About Frensham Junior School
A foundation for lifelong learning.
At Frensham Junior School, our values and educational ethos are grounded in the belief that each child should develop their talents and use them to contribute meaningfully to the world.
We believe in a strong partnership with parents, working together to nurture children who:
- Care deeply for others
- Think critically and solve problems
- Make considered decisions
- Show empathy and understanding
- Inspire and encourage those around them
We celebrate each child’s effort and achievement, ensuring that learning is balanced with time for deep thinking, creativity, and adventure.
If we use our good moments well, if we learn truly to love beauty, goodness, and truth, we shall need no other less worthy motives in our lives. We shall not be driven to work by desire for reward or recognition, by fear of punishment or desire to be first. We shall do our best because that is the thing worth doing .
Welcome from the Head of Junior School
Lucy Gregory leads a vibrant, nurturing community focused on fostering the academic, emotional, and social growth of young learners.
At Frensham Junior School, we are dedicated to fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in every child. We believe students thrive in an environment where they feel known, supported, and challenged, inspiring them to explore new ideas and embrace learning with enthusiasm.
Located in the beautiful Southern Highlands, our unique setting encourages outdoor exploration, independence, and a sense of wonder. This natural environment plays a vital role in our learning philosophy and contributes to a childhood that is active, joyful, and connected.
Our engaging curriculum fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, while kindness, resilience, and empathy are woven into daily learning. Guided by passionate staff and supported by the broader Frensham Schools network, students enjoy a seamless educational journey from Preschool to Year 6 — and beyond.
As an educator, I find great joy in helping young learners discover their strengths and develop the courage to be themselves. I warmly invite you to visit us, meet our wonderful students and staff, and experience the Frensham Junior School community for yourself.
Lucy Gregory
Head of Frensham Junior School
Frensham Junior School news
Our educational philosophy
Nurturing growth, learning and belonging.
Frensham Junior School fosters a caring and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to achieve to the best of their ability, to become an independent learner and support others to learn, to develop a strong sense of personal worth and belonging and to develop a desire to know, to learn and to understand.
Our Preschool programme covers all areas of a child’s development- fostering their cognitive, social, emotional, creative and physical growth.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education is the basis for the Preschool Program. Based on an Integrated Inquiry model, teaching and learning experiences are guided by the children’s interests. Children are seen as capable and confident, educators view themselves as facilitators of learning and the environment is seen as the ‘Third Teacher’.
Leadership team
Frensham Junior School Executive
Mrs Lucy Gregory
Mrs Lucy Gregory
PGDipSpecEd (Macq), BTeach (Primary) (WSU)
Lucy Gregory is the Head of Frensham Junior School, leading with a strong focus on curriculum, pedagogy and student well-being. She is committed to ensuring every child is nurtured and inspired to reach their full potential.
With almost three decades of experience as a teacher and educational leader, Lucy has worked as a classroom teacher, P-12 Learning Support and Enrichment Coordinator, and Senior Curriculum Officer and Primary Inspector at NESA. She has contributed to the independent education sector through roles such as Treasurer for IPSHA NSW, presenter for the Association of Independent Schools, and member of NESA curriculum panels.
Lucy holds postgraduate qualifications in Special Education from Macquarie University and is deeply committed to the benefits of a P-12 education. Under her leadership, Frensham Junior School emphasises personalised learning, rich specialist lessons, and extracurricular opportunities that support academic growth, creativity, and well-being. Lucy values a culture of care and kindness, ensuring these principles are embedded in the school community.
Mrs Anne Graham
Mrs Anne Graham
BMusEd (Newcastle), MEdLead (UOW)
Anne Graham is the Deputy Head of Frensham Junior School.
Anne plays a key role in supporting the leadership and operation of the Junior School, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning environment for students. With a strong passion for music education, Anne has been instrumental in fostering creativity and musical appreciation among students. She has held various leadership positions at Frensham, including Acting Head of Gib Gate and Coordinator of both Administration and Activities.
A dedicated educator at Frensham for over 25 years, Anne continues to make a lasting impact on the school community through her leadership and commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Mrs Benita Neilson
Mrs Benita Neilson
BTeach (Primary) (CSU)
Benita Neilson is the Year 4 Teacher and Teaching & Learning Coordinator at Frensham Junior School.
Benita is responsible for the implementation and resourcing of the Kindergarten to Year 6 Curriculum, as well as coordinating the Learning Support Programs, and identifying and supporting High Potential Learners. She oversees the various enrichment programs at the School and is responsible for working closely with classroom and specialist teachers to develop innovative and engaging teaching and learning programs, monitoring student assessment and reporting to parents.
Benita has been a classroom teacher at Frensham Junior School for thirteen years and previously held leadership positions at Sydney Catholic schools.
Our facilities
We create an environment where students can thrive creatively, socially and academically.
The Frensham Junior School campus is full of spaces and activities designed to nurture a love for learning and a connection to the natural world.
From artistic expression in the Art Room to hands-on care for animals in the Chicken Coop, each area of the school fosters curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for the world around us. Below, you’ll find an overview of some of our most beloved spaces and the experiences they offer.
The Art Room
All Frensham Junior School students discover a passion for Visual Arts and enjoy their specialist lessons in this creative space. Through the delivery of the Creative Arts curriculum and extended programs students are offered opportunities to engage in a variety of creative mediums and maker experiences in this space.
The Library
Frensham Junior School’s inspiring library is designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading and discovery. Curated with a diverse selection of books, the collection reflects students’ interests and curiosity, inviting them to explore new worlds through literature. Thoughtfully organized by themes and topics, the library encourages independent exploration, while the dedicated Teacher Librarian fosters a culture of inquiry, guiding students to find books that spark their imagination and deepen their passions.
The Oak Tree
The Oak Tree stands at the heart of the Frensham Junior School campus, offering shade and adventure during playtime. A treehouse is nestled around the trunk and branches of the tree, and the library is designed to wrap around the tree. This connection to nature highlights its importance in fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the environment.
The Playground
Our newly renovated playground is designed for endless fun and exploration! Featuring a sky climber, slides, sandpit, treehouse, natural climbing logs and built-in trampolines, it’s a space where imaginations soar and energy knows no bounds. With vast open fields for games and running, plus dedicated tennis courts for active play, every child can find their perfect way to move, play, and create unforgettable memories with friends.
The Music Centre
The Music Centre, with its main classroom and five dedicated tuition rooms, is where the vibrant sounds of happy children fill the air. Whether they are creating in-class music or learning drums, piano, saxophone, voice, flute, clarinet, violin, cello, viola or guitar, a lifelong love of music is nurtured. Every child is encouraged to discover their musical talents, and our Year 2 and 3 students embark on their musical journey by learning to play a string instrument.
The Chicken Coop
Established in 2024 as part of the Jamieson Program, the Chicken Coop is located between the new playground and the Preschool. Supervised by the Year 6 students, each year group is assigned a week to care for the chickens. The coop itself includes sustainable considerations, with a water tank installed to supply drinking water for the chickens. The school vegetable gardens, which are looked after by groups of students, provide an additional food source.
We asked some of the 2024 Kindergarten class about the chickens.
Join the Frensham community
Find out more about us with a personal tour of the School or begin the application process for your child. We look forward to welcoming you to the Frensham Schools community.