‘Amazing’ school set to shut at the end of the year

An “amazing” school in the Yarra Ranges will shut at the end of the year, in news that caught parents by surprise.

Joe alerted 3AW Drive to the news about the Mountain District Christian School on Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s caught a lot of people by surprise … the school is amazing,” Joe said.

Press PLAY below to hear him explain

The school has since confirmed in a statement it was shutting due to a “perfect storm” of factors.

“Our board has explored many other options before having to make the difficult decision to close,” Gill Birkett, chair of the school board, said.

“Our expert consultants have advised us that the closure is due to a ‘perfect storm’ of factors, including a gradual decline in enrolments, and rising costs.

“We would like to acknowledge the support and guidance of the school regulator (the VRQA), Resolve consulting, Christian Education National (CEN) and Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) during this very challenging time for our community.

“Our immediate priorities are to minimize disruption to students while they complete their studies at the school this year, and to support our staff and students as they seek alternative employment and education for 2023 and beyond.

“We are doing everything possible to assist and support them.”