Friday 29 January 2010
New figures show more parents choosing a Catholic school
The Director of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Stephen Elder,
today hailed the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures showing strong
growth in Catholic school enrolments in Victoria.
Catholic secondary schools in Victoria grew the fastest of secondary schools in any
sector, adding 1,093 students. This compares to 900 additional students enrolled in
government secondary schools and 600 additional enrolments in independent
secondary schools.
Overall, there was an increase of almost 2,200 full-time equivalent students according
to preliminary data released by the ABS, based on the 2009 August census. Full-time
equivalent student enrolments in Catholic schools in Victoria rose by 1.2% between
2008 and 2009.
“These figures demonstrate that parents are choosing Catholic schools for their
Christian values, their unique and distinctive learning environment and their strong
academic results,” said Mr Elder.
“Catholic schools are vibrant communities of learning, faith and life. The increasing
enrolments are an endorsement by parents of the dedication and commitment of
principals and teachers in Catholic schools throughout Victoria.
“In 2009, Catholic schools in Victoria continued to score well above state averages on
national tests.
“Despite operating on lower average resources than Victorian government schools,
Catholic schools in Victoria are working to educate the whole child and ensure every
student receives the best education possible.”
Further information from David Ahern, Catholic Education Office Media, on
9267 0228 or 0418 351 383.
NEWS 
