Bendigo parents and educators voice concerns over proposed changes to VCE support services

Education stakeholders across Bendigo are raising their voices over proposed reductions to Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) support services, with parents, teachers, and students concerned about the impact on university aspirations in the region.

The concerns emerged following announcements about budget adjustments affecting enrichment programs at schools including Bendigo Senior Secondary College on High Street and competing institutions across the Pall Mall precinct. Community members gathered at the Bendigo Town Hall last week to discuss the changes, with representatives from local parent associations highlighting the potential consequences for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"These programs aren't luxuries—they're lifelines for kids whose families don't have the resources to pay for external tutoring," explained one parent representative from the Golden Square area, noting that private VCE coaching in the region costs between $40 and $80 per hour. "If schools cut these services, we're creating a two-tier system where only wealthy families can afford proper support."

Teachers at schools across the municipality have similarly voiced concerns about reduced funding for specialist coordinators and mentoring services. Several educators noted that Bendigo's regional location already presents recruitment challenges, and further budget constraints could affect teacher morale and student outcomes. According to recent data, approximately 42 per cent of Bendigo Year 12 students progress directly to university, slightly below the Victorian average of 48 per cent.

Representatives from La Trobe University's Bendigo campus, located on Penfold Street, noted the importance of strong secondary school preparation pipelines. The university has historically drawn significant enrollment from local schools, with regional students comprising a substantial proportion of first-year cohorts.

The Bendigo Chamber of Commerce has also weighed in, with a spokesperson suggesting that reduced educational investment may impact the region's ability to develop a skilled local workforce for future economic opportunities. "Education is an investment in Bendigo's future," the statement noted.

Community consultation on the proposed changes continues, with further meetings scheduled throughout July at various school campuses. Local elected representatives have committed to reviewing feedback from affected families and educators before final decisions are implemented. Parents and teachers are encouraged to engage with the formal submission process, with details available through school leadership offices across the region.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.