance
- ensure every student feels seen, safe, supported and valued.
The College also provides access to counsellors, health services, wellbeing programs and quiet rooms to meet the needs of students at each stage of their journey.
Wellbeing programs are delivered College-wide and are tailored to meet the needs of each age and stage. For example, topics for the Secondary School include: goal setting and striving, building respectful relationships, digital citizenship and safety, mental health education, drug and alcohol education and consent education.
Character education
Radford’s values of Truth, Compassion and Wisdom guide the College’s approach to character formation. Character education is embedded across the curriculum and daily school life, encouraging students to:
- live authentically with integrity
- practise kindness, service and responsibility
- seek knowledge and understanding to serve the common good.
Character development is delivered through classroom learning, service learning opportunities, co-curricular activities and leadership opportunities. Students are expected to uphold the College’s values in their behaviour and relationships, building habits that prepare them for a purposeful future.
Leadership
Leadership at Radford is about service and responsibility. From Junior School through to Year 12, students are encouraged to step into roles that build confidence and make a meaningful impact in their community. Opportunities include:
- College Captains, House Prefects and Activity Captains leadership within service learning and co-curricular programs
- mentoring and peer support initiatives.
The framework ensures students develop the skills to lead with integrity, empathy and vision.
House system
The Radford House system builds belonging and school spirit. Every student joins one of the College’s Houses upon commencement at Radford. Every House includes students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, creating whole-College connections and opportunities for participation. By engaging in House activities, students form friendships and develop teamwork and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Through the House system, students:
- participate in academic, cultural and sporting competitions that strengthen school spirit
- take on leadership roles such as House Captains, Vice-Captains and mentors
- contribute to service and community initiatives.
The House system helps students feel part of something bigger, connecting them to the wider Radford community while celebrating individual and collective achievement.
The Houses are named after Australian native plants, and represented by the following colours:
Spirituality
Faith is central to Radford College’s identity. Our Anglican foundation shapes daily life at the College, grounding students in values of Truth, Compassion and Wisdom. Guided by the College chaplaincy team, spirituality is expressed through service, compassion and reflection, welcoming families of all beliefs into an inclusive christian environment.
The Chapel stands at the heart of campus life – a place for worship, celebration and quiet reflection. The chaplaincy team leads Chapel services, Religious and Values Education (RaVE) and Godly Play (inspired by the Montessori-based approach to biblical storytelling) for our younger students, as well as providing pastoral support for students and families. They also lead major College events such as the whole-College Easter Service, Kindergarten Nativity Service, Carol Service, Blessing of the Fleet and Blessing of the Pets.
Through these experiences, students see faith lived out in action and understand how compassion, service and gratitude shape a life of purpose.
Chaplaincy team
‘Radford College has a vibrant Anglican Identity expressed in our community gatherings, service to others, curiosity in learning and respect for all people.’
Reverend Dr. Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
‘There is an open invitation for all in the Radford community to discover their spirituality, learning to walk in truth with compassion and wisdom at the heart of their actions.’
Reverend Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain
Learning through RaVE
At Radford, RaVE is a vital part of spiritual formation for students up to Year 10. The program encourages students to explore life’s big questions, develop religious literacy and engage with diverse worldviews.
Learning goes beyond the classroom: students visit places of worship across Canberra, explore spirituality through art, and reflect creatively on faith, ethics and community. Together with Chapel services and Godly Play in the early years, RaVE nurtures empathy, understanding and a sense of purpose that prepares students to live with integrity and compassion.
The Chapel
The Chapel is the spiritual heart of the College — a place for worship, celebration and reflection. Beyond school services, this beautiful space is also available for hire, providing a meaningful setting for weddings, baptisms and community gatherings with a 200-seat capacity.
Enquire about hiring the Radford Chapel for your special occasion and experience this unique setting at the heart of our College community.
Start your journey
Book a campus tour to experience Radford College in person, or apply now to secure your child’s place in our Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 community.
