Families in inner Melbourne have been advocating for increased public schooling options for years, with Uni High facing challenges in meeting student demand after the state government expanded its enrolment boundaries without consultation in 2016. Former principal Heather Thompson expressed concerns about the school’s capacity, which was exacerbated by the addition of new areas to its catchment zone. By 2022, Uni High was operating at 110% capacity, with almost 100 new students added each year from 2019 to 2023. Enrolments for the current year are not yet available, but the school had 1858 students last year.
Uni High is the most overcrowded of 14 high schools operating over capacity in 2022, putting pressure on the government to address the issue of school infrastructure and capacity in inner Melbourne. The government’s failure to plan and deliver adequate school infrastructure has been criticized by Greens MP Ellen Sandell and Opposition education spokeswoman Jess Wilson, who highlight the lack of consultation and delays in addressing the growing demand for schooling in the area. Despite concerns about overcrowding, the Education Department did not provide specific plans or solutions for alleviating enrolment pressure at Uni High or building a new secondary school in inner Melbourne.
The government’s track record in addressing student growth in inner Melbourne has been called into question, as seen in the case of Docklands where a primary school had to be built after initial oversight and subsequent expansion to accommodate the increasing student population. The proposed development of a suburb around the new Arden train station may further add to the enrolment pressure in the area, requiring proactive planning and infrastructure investment to support the educational needs of the growing population. Education Department secretary Jenny Atta acknowledged the challenges in providing secondary school provision in inner Melbourne, labeling it as a “live issue” that needs to be addressed promptly.
Concerns about overcrowding and lack of adequate schooling options have prompted calls for a permanent solution for Uni High and secondary schooling in inner Melbourne from lawmakers and community members. The sentiment that schools and parents are left in limbo due to inadequate government planning and consultation has been echoed by various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of addressing the pressing issues affecting the education sector in the region. With growing enrollment pressures and infrastructure challenges, there is a need for decisive action to ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students in inner Melbourne.
The ongoing discussions and debates surrounding school infrastructure and overcrowding highlight the need for proactive planning and investment in public education in inner Melbourne. The government’s responsiveness to the increasing student population and the necessity for more school facilities have been scrutinized by various stakeholders, with calls for improved consultation and accountability in addressing the challenges faced by Uni High and other overcapacity schools in the area. As the demand for schooling continues to grow, it is crucial for the government to prioritize adequate infrastructure development and capacity planning to meet the educational needs of students in inner Melbourne effectively.
