Changing established educational paradigms is an arduous and often thankless endeavor, as demonstrated by Newington College’s plan to introduce co-education in 2026. This 162-year-old institution in Stanmore faces significant pushback from its alumni, particularly the Old Boys, who view the transition as a betrayal of tradition. This tension highlights a broader struggle within the education system, where entrenched beliefs collide with the need for modernization. As society evolves, educational institutions must adapt to reflect contemporary values, even if it means facing resistance.
The issue extends beyond individual schools to the broader structure of education in New South Wales (NSW). Chief reporter Jordan Baker has spotlighted the inequities associated with selective public schools, which have become a pervasive aspect of the NSW education system. These schools, designed to serve academically gifted students, often require significant external tutoring, creating an environment of undue stress for students. Recently, chaotic scenes erupted during the 2025 selective schools test, where conflict arose as parents and students, numbering over 17,000 and vying for only 4,200 spots, struggled within over-crowded testing centers. The incident calls attention to the emotional toll of an education system that may prioritize competition over the well-being of children.
NSW’s selective school system is notably expansive, with 42 such institutions compared to only a handful in other Australian states. Recent policy changes aim to reserve a portion of enrollment spots for Indigenous, disadvantaged, and disabled students; however, these spots often go unfilled due to stringent academic requirements. The roots of the extensive selective system can be traced back to political maneuvers in the 1980s, when both Coalition and Labor governments expanded this model to retain middle-class families from moving to the private sector. Despite the intention to bolster public schooling, research consistently shows that students in selective schools do not outperform their peers in comprehensive public schools, raising questions about the efficacy and fairness of the selective system.
The emergence of a perceived two-tier public school system has sparked public concern and criticism. As families often gravitate towards what they see as superior educational opportunities, the gap between elite and standard public schools is further exacerbated. Despite its historical successes, the selective system is increasingly viewed as outdated and possibly detrimental, especially given the rise of an exploitative coaching industry that profits from parental anxieties about educational success. The prevailing sentiment is that this system may be undermining the development of children by introducing levels of stress that are not conducive to their growth and learning.
In light of mounting criticism, even former Coalition education ministers like Adrian Piccoli and Rob Stokes recognize the need to reassess the state’s selective school policy. Their comments suggest that the focus on specialization in education has created an “addiction” that is proving difficult to break. Public discourse is urging the government to reconsider its stance and dismantle this selective system, replacing it with more equitable educational opportunities that better align with the aspirations of parents and the needs of students.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in crafting a holistic education system that is inclusive and addresses the diversifying needs of the community. Politicians are called upon to exhibit the courage to enact transformative changes that might dismantle existing hierarchies within the educational landscape. By doing so, they can create a more balanced and fair framework, ensuring that all students have access to quality education without the pressures of excessive competition and entrenched class divisions. The recognition that educational inequities not only harm individual children but also the society at large is a crucial step toward fostering a more equitable system that truly serves all.
