Glenunga International High School Is Shaping the Future—Here’s How

Glenunga International High School, located in a peaceful suburb only a few kilometers southeast of Adelaide’s city center, has been gradually evolving into one of the most prestigious public schools in the nation. It has developed into a center of opportunity for students prepared to face the future thanks to its exceptional blend of academic brilliance, global perspective, and purpose-driven leadership.

Glenunga has created a school climate that feels incredibly progressive by fostering ambition and firmly establishing it in values. Its development hasn’t happened by accident. The introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which was spearheaded with political support from Greg Crafter, proved to be both timely and transformative when the school was on the verge of closing in the early 1990s due to declining enrollment.

Glenunga International High School – Key Information

Glenunga’s growth over the last 20 years has been especially noteworthy. Government funding has poured in, new facilities have appeared, and the number of students has increased dramatically. New science labs, digital tech centers, and performance spaces that are not only cutting edge but also highly adaptable were added during a $32 million renovation that was finished in 2022. Students can easily move between leadership meetings, musical rehearsals, and STEM experiments in the same afternoon thanks to these facilities.

The school’s dedication to the “5Cs”—Creative and Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Citizenship, and Character—has significantly enhanced the curriculum framework. These principles are not merely decorative; rather, they are ingrained in the school’s operations and are demonstrated by the way students take charge, challenge norms, and foster a sense of community.

The recent chapter of Glenunga has been significantly shaped by Principal Wendy Johnson AM. She has guided the school with compassion and clarity and is well-known for her composed yet effective leadership style. Her focus on holistic education has greatly loosened the strict lines that frequently divide emotional health from academic learning. In the hallways and classrooms, Johnson’s conviction that each student has a personal best worth aiming for is profoundly felt.

At Glenunga, student life is rich and complex. Clubs that serve as a platform for identity and expression include those that focus on philosophy, crocheting, K-pop, and chess. Students and teachers work together to showcase cultural diversity during events like Languages Week, which reflects Adelaide’s shifting demographics as well as the school’s global focus. More than just resumes, these experiences help young people become more globally conscious and sympathetic thinkers.

The extent to which student leadership is ingrained in regular school operations is what makes Glenunga so innovative. The Learner, Wellbeing, and International Mindedness Councils are platforms where students can co-create a school culture they are proud of, shape events, and influence decisions. They are not token structures. This is empowerment in action, not merely participatory education.

Glenunga’s academic record has been remarkably stable in recent years. Twenty students from SACE and IB programs achieved ATAR scores above 99 in 2016 alone, ranking in the top 1% of students nationwide. These accomplishments are not isolated; rather, they are a reflection of the school’s robust support systems, individualized learning plans, and unmistakable standards for excellence.

The alumni list of the school is a veritable who’s who of success. These same corridors were once traversed by Singapore’s first elected president, Ong Teng Cheong. Alfred Traeger, the creator of the pedal-powered radio that transformed remote communication in Australia, and badminton Olympian Leanne Choo also did. They all made an impact on their fields, and they all began here.

However, facilities only provide a portion of the picture. The mentality that Glenunga cultivates is especially helpful for students getting ready for uncertain futures. Glenunga’s focus on abilities rather than memorization feels surprisingly progressive given the global changes in education, the economy, and technology.

The school has made strategic adjustments to meet evolving needs over the last ten years. Students can now pursue apprenticeships and university entrance credentials concurrently by fusing academic rigor with vocational education. Multiple pathways are supported by the model without any one being labelled as superior. It’s an approach that seems incredibly forward-thinking and incredibly considerate of individual differences.

In 2025, Glenunga briefly made national news due to security issues after the principal was the target of several email threats. Instead of upending the community, the event exposed an exceptionally robust support system. Staff, students, and families came together, demonstrating that Glenunga’s culture was authentic, unified, and firmly based on trust rather than merely being aspirational.

Glenunga stands out as an example of possibility in an educational setting where public schools are frequently asked to accomplish more with less. It has become a place where futures are written with confidence and purpose thanks to strategic planning, wise risk-taking, and the conviction that effort is more important than background.

When choosing a secondary school, many families must weigh factors like location, culture, curriculum, and cost. With silent strength, Glenunga responds to each of those inquiries. It provides extracurricular activities that celebrate individuality, academic pathways that open doors to the world, and leadership that inspires rather than just manages. Applications are still flooding in, and both domestic and foreign students view Glenunga as more than just a school—it’s a launching pad.