Wesley College, a distinguished independent institution, stands as a leading co-educational, open-entry private school situated in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia. Since its foundation in 1866, it has been a cornerstone of Australian education, pioneering innovative approaches to learning.

A Unique Educational Pathway: The International Baccalaureate Continuum

One of Wesley College's most defining features is its distinction as the sole school in Victoria to offer the comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) programme from early childhood through to Year 12. This unique IB continuum encompasses the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the rigorous Diploma Programme (DP). This integrated approach provides students with a globally recognised, inquiry-based learning framework that fosters critical thinking, international-mindedness, and a holistic approach to education, preparing them for higher education and global citizenship.

Diverse Learning Environments Across Victoria and Beyond

Wesley College boasts an extensive network of campuses and learning environments designed to cater to diverse educational needs and experiences. Its three primary metropolitan campuses in Melbourne – St Kilda Road, Glen Waverley, and Elsternwick – each offer distinct settings and state-of-the-art facilities, serving students from junior school through to senior years. The Glen Waverley campus also provides modern residential and boarding facilities, offering a supportive home away from home for students from regional, interstate, and international backgrounds.

Beyond the urban landscape, Wesley extends its educational reach through three dedicated outdoor education sites: Mallana on the Gippsland Lakes, Chum Creek in the Yarra Valley, and Lochend near Healesville. These sites offer immersive environmental learning experiences, fostering resilience, leadership, and an appreciation for Australia's natural heritage.

A distinctive component of the Wesley experience is the Year 9 residential learning campus located in Clunes, a historic goldfields town. This unique program provides students with an opportunity to live and learn collaboratively in a rural setting, engaging in a curriculum focused on personal responsibility, community engagement, and experiential learning, stepping away from traditional classroom structures for a significant period.

Further showcasing its innovative and inclusive vision, Wesley College operates the Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School in the remote Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Established in partnership with the local Bunuba Indigenous community, this groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to two-way learning, fostering reconciliation and providing unique educational pathways for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, bridging cultural divides and offering unparalleled cross-cultural understanding.

Pioneering Legacy and Strong Affiliations

Wesley College holds a significant place in Australia's educational history, having been the first registered school in Australia and playing a pivotal role in shaping independent education. It is also a founding member of the Associated Public Schools of Victoria (APS), an esteemed sporting and cultural association that promotes healthy competition and camaraderie among some of Victoria's oldest and most prestigious independent schools.

The College maintains strong affiliations with key educational bodies, underscoring its commitment to excellence and best practices. These include the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA), the Association of Independent Schools of Victoria (AISV), the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA), and the internationally recognised Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC). These memberships ensure Wesley remains at the forefront of educational innovation and adheres to high standards of leadership and governance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wesley College

What makes Wesley College unique among schools in Victoria?

Wesley College stands out as the only school in Victoria to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for early childhood to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) for senior students. This comprehensive IB framework provides a consistent, globally-focused, inquiry-based learning journey.

Does Wesley College offer boarding facilities?

Yes, Wesley College provides high-quality residential and boarding facilities located at its Glen Waverley metropolitan campus. These facilities offer a supportive and structured environment for students, particularly those from regional Victoria, interstate, or overseas.

What is the purpose of the Year 9 residential campus in Clunes?

The Year 9 residential learning campus in Clunes offers a unique, immersive educational experience. Students live together in a rural setting, focusing on developing independence, resilience, leadership skills, and community engagement through an experiential curriculum that extends beyond traditional classroom learning.

What is the Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School?

The Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School is a unique partnership located in the remote Kimberley Region of Western Australia. It is a collaborative initiative with the Bunuba Indigenous community, dedicated to fostering "two-way learning" – an exchange of knowledge and culture between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and staff, promoting reconciliation and providing valuable cross-cultural education.