The article highlights the issue of overcrowding at University High School in inner Melbourne. The school has been struggling to meet student demand since the state government expanded its enrollment boundaries in 2016 without consultation. The school’s zone now covers a large area including the CBD, Southbank, and Docklands, leading to a significant increase in student enrollments. As of 2022, the school was operating at 110 percent capacity, and records show a consistent increase in student numbers over the past few years. The current principal declined to comment on overcrowding, stating that they were working with the department on accommodation and capacity issues.
Despite being one of the most overcrowded high schools in 2022, inner Melbourne does not appear on the government’s list of new schools being built. The government has been criticized for failing to adequately plan for the growing student population in the area. The acquisition of land to build a primary school in Docklands, as well as the expansion of a nearby shopping center to accommodate more students, underscores the challenges faced by the education system in inner Melbourne. A proposed new suburb around the Arden train station could further increase enrollment pressure, highlighting the urgent need for a permanent solution for both University High and secondary schooling in the area.
Education Department secretary Jenny Atta acknowledged that secondary school provision in inner Melbourne was a “live issue” during a public hearing. Greens MP Ellen Sandell emphasized the need for the government to address the overcrowding issue and provide a permanent solution for schools in the area. She criticized the lack of community consultation and the government’s failure to address urgent infrastructure needs in schools. Opposition education spokeswoman Jess Wilson also criticized the state government for failing to plan and deliver adequate school infrastructure, resulting in overcrowded classrooms and other challenges that affect the quality of education for students.
The government has been urged to take action to alleviate enrollment pressure at University High and consider building a new secondary school in inner Melbourne. However, the Education Department did not provide specific details on their plans to address the issue. A spokesperson stated that they were working to address current school facility issues and would continue to collaborate with University High and North Melbourne Primary School to accommodate current and future enrollments. The ongoing challenges faced by schools in inner Melbourne underline the need for proactive planning and investment in school infrastructure to ensure that students receive a high-quality education in a suitable learning environment.
