Coalition Pledges More Selective Schools for Melbourne's Growing Suburbs
The Victorian Coalition has pledged to build three select-entry high schools in Melbourne's outer suburbs and convert six existing schools to focus on academic achievers if elected in November. The policy aims to double the number of selective places available to high-performing students.
Three select-entry high schools would be built in Melbourne's rapidly expanding outer suburbs by 2030 under a Coalition government if elected in November. A further six existing schools would be converted to focus on academic achievers as part of the Coalition policy, which would likely double the number of selective places available to high-performing students.
Expanding Selective Schools
The Coalition has pledged to buy land in Melbourne's three fastest-growing regions to construct the academic achiever colleges. In the western suburbs, a school would be built in either Melton, Caroline Springs or Sydenham while in the northern suburbs, a college would be established in Craigieburn or Roxburgh Park.
Langwarrin or Cranbourne South have been identified by the Coalition as potential locations in the south-east. Victoria currently has four select-entry schools but Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said demand was outstripping supply with some of the state's best and brightest students missing out on academically tailored tuition.
"Thousands of students sit the select-entry school exam every year and too many of them are missing out because there are not enough places," the Victorian Coalition leader said.
"A government I lead will expand opportunities for students and parents from across Victoria to access select-entry schools."
Current Selective Schools in Victoria
Victoria has four fully selective secondary colleges: Melbourne High School in South Yarra, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School in Albert Park, Nossal High School in Berwick and Suzanne Cory High School in Werribee.
Melbourne High and Mac.Robertson Girls' High were Victoria's original two select-entry schools, with prospective students required to undertake a three-hour-long uniform entrance examination, testing their competency in literacy and numeracy, among other areas.
Comparison to New South Wales
Ms Wilson said too many Victorian students are denied places compared to New South Wales, where there are 21 fully selective schools and a further 26 institutions that are partially selective, which receive local students alongside high-performing students who can access advanced classes.
Reaction from Opposition Education Spokesman
"I want every Victorian student to have the opportunity to succeed at school; to thrive and achieve their full potential," said Opposition education spokesman Brad Rowswell.
"Selection to these schools must be accessible and not based on postcode. The entry system for these schools will be a level playing field, offering the opportunity to more students than ever before."
"The establishment of these schools will help to strengthen Victoria's state education system, giving students more opportunities to achieve their full potential and offering parents greater school choice."