More than scholarships, the Elevate Pathways Program also provides enrichment experiences, mentorship and opportunities to extend learning.
Supporting curious, capable and committed students to grow, thrive and contribute.
The Elevate Pathways Program offers opportunities across Academic, Arts and Sport for students entering Year 7 and Year 10, who are ready to challenge themselves, deepen their interests and play an active role in our community.
What is the Elevate Pathways Program?
The Elevate Pathways Program provides a tailored enrichment program for each successful applicant.
While the Program includes a tuition fee reduction for successful applicants, Elevate is much broader than traditional scholarships. It is designed to nurture each student’s strengths, passions and potential while helping them meaningfully engage with College life. Opportunities within the Program may include:
• Individual mentoring, coaching, tailored learning extension
• Enrichment programs and competitions
• Industry experience linked to their interests
• Grants for external study tours or qualifications
• Support for specialist pathways in the Arts and Sport
• Tuition fee reduction
Academic Excellence Pathway
For students who show strong academic potential, curiosity and a desire to extend their learning. Participants may access mentoring, enrichment, early VCE opportunities, grants for study tours or qualifications and industry experiences.
Register Your Interest
Arts Pathway
For students with creative talent and a genuine commitment to artistic development. Criteria for 2027 are being finalised, but may include:
• Academic testing
• Submission of a portfolio
• Performance or audition (music, drama, dance)
• Demonstration of ongoing engagement in the Arts
Sports Pathway
For students who demonstrate strong athletic ability and commitment. Guaranteed entry to the ELTHAM College Elite and Emerging Athletes Program. Criteria for 2027 are being finalised, but may include:
• Academic testing
• Evidence of participation at a high or elite level
• Endorsement from a coach or sporting organisation
• Demonstration of commitment to training and wellbeing
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to domestic students (Australian citizens or permanent residents) who are entering Year 7 or Year 10, including both current ELTHAM students and new applicants.
We welcome applications from students who:
- Show genuine interest and commitment in Academic, Arts or Sport pathways
- Are eager to contribute to College life
- Demonstrate alignment with ELTHAM’s values
- Are motivated, engaged and ready for challenge
What We’re Looking For
Across all pathways, we look for students who:
- Show initiative and a love of learning
- Willing to work closely with their mentors and coaches
- Display ELTHAM College values in their attitudes and actions
- Demonstrate strong personal character
- Have a proactive mindset that is excited by new opportunities
- Bring enthusiasm and curiosity to their chosen pathway
Participation is supportive, not burdensome — students are guided to grow, not pressured to perform.
Additional pathway specific criteria (Arts & Sport) will be released early 2026.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Elevate Pathways Program, students are required to submit a combination of academic evidence and personal information that allows the College to gain a holistic understanding of each applicant.
All applicants, regardless of pathway, are required to complete the following.
Required for all applicants
• Introductory video (up to three minutes) This short video provides insight into each student beyond written documentation. Students should introduce themselves, share their interests and aspirations, reflect on how they align with the College values, and explain their interest in the Elevate Pathways Program.
• Academic evidence
Recent school reports and, where available, standardised testing such as NAPLAN.
• Supporting documentation
Certificates, records of achievement or other relevant material that supports the application.
• Standardised academic assessment
All applicants are required to sit a standardised academic assessment administered by Edutest. This assessment focuses on academic potential rather than curriculum specific knowledge and forms part of the holistic review process for all pathways.
Additional Requirements by pathway
Sport
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a high level of sporting commitment and achievement, evidenced through at least one of the following:
- Participation in high level club or association competition
- Performance at a representative level, including State or National level competition
- Involvement in elite club programs
- Participation in recognised talent identification programs (for example AFL NGA or Cricket Victoria pathways)
Year 7 Entry
Applicants should typically demonstrate the following:
- Completion of AMEB Level 4 to 5 or equivalent
- Strong evidence of commitment to regular practice and ongoing improvement
- Active involvement in musical ensembles
For specific instruments:
- Piano students should typically be of a minimum AMEB Grade 6 standard. A second instrument to approximately Grade 3 standard is strongly encouraged
- Vocalists should have undertaken at least three years of vocal tuition
Year 10 Entry
Applicants should typically demonstrate the following:
- Completion of AMEB Level 6 to 7 or equivalent
- Strong evidence of commitment to regular practice and ongoing improvement
- Active involvement in musical ensembles
Vocalists should have undertaken at least three years of vocal tuition. The grade levels outlined above are indicative and may vary depending on instrument and ensemble needs within the College’s music program.
Arts – Visual Arts
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio comprising photographs of five artworks as part of their application.
The portfolio should:
- Include photographs of work completed within the past two years
- May contain a combination of school based projects and work produced outside the classroom
- Demonstrate experience working across a range of media
The portfolio provides insight into each student’s creative thinking, technical skill and approach to visual arts practice.
All application components are considered together. No single element is assessed in isolation.
Application process and next steps
Applications for the Elevate Pathways Program are now open. To apply, families must complete both steps outlined below.
Step 1: Complete the Edutest registration form
All applicants must complete the online Edutest registration form by the published closing date. This registers the student for the standardised academic assessment and initiates the application process.
Register for the Edutest assessment [Insert Edutest registration link]
Step 2: Upload supporting documents
Applicants must upload all required supporting materials via the Edutest document upload portal. This includes the introductory video, academic evidence and any additional pathway specific materials.
Upload supporting documents [Insert Edutest document upload link]
Both steps must be completed for an application to be considered.
What happens next
Once both steps have been completed:
1. Standardised academic assessment
All applicants sit the Edutest academic assessment on the scheduled testing date.
2. Review and shortlisting
Applications are reviewed by the selection panel, with consideration given to academic potential, pathway specific strengths and alignment with the College values.
3. Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend an interview.
4. Outcome and offer
Successful applicants receive an offer outlining their place in the Elevate Pathways Program, including confirmation of the tuition fee reduction component.
Families are kept informed throughout the process, with clear communication at each stage.
Selection decisions are made following a holistic review of each application. The Principal reserves the right to make the final decision in all cases
Key Dates for 2027 Entry
| Date | Entry and Application Stage |
|---|---|
|
December 2025
|
Expressions of Interest open
|
|
Mid-January 2026
|
Applications open. Updated Program information available.
|
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Friday 13 March 2026
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Open Day 4.30pm – 6.30pm Attend an Information Session (optional)
|
|
Friday 20 March 2026
|
Applications close for academic testing
|
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Saturday 28 March 2026
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Academic Testing Day
|
|
Friday 10 April 2026
|
Portal closes for supporting documents
|
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10 – 17 April 2026
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Shortlisting and interview invitations
|
|
20 April – 1 May 2026
|
Interviews conducted for Academic Excellence, Arts and Sport Pathways
|
|
Monday 11 May 2026
|
Offers released
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elevate a traditional scholarship?
No. While the Program includes a tuition reduction for successful applicants, Elevate focuses on mentoring, enrichment and authentic learning opportunities.
What does the Program offer?
- Individual academic or pathway mentoring
- Enrichment and extension opportunities
- Experiences linked to student interests
- Support for tours, competitions or qualifications
- A tuition fee reduction (amount confirmed in offer)
Who can apply for Elevate?
Both current ELTHAM College students and new applicants entering Year 7 or Year 10.
What should students include in their introductory video?
A brief introduction, alignment with College values, passions, interests, and academic or pathway goals. We want to learn more about you!
What is the Elite and Emerging Athletes Program?
Sport Pathway students are guaranteed entry to the ELTHAM College Elite and Emerging Athletes Program. The program is open to athletes from any sport and will be designed to complement their specific training for that discipline.
The Elite and Emerging Athletes Program works with students during the school week, allowing them to continue with their evening and weekend sport activities for local and regional clubs.
We map a personal course that will support, challenge and motivate each student to achieve their definition of sporting success. Our distinct approach develops physical fitness and strength conditioning, nutrition and recovery, goal setting and mental focus, all within an environment that prioritises strength of character and wellbeing.
Ready to apply for the Elevate Pathways Program?
Register your interest to receive updates, key dates and Program information.
Register Now