Tag: St Agatha’s Primary School

Growing Enrolments Signal Success at St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield

St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield has been identified as one of the schools experiencing major growth in enrolment, according to Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE).

Read: Catholic Primary Schools Navigate Increasing Enrolment Pressure as High Schools Expand to Lower Years

At the heart of this success is a strong community-focused approach that prioritises family engagement and early education partnerships. Principal Anne-Marie Maw emphasises the crucial role that current school families play in their growth story.

“Our parents’ support plays a vital role in attracting new families looking for a caring, supportive, and welcoming educational environment for their children,” she said, highlighting the school’s reputation for nurturing excellence.

Photo credit: St Agatha’s Primary School, Clayfield/Facebook

The school has developed strategic partnerships to ensure student success from the very beginning. “Our partnerships with local kindergartens further enhance this appeal for prospective parents,” Ms Maw explained.

Photo credit: St Agatha’s Primary School, Clayfield/Facebook

“These collaborations create a seamless transition for children moving from early childhood education to primary school, allowing them to feel familiar and supported in their new environment.”

This commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience resonates deeply with the school’s leadership. “It’s a great responsibility and an absolute privilege to have a family choose our school for their child,” Ms Maw noted.

Photo credit: St Agatha’s Primary School/Google Maps

The growth at St Agatha’s reflects broader developments across BCE’s network of schools in South-East Queensland. BCE Executive Director Dr Sally Towns emphasises the organisation’s responsive approach to community needs.

“BCE proactively responds and adapts to the needs and demands of our communities across our 146 schools across South-East Queensland,” Dr Towns said. “While BCE has responded to growth in large greenfield areas like Yarrabilba, Aura, and Coomera, our focus will also remain on improving facilities at our existing schools, meeting the needs of our growing region.”

This commitment extends to BCE’s broader mission of educational excellence. “BCE is dedicated to fostering thriving, faith-filled learning communities that align with the needs of our expanding communities, creating a better future for all,” Dr Towns added.

Read: Young Clayfield Artist Honours Nano Nagle’s Legacy in National Contest

Looking ahead, BCE’s strategic growth continues, with plans to expand Prep intake across 16 schools in 2025, responding to demographic shifts and rising student numbers across the region. St Agatha’s success story demonstrates how strong community engagement and strategic planning can create an educational environment that meets the evolving needs of Brisbane families.

Published 5-November-2024

Catholic Primary Schools Navigate Increasing Enrolment Pressure as High Schools Expand to Lower Years

Photo Credit: Facebook / St Agatha's Primary School, Clayfield

Catholic primary schools are facing a significant challenge as the competition for enrolment spots at prestigious high schools prompts more Queensland high schools to incorporate Year 5 and 6 classes into their offerings. Consequently, primary school cohorts beyond Year 4 are experiencing a notable decline, including St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield.

Read: Wooloowin State School: A Model School’s Journey of Resilience and Growth

Recently, prominent independent secondary schools, including Brisbane Girls Grammar School, have expanded their enrolment options to include Year 5 and 6 classes. It caused many parents unwilling to take the risk of their children losing a spot at their high school of choice to pull their kids out of primary school early, despite having to pay thousands of dollars more in fees.

Looking at these Catholic primary schools’ annual report, the growing trend has led to a significant decline in the number of enrolments beyond Year 4, including St Agatha’s Primary School in Clayfield. The school observed a sharp decline in enrolments, dropping from 53 students in Year 4 in 2021 to just one student in Year 5 the following year. Notably, this decline coincided with neighbouring schools like St Rita’s College introducing Year 5 classes and other schools embracing a coeducational model.

Founded in 1925, St Agatha’s School is a co-ed Catholic Primary School located 6 km from Brisbane GPO, serving 345 students aged 4-12. With 13 class groups, it offers inclusive mixed-ability education. Drawing students mainly from nearby suburbs which are mostly residential, including Clayfield, Hamilton, Nundah and Ascot.

Read: Local Heroes: Clayfield Locals Who Made a Difference in the History of Brisbane

Brisbane Catholic Education, however, is pointing out that despite the trend, more students are still joining their schools overall. This is because more primary schools are now taking in prep students, particularly in the inner-city area where prep class enrollment has experienced a marked increase.
One expert’s analysis noted that when secondary schools expand their offerings, smaller schools are confronted with mounting pressure and challenging choices about their sustainability beyond Year 4.

Also, the notion of an early transition to high school is becoming more and more common among parents who seek reassurance that their children will secure spots in their preferred schools without any uncertainty or missing out. And this is supported by the idea that starting in Year 5 can be beneficial to the child as they go in a more gradual adjustment instead of sudden immersion.

Published 21-August-2023