ABOUT US
PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
JUSTIN BECKETT
I would like to extend a warm welcome to Arden Anglican School.
There is something wonderful and unique about Arden. It is a community of warmth and genuine connection. For us, the daily experience of the child – every day – is what matters most. We are deeply committed to each child being well known, well cared for and well taught.
In 2022 Arden celebrated its Centenary; 100 years of growing outstanding young people. Throughout the year there were many events and celebrations as we honoured the past and looked to the future. Take a look at our special Centenary site for more information on our Centenary and some of the events that took place across the year.
Arden is a flourishing co-educational school with over 950 girls and boys (Pre-School – Year 12) across our Junior Campus in Beecroft and Secondary Campus in Epping.
Our Arden motto is In God, my Joy; we believe that joy should be at the very heart of our school experience. Centred on the Christian faith and finding joy in God, Arden provides a vibrant learning experience to develop confident, capable global citizens prepared for a bright future. It is a privilege to journey with young people as they develop the tools and skills to live lives of purpose and hope.
Arden has a strong track record for excellent academic achievement in the Higher School Certificate. Our highest ATAR result in 2022 was 99.65 and 1 in 4 of our Year 12 students received an ATAR of 90 or above. With best practice teaching and learning at all levels of the School and a team of engaging, dedicated teaching and support staff, the sky is the limit for Arden students.
In addition to our strong academic program, Arden is bursting with co-curricular opportunities in which we encourage all students to actively participate. We offer sport, music, drama, dance, visual arts, public speaking, outdoor education, community service and tours within Australia or overseas.
The best way to experience Arden for yourself is to visit us. On any given day you will see students and staff engaged in the adventure of learning. We would be delighted to meet you and to give you a tour of our School so you can see for yourself how everyday matters at Arden.
Arden’s Mission and Vision encapsulate the powerful, traditional strengths of the School while also directing energy towards new areas of focus as we prepare our students for the future.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is the bedrock of our School; anchored in Christ.
Centred on the Christian faith and finding joy in God, Arden provides an exceptional co-educational learning experience that nurtures the uniqueness of confident, capable global citizens.
OUR VISION
Our vision is a ‘light on a hill’; guiding our path and lifting our sights.
Arden strives to be an inspiring learning community that engages the mind, nurtures the spirit and nourishes the body within a caring Christian environment.
Arden graduates are curious, courageous and compassionate men and women with an enduring passion for learning who transform the communities in which they live and work.
When we speak of an inspiring learning community this includes not only students highly engaged in their learning, but also the ongoing professional development of our educators and the involvement of our parents as active partners and participants.
OUR MOTTO
In God My Joy
At Arden we encourage our students to experience the joy that is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Flowing from this, we want our students to consider the needs of others and to reflect on the development of their character under God.
COMPASSION
WE ACT WITH COURAGE AND COMPASSION
COMPASSION
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
SERVICE
WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS
SERVICE
You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13
RESPECT
WE ENCOURAGE AND EARN RESPECT
RESPECT
Show proper respect to everyone.
1 Peter 2:17
WE ACT WITH COURAGE AND COMPASSION
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
WE ACT WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS
You were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Galatians 5:13
WE ENCOURAGE AND EARN RESPECT
Show proper respect to everyone.
1 Peter 2:17
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF HOPE
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
WE LOVE LEARNING
Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance.
Proverbs 1:5
WE ACT WITH COURAGE AND COMPASSION
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be people of courage; be strong.
1 Cor 16:13
HOPE
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF HOPE
HOPE
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
LOVE
WE LOVE LEARNING
LOVE
Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance.
Proverbs 1:5
COURAGE
WE ACT WITH COURAGE AND COMPASSION
COURAGE
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be people of courage; be strong.
1 Cor 16:13
HISTORY
TIMELINE OF ARDEN
1922
- A campus of Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Croydon opens on 28 March at the Presbyterian Church in Welham Street, Beecroft
1929
- The PLC Council sells the School to Miss Emily Gurney, an assistant teacher. The School is named Arden as the leafy surrounds of the area remind her of the “Forest of Arden” in Shakespeare’s play As You Like It
1933
- Arden is registered to cover the full primary school curriculum
1946
- Arden becomes an Anglican Diocesan School and relocates to the hall of St John’s Beecroft. The School is now called Arden Church of England School
1949
- The Arden Parents and Friends Association forms
1952
- Arden is gifted 69 Railway Parade and moves to its current location in Beecroft
1958
- The Diocese seeks to close Arden as it is no longer financially viable. Under the leadership of Canon Johnstone, the parents form a committee to take over the School
1962
- The Arden Church of England School Council is formed
1965
- Arden establishes its pre-school
1976
- The School becomes fully coeducational, as enrolment for boys is extended into Upper Primary
1983
- The School changes its name to Arden Anglican School
1986
- The School Council develops a master plan to meet the demands of increasing student numbers. This includes purchasing neighbouring properties and refurbishing existing buildings
1997
- Arden celebrates its 75th anniversary and buries a time capsule, to be opened in the School’s Centenary year
2003
- Arden opens its Secondary Campus at Epping
2008
- The School’s first Year 12 students successfully complete the HSC
2012
- Arden develops its 2020 Strategic Plan which outlines the School’s envisioned future across four key areas – students and community, people and resources, finances, and processes
2014
- The School Council develops a master plan for the Secondary Campus
2018
- Completion of Stage 1 of the Secondary Campus Master Plan
2020
- Official opening of Essex at the Secondary Campus sees the completion of Stage 2 of the Secondary Campus Master Plan
2022
- Arden celebrates its Centenary view our Centenary site
1922
- A campus of Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Croydon opens on 28 March at the Presbyterian Church in Welham Street, Beecroft
1929
- The PLC Council sells the School to Miss Emily Gurney, an assistant teacher. The School is named Arden as the leafy surrounds of the area remind her of the “Forest of Arden” in Shakespeare’s play As You Like It
1933
- Arden is registered to cover the full primary school curriculum
1946
- Arden becomes an Anglican Diocesan School and relocates to the hall of St John’s Beecroft. The School is now called Arden Church of England School
1949
- The Arden Parents and Friends Association forms
1952
- Arden is gifted 69 Railway Parade and moves to its current location in Beecroft
1958
- The Diocese seeks to close Arden as it is no longer financially viable. Under the leadership of Canon Johnstone, the parents form a committee to take over the School
1962
- The Arden Church of England School Council is formed
1965
- Arden establishes its pre-school
1976
- The School becomes fully coeducational, as enrolment for boys is extended into Upper Primary
1983
- The School changes its name to Arden Anglican School
1986
- The School Council develops a master plan to meet the demands of increasing student numbers. This includes purchasing neighbouring properties and refurbishing existing buildings
1997
- Arden celebrates its 75th anniversary and buries a time capsule, to be opened in the School’s Centenary year
2003
- Arden opens its Secondary Campus at Epping
2008
- The School’s first Year 12 students successfully complete the HSC
2012
- Arden develops its 2020 Strategic Plan which outlines the School’s envisioned future across four key areas – students and community, people and resources, finances, and processes
2014
- The School Council develops a master plan for the Secondary Campus
2018
- Completion of Stage 1 of the Secondary Campus Master Plan
2020
- Official opening of Essex at the Secondary Campus sees the completion of Stage 2 of the Secondary Campus Master Plan
2022
- Arden celebrates its Centenary view our Centenary site