1. Overview
Highview College is a private, independent Catholic co-educational school serving families seeking a values-based education in Maryborough. The college offers a continuum of learning across primary and secondary years on a single campus, fostering a close-knit community feel while preparing students for life beyond school.
The school size is medium, with class sizes typically in the low 20s. The atmosphere is nurturing and inclusive, balancing academic effort with strong pastoral care and a supportive culture that encourages students to strive for personal and academic growth.
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2. Academics & Learning
- Academic strengths: English and STEM areas are emphasised, with leadership development and opportunities to engage in language learning as part of a broad curriculum.
- Special programs: VCE preparation for senior students, potential accelerated and gifted/talented pathways, and opportunities for leadership and structured learning extensions.
- NAPLAN / Ofsted trends: The school typically demonstrates positive literacy and numeracy trends over recent years, with a focus on continuous improvement and supporting students to reach their personal best.
- Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes are structured to maximise engagement, with student-teacher ratios around the low-to-mid teens in many subjects, facilitating accessible teacher support.
- Support for diverse learners: Inclusive education supports for diverse learners, including assistance for EAL (English as an Additional Language) students and SEN (Special Education Needs) support through targeted programs and referrals.
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3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths
- Sports offered: Football (soccer), basketball, netball, tennis, cricket, athletics, and other regional winter and summer sport options.
- Strong teams or achievements: Regular participation in regional interschool sport competitions with a track record of competitive teams across multiple sports.
- Music, arts, drama programs: Active music ensembles, choir, and performing arts opportunities; participation in school productions and arts involvement are encouraged.
- Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other interest clubs support varied student passions.
- Partnerships: Connections with local clubs and regional competitions enhance opportunities for students to compete and collaborate beyond the campus.
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4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
- Anti-bullying approach: Clear anti-bullying policies in place, with proactive programs and restorative practices to support a safe school environment.
- House system: A house or pastoral grouping structure to build belonging, leadership opportunities, and school spirit.
- Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff to support mental health, resilience, and personal development.
- Transition support for new students: Structured programs to help new students settle in, make friends, and navigate the school environment smoothly.
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5. Facilities
- Sports grounds: On-site sports fields and courts suitable for a range of activities.
- Libraries: A well-equipped library supporting study, research, and pleasure reading.
- Science labs: Practical science laboratories for hands-on experiments and investigations.
- Music/performing arts centers: Dedicated spaces for music ensembles, drama, and performances.
- Tech/innovation labs: Modern technology and innovation spaces to support coding, digital learning, and project work.
- Cafeteria: An on-site canteen or cafeteria offering nutritious options.
- Updated playgrounds: Age-appropriate outdoor play and recreation areas.
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6. School Values & Community Culture
- School values / mission: A values-driven mission centred on respect, responsibility, excellence, and compassion within a faith-informed context.
- Leadership style: Distributed leadership with student leadership roles and opportunities for staff-student collaboration.
- Behaviour expectations: Positive behaviour framework emphasizing respect, accountability, and constructive relationships.
- Community reputation: Strong sense of community, with families and staff working together to support students’ growth.
- Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
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7. School Logistics & Daily Operations
- School hours: Typical day runs within standard Victorian school hours, with variations between primary and secondary timetables.
- Before/after school care: After-school care or supervised study options commonly available.
- Uniform requirements: Clear uniform guidelines consistent with school policy for everyday wear and formal occasions.
- Transport: Bus routes and local transport options available to support commuting families.
- Canteen availability: On-site canteen or kiosk providing meals and snacks during the school day.
- Fees: The school operates in the mid-to-high range for fees compared with local peers, reflecting private/independent status and comprehensive programs.
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8. Enrolment & Admissions
11. What is the enrolment process and timeline?
- Inquiries can begin with a formal application, followed by a school interview or admission discussion. For secondary entry, there may be testing or assessment as part of the process. Offers are issued after the interview/assessment, with a required acceptance and enrolment documentation to complete the process. Timelines vary by year level and intake, so early applications are advised.
12. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work?
- Some year levels may have a waiting list, particularly at popular entry points. Priority often goes to siblings, then indicative timelines for vacancies are provided to applicants on the waiting list.
13. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews?
- Entry typically includes an interview or meeting with families, and may include a short assessment or tasks relevant to the year level. For senior years, there may be discussions about academic goals and expectations.
14. Does the school accept mid-year transfers?
- Mid-year transfers are considered subject to vacancy, alignment of the student’s needs with the program, and the completion of standard enrolment processes.
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9. Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Parents Choose This School?
Parents choose Highview College for a values-based education, supportive pastoral care, a balanced curriculum, and opportunities across academics, sport, arts, and leadership.
- What type of student thrives at this school?
Students who are motivated, collaborate well with peers, participate in both academics and co-curricular activities, and value a community-focused environment tend to thrive.
- What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)?
The school offers extended academic pathways (including VCE/ATAR preparation), leadership programs, competitive sports, music ensembles, drama, robotics, coding, debating, and other clubs to broaden skills.
- How does the school communicate with parents?
Regular communications include newsletters, parent-teacher meetings, portal updates, and periodic information evenings to keep families informed about progress and events.
- What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning?
A balanced approach combines teacher-led instruction with inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and opportunities for student voice. Differentiated support is available to meet diverse needs.
- How does the school support students who need extra academic help?
Targeted support through learning support staff, tutoring options, and access to additional in-class assistance help students who require extra academic help.
- What support is available for academic challenges?
Dedicated pastoral and academic support, including assessment reviews, personalised learning plans, and intervention strategies, are provided to assist students facing challenges.
- How does the school communicate with parents? (Repeated question)
See above: through portals, newsletters, meetings, and parent evenings to ensure ongoing conversation.
- What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive?
Class sizes are designed to be small to medium, with teacher coverage to allow for individual attention, feedback, and timely support.
- What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available?
A broad range including team sports, athletics, music, drama, robotics, coding, chess, and debating clubs, plus regional competitions and partnerships.
- What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)?
Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts spaces, tech/innovation labs, a cafeteria, and updated outdoor spaces.
- What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning?
Integration of digital learning tools and tech-enabled classrooms supports modern study habits and project-based learning.
- What transport and accessibility options are available?
Bus routes and local transport support commuting families; facilities are accessible to students with diverse needs.
- What are the typical school fees or additional costs?
Fees fall in the private/independent school range; families may incur uniform costs, elective materials, and activity fees in addition to tuition.
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10. Short Pros & Cons list
Pros
- Values-based, supportive school community
- Medium-sized, manageable class environments
- Wide range of co-curriculars (sport, arts, robotics, debating)
- Strong emphasis on wellbeing and inclusive education
- Reliable facilities across science, arts, and tech spaces
Cons
- Fees are higher than public options
- Competition for places at peak entry points can lead to waiting lists
- Availability of certain specialized programs may vary by year level
- Rural location may mean longer travel times for some families
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