Carinya Christian School in Tamworth & Gunnedah, NSW
Christ-centred Education
Carinya Christian School is an independent, co-educational private day school, serving children across two vibrant campuses in Tamworth and Gunnedah, nestled in the beautiful New England North West region of NSW, Australia.
At Carinya, Jesus Christ is at the centre of who we are. Our understanding of Him shapes every aspect of school life and is woven into our educational practices at every level. We believe that learning is not simply the pursuit of knowledge, but an opportunity to explore God’s world and discover the truth and beauty He has placed within it.
We are deeply committed to providing quality education and exceptional facilities while remaining affordable for families. Our school offers a caring and supportive environment where students are nurtured academically, socially and spiritually. From our youngest learners to our senior students, we encourage each child to grow in wisdom, character and confidence, preparing them for lives of purpose and service.
We invite you to discover more about Carinya Christian School, a place where faith, community and learning come together to create a vibrant and enriching educational experience.
Tamworth
Gunnedah
Enrol With Us Today
CHRIST-CENTRED EDUCATION
We believe education is more than academics; it’s a journey of faith, community, and discovery. Every child is known by name, valued as an image-bearer of God, and encouraged to explore the wonder of His world with curiosity and joy. Whether you’re a parent seeking a Christ-centred learning environment or a teacher called to nurture hearts and minds, Carinya is a place where relationships flourish, learning is purposeful, and lives are shaped for service.
What we believe
AT CARINYA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Each one created in the image of God
Where teamwork is a gift from God
A shared journey of care and learning
By seeking the "reward in the task"
Self-discipline, responsibility & resilience
Mrs Bec O'Gorman
Gunnedah Prep Teacher
Partnering with parents to provide a safe, nurturing, Christ-centred learning environment that enables children to be lifelong learners.
Carinya Gunnedah offers a caring Kindergarten Preparatory Program for Prep (4–5 years). The play-based program helps children build early learning skills in a nurturing, Christ-centred environment, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.
Children must be 4 years old by 31 January to enter Prep. The program runs for up to two years before Kindergarten. Children must be toilet-trained before starting.
The Prep Program runs from Tuesday to Thursday with a three-day structure to promote consistency in learning. Learning experiences are theme-based each term, combining play and structured activities. Children are supported as they develop social skills, early literacy, numeracy, and an understanding of themselves, others, and God. In the second half of the year, Prep students make regular visits to the Kindergarten classroom to ensure a smooth transition to full-time school.
PREP AT A GLANCE
Play-based program with theme-based learning each term
Introduction to early literacy, numeracy, & pre-writing skills
Structure: Three-day structured program (Tuesday–Thursday) with the option of a fourth day [Friday, limited places]
A nurturing, Christ-centred environment focused on social development & confidence
Hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity & creativity
Regular transition visits to the Kindergarten classroom in the second half of the year
Strong focus on readiness for school and resilience in Christ
PREP FACILITIES
Carinya Gunnedah Prep is held in one large, dedicated learning room designed to be bright, welcoming, and flexible for a range of activities. Children enjoy a spacious outdoor area with a large undercover playground, sandpits, and access to a generous sports oval. Prep students share these play spaces with the Junior School, giving them opportunities to build confidence, practise social skills, and feel part of the wider school community.
The program balances play-based discovery with structured activities, encouraging children to develop early literacy, numeracy, and social skills in a nurturing, Christ-centred environment. Outdoor play and exploration play a key role in the experience, helping children develop physically, build resilience, and foster creativity.
PREP TO KINDY REBATE & FEE
Families whose children are enrolled in the Kindergarten Preparatory Program and continue into Kindergarten the following year are eligible for a 50% rebate off the total fees paid the year before Kindergarten. This rebate is applied directly to the family’s School Fees Account at the start of the Kindergarten school year, reducing the Total Annual Fees due.
Children enrolled in the Kindergarten Preparatory Program are assumed to continue their enrollment for the entire year, attending the same number of days each school week.
Miss Janine Rumbel
Junior School Coordinator
COMMUNITY, FRIENDSHIP & NEW BEGINNINGS
Junior School at Carinya encompasses the first four years of Primary School, and helps give students the best start to their formal schooling. By assisting children to feel safe and precious — made in the image of God — opportunities abound for students to learn, play, make friends, and grow. With our smaller classes, we love the privilege of helping children learn to read, write and count, working hard to meet the needs of every child.
In all areas of learning across the NESA syllabi, students are taught about the Lordship of Christ over all things, with biblical content integrated throughout the mainstream curriculum to enable them to discover Jesus’ world. Professional learning, collaboration, coaching and mentoring programs help our staff provide the best education and care for our students.
The Junior School environment fosters a culture of care and nurturing by older students, as they experience the happy mixing of all ages in the playground, with regular opportunities to interact and enjoy community together at formal assemblies, special occasions and shared curriculum activities.
JUNIOR SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Safe, supported learning
Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy
Opportunities for remediation and extension of learning
Flexible, well-resourced learning spaces
Access to secondary school facilities and expertise
A focus on character and resilience in Christ
Excursions that build on classroom experiences and enhance student learning
Sports and extra-curricular activities
JUNIOR SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Junior School provides a warm, engaging, and Christ-centred environment where children can learn, play, and thrive in community. With six dedicated classrooms, each space is designed to spark curiosity and build strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Students enjoy a large Junior School playground with slides, climbing frames, and monkey bars, creating spaces that encourage discovery, activity, and friendship. There is also a sealed outdoor area for handball, basketball, and more.
In addition to Junior School areas, students access the wider campus at set times, including the Library and undercover basketball courts, discovering new spaces and connections across the school.
From classrooms to play spaces, every part of the Junior School is intentionally created to nurture discovery, foster community, and help each child enjoy God’s world in a place made for them.
Mr Jake Berg
Deputy Principal
STABILITY, FRIENDSHIP & SECURITY IN THE CHANGING YEARS
Middle School at Carinya spans the final years of Primary School (Years 5 and 6) and the first years of High School (Years 7 and 8). At a time in life when so much is changing, this structure provides continuity and care, easing the transition from the familiar rhythms of a single classroom to the more diverse and specialised learning environment of secondary school.
Carinya’s Middle School is designed to help students discover who they are in Christ as they grow in maturity, independence, and responsibility. It provides opportunities for each student to identify and develop their unique gifts, abilities, and interests, and to use and enjoy those gifts in thankfulness to God.
As individuals made in His image, students are encouraged to learn in community, not competition, finding joy and motivation in the process of learning itself. Through these years, qualities such as character, self-discipline, resilience, and responsibility are nurtured and celebrated, helping each student to grow in wisdom, confidence, and faith as they prepare for the journey ahead.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Safe, supported learning
Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy
Opportunities for remediation and extension of learning
Flexible, well-resourced learning spaces
Access to secondary school facilities and expertise
A focus on character and resilience in Christ
Excursions that build on classroom experiences and enhance student learning
Sports and extra-curricular activities
MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Middle School provides a supportive, Christ-centred environment where students are encouraged to grow in faith, knowledge, and character as they navigate the important middle years of learning. Each classroom is designed to inspire curiosity, independence, and a love of discovery while building strong academic and spiritual foundations.
Students enjoy a range of outdoor spaces, including a large sports oval, two undercover sports courts, handball areas, and an outdoor table tennis table, creating opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and friendship. They also have access to the Library, a welcoming space for study, research, and quiet reflection.
From classrooms to outdoor areas, every part of the Middle School is designed to promote discovery, community, and growth, helping each student enjoy God’s world while developing the confidence and character to serve others.
Mr Jake Berg
Deputy Principal
DYNAMIC & DIVERSE; EDUCATION FOR THE REAL WORLD!
Senior School at Carinya Gunnedah provides students in Years 9 and 10 with a supportive and Christ-centred environment that nurtures both personal growth and academic achievement. Since the first Year 9 class in 2021, followed by Year 10 in 2022, students have been given the opportunity to learn in a dynamic and diverse setting that encourages them to develop strong study habits, grow in resilience, and explore the world God has made with curiosity and confidence.
These formative years are designed to help young men and women strengthen their character, build integrity, and begin considering their future pathways with clarity and confidence. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning while being supported in an environment shaped by faith, community, and discovery.
At the completion of Year 10, Carinya Gunnedah students are guaranteed the opportunity to continue their senior studies at Carinya Tamworth, where they can complete Years 11 and 12. This seamless transition ensures every student has access to a full Carinya education, equipping them for further study, work, and life beyond school.
SENIOR SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Safe, supported learning
Elective subjects
Access to secondary school facilities and expertise
A focus on character and resilience in Christ
Excursions that build on classroom experiences and enhance student learning
Sports and extra-curricular activities
Year 10 Student Leadership Program
SENIOR SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Senior School provides a Christ-centred environment designed to equip students for life, learning, and service beyond their school years. Each facility is intentionally created to support academic growth, personal development, and community connection.
Senior students have access to a dedicated Senior Study, an indoor space for quiet, focused learning, as well as a welcoming lunch area complete with a kitchenette and fridges that encourage independence and fellowship. The Senior School gym offers opportunities for physical development and wellbeing, while purpose-built music rooms provide spaces for creativity, performance, and expression.
Alongside these Senior School–specific facilities, students also enjoy access to the wider campus, including the Library, undercover basketball courts, and the Indoor Sports Centre. These shared spaces foster collaboration, discovery, and connection across year levels.
From study areas to performance spaces, every part of the Senior School is designed to inspire discovery, encourage community, and help students grow in wisdom as they prepare to serve God and others in the world beyond Carinya.
