St Patrick’s College is proud to announce a bold and forward-thinking change to its sub-school structure, aimed at enhancing the academic, personal and social growth of every student. From the beginning of the 2026 academic year, the College will transition to a dynamic two-tier model designed to align more closely with the developmental stages of adolescence and the evolving educational needs of young men.
For over two decades, the College has operated under a three-tier structure—Junior (Years 7–8), Middle (Year 9 or Years 9–10), and Senior (Years 10–12 or Years 11–12). While this model has served the College community well, a comprehensive review conducted in 2024—led by an experienced external educational consultant and involving broad consultation with students and staff—revealed new opportunities for growth.
Following this review, the College has made the exciting decision to adopt the following two-tier structure:
- Middle School: Years 7, 8 and 9
- Senior School: Years 10, 11 and 12
This refined structure reflects national best practice and will offer a more seamless and cohesive educational journey. It will also enable more targeted support, clearer expectations, and stronger alignment between student development and curriculum delivery.
Personalised Pathways for Senior Students
As part of this change, a three-pathway model will be introduced in the Senior School beginning in Year 10. This model allows each student to follow a path that best suits his individual strengths, aspirations, and future goals:
- Vocational Pathway: VCE-VM, VET courses, and School-Based Apprenticeships
- Mainstream Pathway: A comprehensive and flexible VCE curriculum
- Accelerated Pathway: Advanced VCE subjects for high-achieving students
Strengthened Leadership and Learning Environments
Leadership of the new sub-schools has already been confirmed. Mr Tom Nash, currently Head of Junior School, has been appointed as Head of Middle School, while Mr Matt Miller will continue in his role as Head of Senior School. Both will lead their respective areas for the next four years, bringing deep experience and great enthusiasm for this new chapter.
Middle School students will be based within the O’Malley, Sir Hugh Devine, and Waterford Wings—creating a hub of connection, energy and belonging. Year 9, positioned as the capstone of the Middle School experience, will offer a vibrant program emphasising academic rigour, physical activity, wellbeing, service and leadership.
In the Senior School, students will access a rich curriculum tailored to their chosen pathway, supported by expert staff and a strong culture of academic excellence and career readiness.
A Natural and Supported Transition
For most students, this transition will feel natural. Students will continue to be supported by the same caring teachers, enriching programs and values-based environment. While there may be changes in leadership teams, class groupings, and milestone events, each has been thoughtfully designed to elevate the student experience.
The new model also provides staff with opportunities to work more closely within Middle or Senior School areas according to their skills and passions—ensuring deep expertise and continuity of care for students.
Why This Change?
Grouping students in Years 7–9 allows the College to focus more intentionally on the key developmental phase of early adolescence. Likewise, bringing students into the Senior School from Year 10 provides earlier access to guidance and support for their senior secondary years, including VCE and post-school planning.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming months, the College will offer detailed information and host information sessions and orientation events to help students and families prepare for the transition.
Principal Mr Steven O’Connor said:
“We are genuinely excited about the rich opportunities this new structure presents—for deeper engagement, stronger community, and even greater outcomes for every student.”
