Principal's Message
Dear parents, carers, students and staff
It’s been a pleasure to work with you all as Principal in Semester 2. I have enjoyed getting to know a broader section of the school community in my new role and I believe I have a better sense now of what makes our school “tick”. This has been reinforced by the recent 4-yearly school review undertaken by the Department of Education. This process placed University High School’s overall performance in the highest category on key measures of academic achievement and student wellbeing. The outcomes of this review have informed the goals of the 2026 to 2029 School Strategic Plan that will endorsed by the School Council early next year. In summary, over the next four years the school will focus on improving VCE achievement; increasing proportions of students in the highest categories of NAPLAN achievement in Year 9; improving the consistency of the classroom experience for students; improving the management of anti-social behaviour and bullying in the school; and working to reduce student lateness and absence. These are important goals that I know our school community will support.
NAPLAN and VCE results
Congratulations to our students and staff on the excellent results demonstrated by our Year 7, 9 and VCE students in 2025. The latest NAPLAN data affirms the fine work done by our feeder primary schools in relation to Year 7 NAPLAN results. Numeracy was a particular standout, with students at both Years 7 and 9 achieving above similar schools. The 2025 Year 9 Numeracy growth was particularly outstanding. On all other measures, University High performed at the same level as comparable schools, and above, or well above, the national average.
The 2025 VCE results showed a number of improvements over 2024. The median remained at 31, but the proportions of students in the top three bands and median ATAR all increased compared to last year. Almost 31% of students achieved ATARS over 90, and 70% scored an ATAR in the top 30% of students nationally. Congratulations to Om Santos for his outstanding work this year and achievement as dux of Uni High, and to Justin Nguyen as dux of the Elizabeth Blackburn Science program.
Physical improvements
A significant amount of work has taken place in preparation for 2026. All toilets have been renovated at Story St, along with external deck installations for senior students in the VCE centre. The development of the new VCE study hall is well underway for delivery in late January. In addition, a large amount of painting and maintenance is taking place, as well as the installation of air-conditioning in many parts of the school. Remedial works as part of the Department’s Planned Maintenance Program are also taking place this summer, along with planning for significant repairs to Sharman Hall to be completed during 2026.
Sports fields
The school hopes to begin long-awaited improvements to the sports fields at Story St next year. The longer-term plan is to replace the aging surface that comprises the main section of the fields, install fencing, and extend the playing fields over grassed areas that have struggled for many years to be viable. While the school has funds available for this work, contributions from families are most welcome. I draw your attention to the 2026 levies list that provides an opportunity for families to contribute directly to this important work. While the Sports Field fund is not tax-deductible, these improvements are one of the highest-priority capital improvements the school is looking to complete next year, and I commend you all to consider making a donation.
Changes for 2026 - Strengthening the social compact
Feedback from students, teachers and families has informed many of the changes planned for 2026. In general, these relate to strengthening the compact between the school and its families. A new leadership structure has been devised for next year that focuses on consistent high-quality instruction in classrooms; the support of students with additional needs; improved reporting and communication to families; and the development and reinforcement of a healthy, respectful school environment.
Families can expect to see more timely communication with key staff in the school including with teachers; more frequent and detailed reporting of student progress and achievement; and more timely and effective responses to anti-social behaviour.
I will have more to say about many of these initiatives in the new year, but would like to take this opportunity to reinforce to our school community the importance of mutual understanding and trust between the school and families, and the support the school must assume when undertaking significant cultural change. I acknowledge that University High is a large, diverse and complicated organisation. While all students are individuals, some approaches to organising a school of this complexity must assume consistent responses to all. I am confident that the proposed environmental and tone improvements will be embraced by the vast majority of our families, and ask that all students and families support the consistent application of these policies and practices next year.
I know 2026 will be an exciting year for our school. I wish you all well for the upcoming holiday period, and look forward to working with you all to achieve the best for our students.
Nick Scott
Principal