AngliSchools has announced that it is exploring the potential to establish a new Anglican school in Ballarat late this decade, providing families in the region with expanded access to a high-quality, fee-accessible independent school education.
The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, CEO of AngliSchools, said he was very encouraged by Ballarat’s growth and strong reputation as an education centre.
“For more than 40 years, AngliSchools has provided high-quality, inclusive Anglican education across Australia. We’re excited to explore opportunities in Ballarat, a region well-known as a key education hub,” he said.
“Our approach is collaborative and consultative, working with community leaders, local families and schools to ensure the new school meets the needs of the community and aligns with our values of Faith, Inclusion, Respect and Excellence.”
“As a national system of Anglican schools, AngliSchools has expertise in establishing and supporting schools that are educationally strong, fee-accessible and locally grounded, while benefiting from robust system-wide governance and support.”
“We look forward to exploring the possibility of contributing meaningfully to Ballarat’s vibrant and evolving education landscape.”
The initiative has been welcomed by regional and church leaders.
The Right Reverend Garry Weatherill, Bishop of Ballarat, said the Diocese supported AngliSchools exploration of a new school in Ballarat.
“The Diocese welcomes AngliSchools initiative to explore a new school in Ballarat. This development will provide families with an additional schooling option within the Anglican tradition and strengthen the educational offerings available in the region.”
Adam Heath, Headmaster of Ballarat Grammar, said Ballarat’s education sector continued to grow in strength and diversity.
“Ballarat continues to establish itself as a strong regional education hub. We welcome AngliSchools exploring the possibility of establishing a fee-accessible Anglican school in Ballarat, and we support initiatives that enhance learning opportunities for students and contribute to the diversity of the city’s education landscape.”
Evan King, CEO of the City of Ballarat, said expanding educational opportunities aligned with the city’s long-term vision.
“The City of Ballarat welcomes the opportunity to work with AngliSchools and the Department of Transport and Planning in the exploration of a new school in the region. Expanding high-quality educational opportunities benefits our community, aligns with the city’s growth and planning objectives, and contributes to the vitality of our region.”
A decision by AngliSchools is expected before the end of this year.
BACKGROUND
AngliSchools is a system of Anglican schools committed to providing high-quality, inclusive and caring education with a distinct Anglican identity. AngliSchools has 16 schools across Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, with almost 3,000 staff and some 19,000 students. The 17th AngliSchool is scheduled to open in 2027. AngliSchools continues to explore ways to meet growing demand for high-quality Anglican schools in Victoria.
Ballarat is a proven Victorian education hub. The city has significant investment underway, including a $48 million project to revitalise post-secondary education infrastructure in the CBD and link it to regional workforce needs. A new regional professional learning centre for school leaders and teachers has recently opened, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. Regional school programs are attracting trainees and student-teachers from Melbourne, demonstrating Ballarat’s growing appeal as an education city.
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Jade Casotti
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