The Elite Sports Program has been established to nurture and develop the academic and sporting achievements of students from Years 7 to 12. The program aims to build a strong foundation of strength, power and speed in junior athletes and further develop each student’s capacity in their chosen sport in the senior program. The program enhances students’ capacity as an athlete and a student, building leadership, interpersonal and communication skills. Students in the Elite Sports Program have access to elite training and conditioning allowing for a blend of academic development and practical learning.

Aims of the Elite Sports Program

At Mount Ridley College, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals by integrating academic achievement, personal growth, and athletic excellence. Our Elite Sports Program is designed to inspire and support students through a dynamic and holistic approach with the strategic goals of:

• Fostering a Culture of Excellence:We promote a culture of high achievement by supporting students’ academic, personal, and athletic development through a diverse range of targeted programs.
• Leveraging Sporting Passion for Engagement:We harness students’ enthusiasm for sport as a powerful tool to enhance engagement, encourage lifelong learning, and strengthen their connection to the College community.
• Facilitating Industry Pathways:We equip students with advanced skills, knowledge, and insights into career pathways, establishing meaningful links with the broader sports industry beyond the school environment.
• Simulating Elite Athletic Environments:We provide students with authentic experiences that reflect the standards and expectations of elite junior athletes, mirroring the professionalism of high-performance sporting environments.
• Development of Holistic Competencies:We strive to cultivate essential life and career skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, while broadening students’ understanding of the multifaceted nature of the sports industry.

Year 7 & 8 Junior Athlete Development Program

Junior Athlete Development Program (Years 7 & 8)

The Junior Athlete Development Program serves as a foundational pathway for students in Years 7 and 8 who are aspiring to join the Elite Sports Program in later years. This program is ideal for students who:

• Show a strong interest in progressing to the Years 9–12 Elite Sports Program (ESP)
• Thrive in a challenging environment alongside like-minded, high-performing peers
• Demonstrate the ability to manage the expectations of a specialised sports and academic program
• Exhibit dedication and a strong work ethic in both their training and academic responsibilities
• Aspire to represent Mount Ridley P–12 College with pride, both in sporting opportunities and as role models of the College’s values.

Community Partners

 Mount Ridley P-12 College utilises a number of community partnerships to deliver a high-quality program. Partners include Calder Cannons football club, Craigieburn Eagles Basketball Club, Melbourne Victory and NRL Victoria,

Available Now:

ESP 2026 Handbook

Application Process

The application process for the ESP is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. For each Year 7 intake, one group (of no more than 25 students) will make up the ESP class and will potentially remain in that group up until the end of Year 12 (provided they meet the requirements of the program as set by the College).

For the duration of their enrolment in the ESP Program, students will be in the care of a:

• Mentor teacher,
• the Director of Specialised Programs - ESP and
• Deputy Principal – Curriculum.

The application process for the ESP is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. All information gathered is used to help select the students who will be best equipped to cope with the demands of a select-entry specialised sports program.

Year 7 ESP 2026 - Application Process

The application process for the Year 7 Athlete Development Program is designed to identify students for whom this type of program is appropriate. All of the information gathered is used to help select the students who will be best equipped to cope with the rigours of a select-entry specialised sports program.

STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION FORM  

Students hoping to be considered for a place in the Year 7 2026 ESP class are invited to complete an online application form. 

The link to the online form will open at 9:00am on Thursday 3^rd July 2025 (Term 2 Week 11) and will close at 4:00pm on Friday 1^st August 2025 (Term 3 Week 2).

Year 7 ESP 2026 Online Application Form: https://forms.office.com/r/9ZpJEEKPjY

STEP 2: TALENT IDENTIFICATION SESSION

Prospective students for the Year 7 Junior Development Program 2026 are required to attend a Talent Identification Session as part of the selection process.

The Talent Identification Session is scheduled for Monday 4^th August 2025 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the Main Gymnasium at the College.

Registration of students will commence at 3:15pm out the front of the Main Gymnasium.

STEP 3: INTERVIEW

Upon review of applications, information from Primary Schools and the talent identification session, shortlisted students will be invited to attend an interview at the College. The date and times of interview will be provided to each family via email.

STEP 4: SELECTION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS 

Upon consideration of all components of the application process, all applicants will be notified via email correspondence of the outcome of their application following the confirmation of enrolment at the College. The decision by the College is final.

Final placements for Year 7 2026 Specialised Programs at MRC will be confirmed by Friday 10^th October,2025 (Term 4 Week 1).

Please Note:

Completion of the ESP online application form or talent identification sessions does not automatically secure enrolment at Mount Ridley College. Parent/Carers must still submit ‘The Department of Education Application for Year 7 Placement 2026 Form’ to the Year 6 Coordinator at your Primary School.

Contact Information

Susie Saddington

Director of Specialised Programs – Elite Sports Program

susie.saddington@education.vic.gov.au