Senior Leadership

School choice is one of the biggest decisions that parents will make for their children. In Australia, families value being able to choose a school that aligns with their values and beliefs. Ultimately, they are selecting an environment where they believe their child will achieve their full potential. In May, Principal Craig Fielke invited parents/caregivers as well as students to provide feedback across a wide range of areas in relation to their views of Cornerstone College. This survey was undertaken through MMG Education, a specialist education consultancy that works with schools in the areas of school strategic reviews and stakeholder satisfactions. MMG’s client schools include many schools across Australia. We are pleased that the survey feedback is now available to share with the College community. The research data gathered will be used to guide important planning for Cornerstone College. Please refer to the email communication sent earlier in the week which outlines Cornerstone College’s parent/ caregiver results. In February 2022, NAB Group Economics undertook research on “What Australian parents & grandparents really value from a private school education” and invited respondents to consider what was important when determining the education choice for their children or grandchildren. https://business.nab.com.au/nab-education-insightreport-2022-51809/ From the survey results: Key was the quality of facilities according to most people (41%). This was followed by quality of teachers (39%), level of discipline (38%), better academic results (36%), smaller class sizes (30%), level of individual attention (29%), level of resources (28%), shared religious or value systems (27%), safer environment (26%), with happiness and wellbeing of their children (22%) and better life skills (22%) rounding out the top 10. Further to this, the survey asked respondents to select the 5 main reasons they chose the school they ultimately sent the child to: Coming in top position was the quality of the school facilities, which was the main reason according to 1 in 3 (33%) overall. Location was next most important, with 29% selecting closeness to home or location. This was followed by a safe environment (26%), the school’s academic results (25%) and quality of the teachers at school (22%). Other important considerations for around 2 in 10 people were the school’s educational philosophy (22%), religious or values system (22%), level of school resources (22%), discipline (20%), cost and affordability (19%), range of subjects offered (19%) and word of mouth and recommendations (18%). Survey respondents were also asked to think about what they most want for their children or grandchildren in relation to skills attained and results achieved, and select their top 5: Leading the way was self-confidence and resilience (47%). This was followed by happiness and personal wellbeing (40%), good study habits, self-discipline and preparation for university and higher education (40%), critical thinking skills and the ability to think for themselves (36%), and sense of community responsibility, ethics and moral code of conduct (34%) rounding out the top 5. Since 2016, Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) has carried out the largest parent survey, analysing influences of school choice through the What Parents Want survey. With some similarity to the NAB research, parents identified the top 10 influencing factors in 2022 as: • Preparation for student to fulfil potential in later life • School seemed right for child’s individual needs • The high-quality of teachers • Encouragement of responsible attitude to school work • Teaching methods / philosophy • Reputation of school • Good discipline • Emphasis placed by school on developing student’s sense of community responsibility • Range of subjects offered • Prospects for school leavers

Shane Schoff

Acting Principal