Toorak College, Woodleigh School, Peninsula Grammar report demand for places in junior years

Parents are turning to Mornington Peninsula’s private schools, which are reporting an unexpected increase in enrolments despite campuses being closed. So what is behind the surprise boost?

Students at Toorak College Early Learning Centre.

Private schools are reporting a spike in enrolments for primary years in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Principals at schools across the Mornington Peninsula have been interviewing potential students during lockdown and some will welcome new families to junior campuses when classrooms reopen next week.

Woodleigh School principal David Baker said eight new students would start at the Penbank and Minimbah campuses next week.

“Some are the children of families returning from overseas and others are new to the school,” Mr Baker said.

He said the school was showcasing its services online.

“We created a video introduction to the school to start the conversation with prospective parents,” Mr Baker said.

“Obviously we can’t hold face-to-face tours or open days at the moment.”

Toorak College principal Kristy Kendall said there had been greater interest in the school as parents “reconsidered their options”.

“We have had more inquiries than usual about places in the junior school over the past month or so,” she said.

Typically, new students enter the junior school via the Early Learning Centre or Prep with another influx in Year 5.

But Ms Kendall said parents had been asking for places across all primary school year levels.

“Those requests started in week one of Term 2,” she said.

Ms Kendall said unique online learning environments offered at private schools and uncertainty around how and when government schools would welcome back students had motivated parents to explore other options.

“I must admit I’m very glad to be in the private sector at the moment,” she said.

“We haven’t had to wait for others to make decisions about how we proceed. We’ve been able to take the lead.

“It’s been a real benefit for our students and their families.”

MORE NEWS

ELITE STUDENTS ROLL UP SLEEVES TO CLEAN CLASSROOMS

MT ELIZA PARENTS FIGHT RETIREMENT VILLAGE PLANS

TRAVEL HACK BEATS CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN

Ms Kendall said being able to continue to operate the school’s Early Learning Centre and boarding house had enabled the school to “bed down” safety measures.

“We’ve had about 200 students here most days throughout the lockdown so we’ve had plenty of practice preparing for the return of all year levels in the coming weeks,” she said.

Many of the students still attending school are international boarders.

“Families felt it was safer for their daughters to stay here at school,” Ms Kendall said.

Peninsula Grammar deputy principal of learning and teaching Lucy Gowdie said the school had postponed its open days in line with government regulations regarding social

gatherings.

She said the school had started virtual tours and private appointments and had experienced an increase in inquiries for 2021.