February school census data has revealed more families in the Diocese of Ballarat are choosing a Catholic education with 2024 enrolments across 63 primary and secondary schools increasing by 273 students or 1.5%, representing more than 1 in 5 of all students in the region.

The figures show increases of 110 primary students to 10,178, and 163 secondary students to 8,467, a total of 18,645, up from 18,372 in 2023.

Executive Director of Catholic Education in the diocese, Tom Sexton, says with many Catholic schools in smaller communities where population and schooling demand can be variable, the overall increase in enrolments is pleasing.

‘Research shows families value the holistic approach to education taken by our schools, where opportunities for students to flourish and grow spiritually, academically, physically, culturally, socially, and emotionally are offered.

‘Our emphasis on care for the wellbeing of every child and a strong sense of community are also valued highly by our families.

‘Families from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds are joining our school communities in increasing numbers, where they are warmly welcomed,’ he said.

Mr Sexton said with cost-of-living pressures running high, Catholic schools are keeping fees as low as possible, and offering fee relief for families in cases of genuine financial hardship.

‘I thank parents and caregivers who recognise the hard work of our principals, staff, and school communities, in delivering a high-quality, faith-based, affordable education option for families in the region,’ he said.

There are 52 Catholic primary schools and 11 secondary colleges across the Diocese of Ballarat, from Mildura in the north, Portland in the south, and west to Edenhope and Nhill.