Published on: 7 May 2020


Ever since he can remember, Josh Coales (‘19) has had his heart set on following in his father’s footsteps and those of his grandfather to become a Christ Church boy.

When the time came to enrol for Senior School, Josh’s parents were not in a financial position to offer him a Christ Church education. Determined to find a way to join, Josh applied for and was successful in receiving a scholarship to commence his educational journey at Christ Church.

He commenced Year 7 determined to be a part of everything the School had on offer. Drama, Mock Trials and Debating, as well as a commitment to serve Romsey House, kept him busy and enabled him to form life-long friendships with many of his peers.

“I wouldn’t have achieved as much as I did without the high academic standards, dedication of the teachers and incredible sense of mateship that pushed me to be the best I could be and the best we all could be, regardless of our next step,” says Josh.

“My grandad, Mike Coales (‘58), commenced his journey at Christ Church as a boarder when he was six years old, after his own father died during the fall of Singapore in WWII. My dad Robert Coales (‘93) really enjoyed the School’s athletics and army cadet programs.”

“My passion has been Drama and the Arts. No matter what your interest or strengths, Christ Church is a place where we all belong.”

In his final year, Josh was a member of the leadership team conceiving and driving The Students’ Scholarship.

The result of this Senior School fundraising initiative was the enrolment of a boy who would otherwise not be able to attend the School, with a scholarship providing three-years full tuition. Josh shared his personal story during an assembly about the generosity of others that ensured he had the chance to be a Christ Church boy.

As Josh currently undertakes his university degree, he knows his school friends will go in a number of different directions, but they will always have their memories and enduring mateship.

“I will be forever grateful to the donors who helped shape me into the person I am today,” said Josh.

Philanthropic scholarships are awarded to outstanding young men whose families are not able to meet the full cost of a Christ Church education. Click here to find out more.