Head Angie Francis was joined by staff members Roger Belton, Emma Brooks, Judith Canavan and Mike Johnson, as well as Barry Peach, for eight days to look at education in Sydney.
The party visited four independent schools, which were all very successful, but very different.

Miss Francis said: "We were interested to learn more about the education system in Australia and discovered that their independent schools receive significant government funding. Each of us focused on a particular aspect of education and the visits provided a very good opportunity to reflect on current practices.
"We have returned to Alford re-energised and with several areas, such as e-learning, which we will now develop.
"The study tour has provided excellent professional development with time to reflect and look at education from a different angle."

While in Australia the party also went to a performance at Sydney Opera House, visited Taronga Zoo to see among others, koala bears and kangaroos, watch an Aussie Rules Football match at the Olympic stadium and experienced the surf on Manly beach.

Miss Francis said: "We will be developing further the links with some of the schools and intend to take a few senior students over there next February to share good practice on student voice and student leadership."

The trip was financed jointly by the staff and the school.