Leading independent school Matthew Flinders Anglican College on the Sunshine Coast is celebrating its graduates making their mark at the University of Queensland (UQ), with four alumni securing top honors for academic excellence and community service within the university’s prestigious residential colleges.
As UQ celebrates its status as a top 50 global university (ranked 38th in the 2026 Times Higher Education World Rankings), Flinders alumni are proving they are well-equipped for this elite environment.
More than 50 of Flinders’ 2025 graduates chose to study at UQ in 2026.
The recent awards season at UQ’s residential colleges highlighted the strong learning and character foundation Flinders instills in its students:
- St John’s College Academic Excellence Awards: Grace Powell and Steph Ktenidis (Flinders Class of 2024) were recognised for their outstanding first-year academic results.
- The Women’s College Service Prize: Emily Brown (Flinders Class of 2023) received the Jeff Sipek Service Prize for her exceptional contributions to the community.
- The Women’s College Academic Scholarship: Chloe McTaggart (Flinders Class of 2023) was awarded the Chislehurst Prize, marking her as a scholar of distinction.
Dr Louise McCuaig, Head of the Flinders Discovery Institute, notes that this success is the result of intentional preparation during secondary schooling at Flinders.
Through the school’s Academic Care and Leave Well programs, students across Years 11 and 12 master the "life admin" required for tertiary success, from time management and professional branding to navigating scholarship and uni residency applications.
“The transition to university can be a daunting 'tsunami' of new responsibilities,” says Dr McCuaig. “At Flinders, we bridge that gap by mentoring our seniors in the character and skills needed to thrive beyond the school gates.”
Flinders is further strengthening these ties in 2026 by launching site visits to UQ residential colleges. Students in the Flinders Leading Men (ethical mentoring) and I-WiSH (Inspiring Women in Science and Health) programs will meet with Old Flinderians on campus to gain authentic insights into university life.
Connecting Our Community
The College continues to support its graduates through the Old Flinderians’ Association, fostering a lifelong professional network.
- Upcoming Event: Brisbane Alumni Networking Event | Thursday, 18 June 2026
An opportunity for Brisbane-based graduates to reconnect and share their post-school adventures.
To learn more about the Matthew Flinders Anglican College alumni community, visit the Old Flinderians' Association.
