Unveiling the Enduring Appeal of Single-Sex Education in Australia

The choice of the "right" school can feel like a monumental decision for parents, especially when navigating the debate between co-educational and single-sex education. With all government schools in Queensland operating as co-ed, many parents remain curious about the benefits of single-sex education. This decision often reflects deeply rooted beliefs about what constitutes a better educational environment for children.

In Australia, co-educational facilities dominate the school landscape, yet the demand for single-sex schools persists among both government and independent institutions. According to Paul Begg, the principal at Brisbane’s Villanova College, both types of education provide outstanding opportunities for learning. He emphasizes that the choice between co-ed and single-sex schools is influenced by the unique needs of each student.

“Some students and families find that single-sex education suits them better, while others thrive in a co-educational setting,” Begg notes. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it’s about finding the right fit for each child.” Currently, Victoria boasts about seven public single-sex schools, while all government schools in states like Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, the ACT, and the Northern Territory are co-educational. In contrast, New South Wales maintains 45 single-sex secondary schools out of 405, with plans to convert four single-sex state schools to co-ed in the coming years.

Phillip Heath, headmaster of Barker College in Sydney, explains that the transition to co-education was mainly driven by parent demand. "We believe that collaboration from an early age enhances learning and life skills," he shares. “Co-education enriches the classroom experience, preparing students for the realities of university and the workforce.” His enthusiasm for the competitive spirit between boys and girls in the classroom is palpable as he states, “I love seeing them striving for those top spots together!”

Nonetheless, the shift towards co-educational schools may also have financial motivations. Associate Professor Daniela Acquaro from the University of Melbourne points out the observable decline in single-sex schools across multiple countries, including Australia. “Most principals express concerns about long-term enrolment sustainability as a driving factor in their decision,” she explains