Principal's Message

As we approach an important milestone at Brighton Secondary College, I’m pleased to share an update with our community about the upcoming School Review and how it will support the development of our next Strategic Plan.

Every Victorian government school participates in a School Review every four years. This process is a key part of the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0), supporting schools to reflect on current practice, evaluate evidence, and plan a clear improvement pathway for the next four years. The review will lead to a set of goals, targets and key improvement strategies that will shape our next School Strategic Plan (SSP).

What the School Review Involves

The review process has two interconnected stages:

1. Pre-Review Self-Evaluation (PRSE)

Our school community completes a self-reflection and data review through the Strategic Planning Online Tool (SPOT). This helps us identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth. This work is shared with the review panel ahead of the on-site review. 

2. On-Site Review Activities

During the on-site review, an independent reviewer will work alongside our Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL), myself, and our Challenge Partners to review evidence and engage with our school community.

Our reviewer, Bob Stephens, is a former Regional Director and previously served as Principal of two schools in the Bayside/Peninsula area. Our SEIL, Rachel George, leads the Beachside Network of schools. Our Challenge Partners are Deborah Harman, Principal of Balwyn High School and a board member of the SEAL Academy, and Rob Duncan, Foundation Principal of Cranbourne West Secondary College, recognised for exceptional VCE outcomes in 2025.

Across several days, the review will include:

• Focus groups with students, staff and families

• Classroom observations

• Professional discussions with leaders and panel members

• Reflection on evidence from a range of sources

The outcome will be a comprehensive report that informs the goals and strategies for our next four-year Strategic Plan. The insight gained through the expertise of the panel – alongside the voices of our students, staff and families – will be invaluable.

Community Engagement at the Heart of the Process

What has already been particularly heartening is the enthusiastic and positive response from our community to take part in the range of activities, especially focus groups. Across student, staff and parent engagement opportunities, our community has shown a genuine commitment to contributing their voice and perspective.

This inclusive approach reflects the intent of the School Review process: to ensure community perspectives are heard, valued, and used to shape meaningful goals that lift outcomes for students in both learning and wellbeing.

Perfect Timing for Strategic Leadership

Having now completed my first year as Principal at BSC, the timing of this review feels ideal. I’ve had the privilege of learning deeply about our school, its culture and aspirations, and this foundation positions me well to help shape and lead significant school improvement through the life of our next Strategic Plan.

The review will help ensure our Strategic Plan is not simply a document, but a shared roadmap – built on evidence, grounded in community experience, and ambitious in its vision for the future.

Looking Ahead: Our Strategic Plan

Following the review, the panel’s recommendations will be used to support the drafting of our next Strategic Plan, and we will continue to engage our community as we refine our goals, targets and key improvement strategies.