Canberra High School opens Athlete Development Program applications for 2026

Canberra High School is accepting applications for its Athlete Development Program in 2026, giving current and incoming students access to specialist coaching in athletics and seven other sports at a fixed annual cost of $240.

The timing aligns with the school’s annual intake cycle, which begins with an information session in Term 1 week 2 and closes applications in week 4. Families in Canberra are weighing options for structured after-school and in-school sport that does not clash with core classes, and the program is designed to keep sessions inside the timetable at the school gym, Aranda Oval or nearby facilities such as Macquarie Tennis Centre and Bruce Ridge.

Program structure supports local athletes

Students already competing at club level in their chosen sport can apply, provided they maintain attendance, submit assignments and meet the school’s conduct expectations. Those accepted receive twenty one-hour coaching blocks across the year, split evenly between semesters, with sessions scheduled on a rotating timetable so no single subject is missed repeatedly. Teachers are notified of participants’ commitments and help them stay current with coursework.

The eight sports listed for 2026 are athletics, tennis, basketball, strength and conditioning, mountain biking, netball, soccer and volleyball. When a student’s primary sport is not offered, the school may place them in strength and conditioning instead. All participants must attend the school’s swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals and wear the designated ADP uniform.

What families need to know before applying

Applications are lodged through a single Google form and are assessed on sporting achievement, attendance record and commitment to the school’s values. Only one program place per student is permitted. Invoices are sent to successful applicants in Term 1, with payment plans available on request. Students who enrol after the formal window are considered individually.

Details of trial dates for selected sports appear in year-group Google classrooms, and an information session at the meet-the-teacher evening in week 3 gives parents a chance to ask questions directly. The full timetable and conditions are published on the Canberra High School website at canberrahs.act.edu.au/excellence/athlete_development_program.