From the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria     Catholic schools are an important part of the Catholic Church’s mission; they seek to be the schools of first choice for Catholic parents. Dignity and respect for each student form the basis of teaching and learning in Catholic schools, with the values of the Gospel integral to the faith development activities and religious education programs.

Catholic schools provide high quality academic, social and vocational education and a curriculum that is responsive to the individual needs of students in a changing world. There is a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, especially in the early years, and a wide range of study options in the senior years, including the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Vocational Education and Training (VET) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

Catholic schools are accountable to governments and parents for student learning and schools are required to report to parents on their children’s progress at least twice a year. Teachers in Catholic schools are highly qualified and caring, committed to the ethos of catholic education.  They strive to provide an environment focused on achievement, challenge, creativity and enjoyment.  Catholic schools are welcoming communities where quality interpersonal relationships are encouraged and promoted.

In Catholic schools, student wellbeing involves a whole-school approach – in partnership with parents and the local school community – so children can learn in a safe and supportive environment. A wide range of student wellbeing support is available, including child protection, student health services, personal development, safety, resilience, behaviour management, anti-bullying and drug education.

School and Student Statistics

In 2008 across Victoria there are 383 primary, 95 secondary and 8 special schools providing Catholic education to 186,046 students. Across all sectors in Victoria, Catholic school enrolments accounted for 21.07per cent of primary and 22.3 per cent of secondary enrolments.

For more information, refer to the following publications on the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria website www.cecv.vic.catholic.edu.au. 

Victorian Catholic Schools at a Glance - 2008 Statistical Snapshot 2008

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