Many students in Melbourne’s western suburbs are enduring lengthy commutes to attend schools that offer specialized programs. One such student, Prisha Singh, a year 12 pupil at John Monash Science School, travels over 45 kilometers each day. Living in Point Cook, she spends approximately 15 hours weekly commuting by car, train, and bus to her school located in the southeast of the city.
“It’s definitely exhausting, but I love the school, so it’s worth it,” Prisha stated. The John Monash Science School, situated on the campus of Monash University, caters to gifted students in years 10 to 12, focusing on sciences, mathematics, and technology. Prisha aspires to become a dental surgeon, making her choice of school particularly significant.
The challenges of commuting are not unique to Prisha. Her younger sister, Kashvi Singh, age 12, spends 10 hours each week traveling to Bacchus Marsh Grammar‘s Woodlea campus in Aintree. Despite the lengthy journeys, both sisters express a sense of purpose and commitment to their education. Prisha often uses her travel time to study, socialize, or catch up on sleep. Yet, she acknowledges the lack of quality schools in the western suburbs, noting, “A lot of people do miss out on going there just because of the distance.”
This issue is part of a broader conversation about educational access in Melbourne’s growing western suburbs. According to recent findings, fewer than 4 percent of the 654 students at John Monash Science School come from the western region. In contrast, Melbourne High School, a selective entry boys’ school in South Yarra, has around 20 percent of its 1,140 students from the west, primarily areas such as St Albans, Tarneit, and Point Cook.
The situation at Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School, located near Albert Park Lake, mirrors this trend, with 20 percent of its 1,196 students hailing from the western suburbs. Meanwhile, Nossal High School, a co-educational selective entry school in Berwick, reports that fewer than 5 percent of its 862 students come from the west. The only state selective entry school in Melbourne’s west is Suzanne Cory High School in Werribee, which opened in 2011 and currently operates at full capacity.
Principal Martha Goodridge-Kelly of Suzanne Cory High School indicates that approximately 70 percent of her students reside in the west, while 15 percent come from the north. The school has seen a growing demand, attributed to the region’s increasing population. “They are the aspirational areas, areas where families really prioritize education,” Goodridge-Kelly explained.
Education is a priority for many families in the area, particularly those with backgrounds that value academic achievement. Former head of mathematics at Suzanne Cory, Chris Chau, noted that selective entry schools are often perceived as offering private school-like facilities and opportunities, but at public school prices. He emphasized the need to enhance overall educational standards rather than solely focusing on selective entry schools.
As the demand for quality education in the western suburbs rises, private schools in Melbourne’s east and southeast are adapting. Institutions like Sacre Coeur in Glen Iris have recently launched bus routes to accommodate students from the west, with the service costing $1,150 per semester for return journeys. Similarly, St Michael’s Grammar has been offering private bus services for over 15 years to families in Yarraville and Williamstown.
According to Rachel Holthouse, chief executive of Independent Schools Victoria, reliable and affordable transportation allows families to choose schools that best suit their children, regardless of their location.
To further explore these educational challenges and opportunities, a summit hosted by the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) will take place on October 22-23, 2023. The summit aims to develop a vision for the region’s educational and economic success.
As Melbourne’s western suburbs continue to grow, the conversation around education and accessibility remains crucial for families seeking the best opportunities for their children.
