Christian College Geelong gives update on expansion of Surf Coast campus

Details on the next stage of the expansion of an elite secondary school’s Surf Coast campus have been revealed, amid an “ever-increasing” demand from the community. SEE THE CONCEPTS

Christian College Geelong has provided an update on its Surf Coast expansion, as interest in the campus continues to grow. Picture: Cotter Reid artist impression

Christian College Geelong has provided an update on its Surf Coast expansion, as interest in the campus continues to grow.

The independent school opened its newest campus, located on the Great Ocean Road in Torquay, in 2018 with only a prep cohort.

Over the past five years, it has grown its student cohort – Christian College chief executive Daryl Riddle said the campus had an anticipated population of more than 200 students from Prep to Year 6 in 2024.

For the first time, the campus will offer secondary education from 2025, which Mr Riddle said would mean a need for other learning spaces.

Mr Riddle said the ongoing expansion was “essential to meet the ever-increasing demand” from Surf Coast families.

Stage 3 of the development will mean more facilities for students as they progress to middle school years. Picture: Cotter Reid artist impression

“Whilst we progress with the development of our Surf Coast Campus Masterplan, the interest in the school continues to grow, to a point where spaces are becoming limited within some year levels,” Mr Riddle said.

“Interest in Year 7 enrolments has been encouraging – particularly this year – we already have a number of enrolments for new students to join us in 2025 and are advising prospective parents to book a tour and enrol as soon as possible, as places are filling faster than we anticipated.”

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the population of the Surf Coast-Bellarine Peninsula increased between the 2016 and 2021 census by more than 21,000 people.

In 2016, the area had a population of 71,729, while in 2021 there were 93,417.

A total of 16,765 residents in 2021 were between five and 19 years old.

Mr Riddle said the expansion of the campus – the cost of which has not been disclosed – would allow for greater numbers of students to attend.

“As we add a new year level each year, additional buildings are required to accommodate the expanding numbers and curriculum offering,” he said.

“The current infrastructure has been built to suit a primary school.

“With our imminent move into secondary education we are currently adding general classrooms, an administration building and a gymnasium.”

Mr Riddle said the campus was planned to expand to Year 9 from 2027, after which students would attend the school’s senior campus in Waurn Ponds.

Christian College Geelong has provided an update on its Surf Coast expansion, as interest in the campus continues to grow. Picture: Cotter Reid artist impression

The coeducational school, which also has campuses in Highton, and Belmont, had a total of 1990 students in 2022, according to MySchool data.

Mr Riddle said future spaces to cater to the increased year levels at the Surf Coast campus would include science, art design and technology, music, outdoor education and languages.

In documents obtained by the Geelong Advertiser, proposed building and works are described as including two buildings accommodating an “innovation centre” classroom, a food technology classroom, two science rooms, as well as student and staff amenities.

Originally published as Christian College Geelong gives update on expansion of Surf Coast campus