2026 5-STAR BEST SCHOOL AWARD WINNER

An Education Designed Around How Boys Learn and Grow

Salesian College Chadstone has been recognised as one of The Educator’s 5-Star Best Schools 2026, marking the second consecutive year the College has received the national distinction.

The recognition celebrates schools demonstrating educational excellence, innovation and a strong commitment to student success. For Salesian, it reflects an approach that combines academic ambition with choice, opportunity and an understanding that boys learn and develop in different ways.

One of the clearest expressions of this is the Mannix Learning Precinct, purposefully designed for Years 7 and 8. Rather than expecting younger students to immediately adapt to a large secondary school environment, the dedicated precinct brings learning, pastoral care, faith and co-curricular life together during two important years in their development. It allows relationships and routines to be established early and gives students a strong foundation for the years ahead.

That breadth continues as students progress through the College. Senior pathways include VCE ATAR, Vocational Major and VET, complemented by the Select Entry Biretta Program for academically advanced students and targeted support through Learning Diversity. In 2025, students achieved multiple ATARs above 99.00, with the College Dux achieving an ATAR of 99.40.

Co-curricular life is broad and built for participation, with opportunities for students of all interests and abilities. The College annually fields around 55 teams in Associated Catholic Colleges competition, alongside house sport and a highly regarded Sports Academy that provides specialist coaching and development opportunities through partnerships with leading sporting organisations including Melbourne United, St Kilda Football Club, Baseball Victoria and Liverpool FC International Academy. The College is also the first metropolitan Melbourne school to partner with Liverpool FC International Academy, bringing its internationally recognised coaching approach directly to students. Beyond sport, students can take part in music ensembles, a joint musical production with Sacred Heart Girls’ College, debating, leadership, service and camps.

Together, these experiences give students different ways to discover their strengths, challenge themselves and find where they belong.

Known, Supported and Accompanied

Behind the College’s learning, pathways and opportunities is a distinctly Salesian approach to relationships.

At its heart is the Oratory, St John Bosco’s vision of a school as a home that welcomes, a parish that forms faith, a school that prepares for life and a playground where friends meet and enjoy themselves. Guided by reason, religion and loving kindness, it shapes the way students are known, supported and challenged throughout their time at the College.

This is expressed through the Salesian principle of accompaniment: walking alongside each young person and understanding his individual circumstances rather than applying the same approach to every student. Pastoral leaders, teachers, learning diversity staff and psychologists work together to monitor progress, recognise changes and respond early when additional support is needed.

That commitment to knowing students is increasingly supported by technology and data. The College’s analytics platform brings achievement, attendance and engagement information together to give staff a clearer picture of student progress, while an ICT Future Directions Committee considers how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can be used thoughtfully and responsibly.

Belonging is equally important. With more than 987 students from Years 7 to 12, the College is culturally and spiritually diverse. That diversity is valued as a strength, with mutual respect and inclusion helping create a community in which students and families feel welcomed.

We know that a strong student experience is supported by staff who feel valued, supported and empowered in their work. In 2026, Salesian College Chadstone was recognised as a 5-Star Employer of Choice by The Educator, reflecting the strength of our culture and our commitment to our people.

For families, being recognised as a 5-Star Best School for the second consecutive year provides an important affirmation of both sides of a Salesian education; the opportunities available to each student and the relationships that help him make the most of them.

Ultimately, our purpose remains grounded in our Salesian tradition: to educate young men who are capable and compassionate, who act with integrity and who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and lead lives of purpose and service.