Canberra High School Opens 2026 Athlete Program for Competitive Club Players

Canberra High School is accepting applications for its Athlete Development Program in 2026, giving club-level competitors from the ACT a structured way to train during school hours without falling behind on studies.

The program matters now because Term 1 2026 marks the next intake window, with an information session planned for Week 2 and trials for selected sports in Week 6. Families in Canberra need clear details on how the school fits training around the timetable while students still meet attendance and assignment requirements.

Canberra High School runs the sessions at its own gym, weights room and courts as well as Aranda Oval and Bruce Ridge, keeping travel short for local athletes. The school timetable rotates sessions across Week A and Week B so participants miss different classes each fortnight and can catch up on work missed during line D periods.

Program structure and costs

Twenty one-hour coaching sessions are scheduled across the year, ten each semester, delivered by specialist coaches. Students already competing at club level in their chosen sport can apply, and those whose main sport is not listed may be placed in strength and conditioning instead. The school website states successful applicants receive an invoice for $240 covering the full year, with payment plans available on request.

Offered sports for 2026 include athletics at Aranda Oval, tennis at Macquarie Tennis Centre, basketball and volleyball in the school gym, mountain biking at Bruce Ridge, netball on the school courts, soccer at Aranda Oval and strength and conditioning in the weights room. Minimum numbers are required for each sport to proceed.

Next steps for families

Applications for the 2026 program close in Week 4 of Term 1 via the Google form listed on the Canberra High School website. Existing students must show satisfactory attendance, consistent session participation and adherence to the school’s C.A.R.E.S. values, plus solid grades and completed assignments. New enrolments after the deadline are assessed case by case. Parents can contact the ADP coordinator for payment queries or further information before the information session in Week 2.