Why Bangholme’s Cornish College is one of south east Melbourne’s fastest-growing schools

Enrolments at Bangholme’s Cornish College are booming, with principal Nicola Forrest saying the school is thriving because it offers “education of a different kind”. See southeast Melbourne’s fastest-growing schools.

Cornish College principal Nicola Forrest (right) with grade 11 students Rocco, Danielle, Zoe, Xavier, Piper and Lachlan. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Cornish College principal Nicola Forrest believes people are looking for inspiration in a world of social, environmental and economic challenges.

And the Bangholme school offers that, ensuring it is a growing, thriving college.

“Families are seeking schools that are committed to education of a different kind — education that develops the skills, attitudes and values that will shape generations as critical thinkers and creative problem solvers,” Ms Forrest said.

“Cornish College is a school that has the courage to challenge the boundaries and structures of our education system to ensure we develop a style of education that will make a difference for all young people and for a sustainable future.

“The growth of our College demonstrates that the forward thinking families of Melbourne’s south east are ready for this.”

Ms Forrest was speaking as south east Melbourne’s booming schools were revealed.

An analysis of Federal Government data has revealed the region’s schools where student numbers have risen the most between 2013 and 2018.

Enrolment at Cornish College has increased by 101.3 per cent, faster than any other school in the area.

Ms Forrest said while the school had grown rapidly due to its points of difference, it maintained a close connection with families and remained a “small school” with a strong sense of community.

She said the school’s vision was to teach for a sustainable future and they were prepared to push boundaries and question and challenge the status quo in education.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority figures are the most up to date enrolment numbers that include all state and private schools nationally.

According to the latest public data that includes public and private schools, student numbers have grown from 315 to 634, the fastest growth in the region.

The second fastest was Lighthouse Christian College Cranbourne, where the student body increased by 90 per cent in the five years from 495 to 940.

Lyndhurst Primary School ranked third with 361 more students — a 70.9 per cent increase.