Co-education
Originally founded as a girls’ School and now with more than 50 years’ experience as a leading co-ed private school in Melbourne, St Michael’s Grammar has thoughtfully shaped its approach to co-education since 1970. We intentionally create a gender balance so that our students experience the multitude of benefits that come with co-educational education.
Why Co-education Matters
Being a true co-educational School requires experience, reflection and intention. Our model is about creating a balanced, inclusive environment where every student is known and supported. Learning alongside one another strengthens academic outcomes while also building confidence, collaboration and strong communication skills.
Our Approach to Co-education at St Michael’s
Our approach to co-education is actively designed. As a leading co-ed private School in Melbourne, we take a structured approach to ensure our students learn in an environment that promotes equity, respect and high expectations for all..
- Developing student voice: One of the first schools in Victoria to remove gender-based uniform requirements, based on student recommendations.
- Respectful Relationships: Integrated across all year levels, focusing on consent, communication, and self-awareness.
- Leadership for all: Equal opportunities for students, with deliberate emphasis on representation and voice across genders.
- Balanced cohorts: A near-even split of male and female students from K–12, ensuring genuine co-educational experience.
- Structured Pastoral Care: Every student is known, understood, and supported throughout their learning journey.
- Inclusive facilities: Gender-neutral spaces with visible support for LGBTQI+ students.
- Diverse Co-Curricular opportunities: Programs designed to nurture a wide range of interests, talents, and strengths.
- Leadership representation: The School’s leadership team maintains a 50/50 gender balance, showing our commitment to co-education starts at the top.
Co-education Across Every Stage
Recognised among the best co-educational schools in Melbourne, St Michael’s Grammar evolves intentionally as students grow. From Early Years to Year 12, students will undertake age-appropriate learning to focus on growing self-awareness and navigating relationships.
Prioritising Student Wellbeing and a Culture of Respect
We have a ‘wellbeing-first’’ approach to learning. With clear expectations for respectful behaviour and a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, students learn to build healthy relationships, manage conflict within the Curriculum. Student voice is actively encouraged, heard and actioned, ensuring students feel empowered to contribute positively to school life.
Co-education and Academic Excellence
At St Michael’s, our top-performers are split evenly between genders, with 100% of students receiving their first preferences for university entry in 2025 and 2026.
Gerard Houlihan
Head of the School
What does co-education mean at St Michael’s?
Co-education at St Michael’s Grammar means providing a genuinely inclusive learning environment that benefits all students. Our approach ensures equal opportunities and outcomes for boys and girls, preparing them with the skills, confidence, and collaboration needed for life beyond school. We believe co-education is the best learning environment to support young people.
Do boys and girls learn differently?
We focus on each student as an individual. While all students have the same learning potential, we adapt teaching approaches through learning enrichment and extension programs to meet diverse needs, supporting engagement, growth, and curiosity.
How does the school support respectful relationships?
Respectful relationships are embedded across the curriculum from Prep to Year 12. Students learn self-awareness, communication, consent, and conflict resolution skills through structured programs, helping them build healthy, respectful connections.
Does co-education improve academic outcomes?
While research is mixed, our intentional co-educational approach, combined with a strong wellbeing culture and exceptional teaching staff, supports excellent academic outcomes. Our VCE results consistently show gender balance among top performers, highlighting the success of our model.
How do you manage wellbeing and pastoral care?
Student wellbeing is central to our approach. On-site school psychologists, targeted wellbeing programs, and personalised support ensure every student feels seen, supported, and valued. We prioritise social, emotional, and academic development to help all students thrive.
What leadership opportunities exist for girls and boys?
St Michael’s provides equal leadership opportunities for all students. Students of all genders are encouraged to participate in student leadership, clubs, co-curricular activities, and community programs.
How does co-education prepare students for life after school?
Learning alongside peers of all genders equips students with collaboration, empathy, and real-world skills. Our co-educational approach mirrors workplaces and communities, ensuring graduates are ready for life beyond school.
Is St Michael’s approach different to other co-ed schools?
Yes. St Michael’s co-education is intentional, structured, and supported by dedicated pastoral care, wellbeing programs, and classroom strategies. Our focus on gender balance, student voice, and respectful relationships sets us apart among co-ed private schools in Melbourne.
St Michael’s is one of Australia’s leading independent coeducational schools, educating more than 1200 students from Kindergarten to VCE. We acknowledge the Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which St Michael’s stands. We pay respect to their ancestors, elders and emerging leaders, and we are committed to reconciliation through authentic relationships and continued cultural learning.
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