The School has previously been granted an exemption from the Victorian Civil and Administrative
Tribunal (VCAT) under section 89 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) (the Act) to provide the
School with the ability to maintain a coeducational balance by differentiating between students based
on gender. The exemption was in force until 30 March 2024.
VCAT has this month considered an application under the Act by the School to renew the exemption
(the Renewal Application). The Renewal Application was made to enable the School, from time to
time, to undertake the activities and conduct for the purposes of achieving gender balance as set out
in the Notice provided below for your reading. The Exemption is sought in relation to all campuses for
a further period of five years.
The Exemption has previously been applied predominantly at Toorak Campus, where there is a gender imbalance, with more boys than girls. Toorak Campus is positioned in an area which has a high concentration of single sex girls’ schools and the exemption has enabled the School to for example, structure enrolments lists to target prospective female students, offer places to female students, offer incentive rebates or scholarships for girls at particular year levels, or structure student class numbers to address a gender imbalance.
Our School strongly believes that coeducation sets our learners for success, and we want to ensure
that all students have the benefit of co-education across all our campuses. Our School also values diversity and inclusivity. Everyone has the right to feel safe, valued and accepted, regardless of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation. We actively promote an inclusive, respectful and connected School culture that values the participation of all students. The proposed renewed exemption from the Equal Opportunity Act will not dilute our commitment to nurturing a learning and working environment that is positive and supportive for all members of our School community.
VCAT Notice: dated 13 May 2024
