The Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) is progressing plans to establish a new Catholic primary school at Winter Valley, responding to the significant population growth occurring across Ballarat's western growth corridor.
The school is planned to open at the beginning of the 2028 school year, creating a new Catholic education option for families in one of Ballarat's fastest-growing residential areas. It will become part of DOBCEL's network of 56 Catholic schools across Western Victoria.
DOBCEL Executive Director, Tom Sexton, said planning for the Winter Valley school represents an important investment in both the immediate and long-term needs of the growing Ballarat community.
"Winter Valley and Ballarat's western corridor are experiencing significant growth, with new neighbourhoods and communities continuing to take shape," Mr Sexton said.
"Our responsibility is to look ahead and ensure families have access to high-quality Catholic education close to where they live."
"A new school gives us a particularly exciting opportunity. We are not simply constructing buildings; we have the opportunity to build a school community from the ground up, one shaped by faith, belonging, contemporary learning and strong connections with its families and the wider community."
The new school will be located off Greenhalghs Road, with construction expected to commence later this year.
An important milestone in the project's development is the commencement of recruitment for the Foundation Principal. The successful candidate will begin in January 2027 and will play a key role in establishing the school's identity, culture and educational vision ahead of its planned opening in 2028.
"The Foundation Principal will have an extraordinary opportunity to help create the identity, culture and educational vision of a completely new Catholic school," Mr Sexton said.
"With Catholic education continuing to experience strong enrolment growth in the Ballarat region, this new school community will provide families with access to quality Catholic education in contemporary, purpose-built facilities."
As planning progresses, further information about the new Winter Valley Catholic primary school, including opportunities for families and the wider community to engage with its development, will be shared.
Families interested in enrolling their children can register their interest via the school's webpage by completing the enquiry form.
For information about the Foundation Principal position, visit the recruitment page.
