Celebrating 2025 at Somerset College

As we conclude another inspiring year at Somerset College, we pause to look back on a 2025 filled with growth, connection, creativity and extraordinary achievement. Across all areas of College life - academic, pastoral, sporting, artistic and community - our students have continued to demonstrate courage, curiosity and character in all they do.This year has been shaped by the spirit of belonging and purpose that defines our community. From Junior School discovery to Senior School milestones, 2025 has offered countless moments that capture the heart of the Somerset experience.

Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning

Our students have continued to excel across their studies, supported by passionate staff who nurture curiosity and critical thinking at every level. Highlights from the year included:

• Outstanding 2025 NAPLAN results, positioning Somerset as the top-performing school on the Gold Coast based on combined Year 5 and Year 9 outcomes.
• From Sports and Cultural Awards to a series of Scholars’ Evenings across Year 4–12, celebrating sporting and academic achievement, perseverance and personal growth.
• Engaging learning experiences across all year levels, including gallery walks, inquiry showcases, STEM challenges, and immersive subject-based activities.

Throughout the year, classrooms were alive with discovery, from innovative projects and hands-on experiments to collaborative problem-solving and deep thinking. Our teachers continued to model excellence, guiding students to explore new ideas, challenge themselves and pursue their personal best.

Celebrating Creativity, Expression and the Arts

The arts flourished across the College in 2025, showcasing the imagination, discipline and joy that our students bring to their craft. This year we celebrated:

• A vibrant calendar of concerts and performances, including the Year 2 Strings Concert, Year 6 Sense of Asia Day festivities, Senior and Junior Musicals and ensemble showcases.
• The creative achievements of individual students, including film finalists, award-winning visual artists and emerging performers.
• Participation in programmes such as the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP), which recognises exceptional young musicians.

From the stage to the studio and beyond, our arts community continues to enrich the cultural fabric of the College through creativity, collaboration and expression.

Spartan Spirit Shines in Sport

2025 was another outstanding year for Somerset Sport, with students achieving success locally, nationally and internationally. Among the many highlights:

• National representation and titles across disciplines, including athletics, rugby, netball, swimming, volleyball, and tennis.
• Standout individual achievements, such as an U18 National 200m Champion, international rugby selections, elite tennis rankings and podium finishes in major events.
• Exceptional team successes in Futsal, Swimming, Athletics, Football, Volleyball, and more.
• Growth in high-performance pathways through mentoring, training programmes and student-athlete development opportunities.

Our Spartans continue to exemplify dedication, resilience and sportsmanship in every arena.

A Community United Through Events and Shared Experiences

Somerset’s community events remained at the heart of the College experience in 2025. Whether celebrating, learning or coming together, these moments strengthened the sense of belonging across the College.

This year we enjoyed:

• A moving Valedictory Chapel and Dinner, honouring the Class of 2025 as they concluded their Somerset journey.
• Dynamic House events, carnivals and competitions filled with colour, energy and spirited participation.
• Whole-College celebrations such as the Headmaster's Commissioning, Founders Day, Christmas services, concerts, Junior and Senior School pool parties, and assemblies.
• Sustainability initiatives, including our Junior School composting programme in partnership with Seed the Ground.
• Progress and visibility in our partnership with leading experts in air quality, including recognition of Somerset as a Living Lab for best practice in learning environments.

Each event, whether large or small, contributed to the shared story of our year, a story of connection, purpose and community.

Strengthening Our Strategic Vision

2025 also marked the first year of leadership under our new Headmaster, whose guidance has supported the College to move confidently into its next chapter. Throughout the year, our staff, families and students have embraced a renewed sense of direction grounded in values that shape how we learn, lead and live together.

As we move toward 2026, our work continues to be informed by the qualities we aspire to cultivate in every young person: belong with purpose, create with joy, grow with courage, excel with integrity and lead with grace.

These aspirations will continue to shape the Somerset experience as we evolve, innovate and grow.

Looking Ahead

As the year draws to a close, we extend heartfelt thanks to our students for their enthusiasm and hard work, to our staff for their unwavering commitment, and to our families for their partnership and support.

2025 has been a year rich with achievement and meaning. We look forward to 2026 with optimism, purpose and the continued belief that education is at its best when it inspires young people to discover who they are, pursue their potential and contribute to a better future.