New catchment zone for McKinnon Secondary College set to drive up property prices
One of the state’s most popular public schools is expecting a surge in enrolments after its catchment area was expanded.
Education
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Homeowners in parts of Bentleigh East can look forward to a jump in their house values in 2022, thanks to an expanded school zone announced for McKinnon Secondary College.
The new catchment area will increase by about 179 hectares when a new second campus is built for the much-sought-after high school.
Being in a desired school zone can add a premium of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars to property values.
The new site, about 2km to the east of the original campus, will include a four-storey building of classrooms and a gym for about 1100 students.
Principal Pitsa Binnion said the school was now bracing for an influx of enquiries from parents early next year hoping to enrol in 2022.
“It’s a very popular school and a lot of people want access.
“We’ve got increased capacity with this brand new facility coming on in 2022 so we’re very excited about that. It’s going to be absolutely amazing.’’
The expanded borders of the school zone had been a hot topic of conversation among parents in the area, Ms Binnion said.
“People will start thinking now, if they’re lucky enough to be in the zone, about making inquiries with the school.’’
“We’ll cope with the increased demand, no doubt.’’
The new campus will cater for about 800 Year 8s and 9s in 2022, she said.
“Obviously, people already are very disappointed if they’re not in the zone.’’
Ms Binnion said the school was also mindful of people trying to dodge the catchment rules.
“We are very vigilant. Some people get sometimes a little upset that we are so vigilant but we have to be, because it (the school) has to really cater for the neighborhood.’’
The new zone could affect neighbouring schools’ enrolments but Ms Binnion said she worked co-operatively with her fellow principals.
“Every school has a unique opportunity for the children at that school.
“Not everyone can be catered for at McKinnon and neither should it.
“There are different strengths at at all schools, and you really need to go and visit and make sure that that particular school caters for your son or daughter.’’
Education Minister James Merlino said the new campus will increase the capacity at a great school, and giving more local kids access to it.
“We’re building and upgrading schools across the state to meet the needs of our growing communities,” Mr Merlino said.
McKinnon is one of a handful of Melbourne secondary schools which parents are desperate to be near to enrol their children. Among others are Glen Waverley Secondary College and Balwyn High.
The new campus, costing about $70 million, will teach classes in science, technology, design, art, music and drama. The gym will have retractable seating, as well as a commercial kitchen which could be shared for community use.
The new McKinnon campus is expected to attract new families to the area, as well those who attend or were expected to attend two nearby schools - Bentleigh Secondary College and South Oakleigh Secondary College.
Bentleigh has had a steady enrolment of more than 1000 students in recent years.
The school at South Oakleigh prides itself on being a smaller school and had 516 students enrolled this year.
The expanded dual campus McKinnon is likely to have 3300 students when the new campus opens in 2020.
The enrolment process is expected to take place during Term 2 in 2021.
A Real Estate Institute of Victoria report in 2019 found that up to $425,000 can be added to house values in the catchment area compared with the median price for homes outside those zones.
REIV president Leah Calnan the demand for places was because of the limited options for high schools in the region as well as the dominance of private schools in the inner-southeast.
“Anyone who is looking or considering buying in a zoned public high school area, it does create a premium for those property prices. We’ve seen that for McKinnon over and over for the past 10 years,’’ Ms Calnan said.
“If you look at the average family with two children, and each child goes to private school, that’s $20,000 per annum in school fees, or they spend it either buying in those zoned areas or renting.
“There is certainly very high demand through the end of the year or early in the new year for families looking to secure a location.’’
REIV data showed that median house prices in Bentleigh East for the year to September rose by 12.1 per cent to $1.1 million.
The expanded zone incorporates the new campus and will be bordered by Koornang Rd, Leila Rd, Wallace Ave, Reid St, George St, Poath Rd, North Rd, Mackie Rd and Parkmore Rd.
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