Adventist schools in Victoria are experiencing strong growth, outpacing both government and Catholic sectors, and even surpassing other independent schools.
New data shows that in 2025, enrolments in independent schools across Victoria are growing at 4.2 per cent—much faster than government schools (1 per cent) or Catholic schools (1.4 per cent). But Adventist schools are expanding at an even stronger pace, recording 6.4 per cent growth, nearly one-and-a-half times faster than the independent sector average.
Adventist Schools Victoria (ASV) regional marketing manager Cameron Arnold said affordability is a key driver: “There appears to be a trend of low-fee independent schools outpacing the growth of high-fee independent schools. Our commitment to providing excellent Adventist education that is affordable has met this need.”
To support this expansion, significant investment in infrastructure is underway across Adventist schools in Victoria. New classrooms, ovals and multi-purpose centres have been completed recently, are nearing completion or are about to commence, ensuring schools can cater to growing enrolments.
“Sometimes our schools can feel like building sites, and we have had to find clever ways to manage interruptions while projects are being completed,” said ASV chief executive officer Steve Cowley.
“In leading Adventist Schools Victoria, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing our teachers and our students flourish. Our growth presents opportunities for us to strengthen programs, subject offerings and service opportunities for students, and create better organisational structures, middle leadership opportunities and support for our teachers.”
Yet with rapid growth comes new challenges. The biggest? Finding the right teachers. ASV is currently seeking more than 50 teachers to join its schools in 2026.
“To stay true to our mission through this period of growth, we must continue hiring staff who deeply understand our purpose to reveal Jesus and our forefront role in the work of the Adventist Church,” Mr Cowley added.
“Five days per week, increasing numbers of parents are bringing their children to our schools to hear about Jesus. We want to connect with Adventist teachers around Australia who are interested in becoming part of a thriving Christ-centred learning community in Melbourne or Mildura.”
For more information on the job opportunities, visit the ASV website or send an enquiry to asvhr@adventist.org.au.
