Notification from the Principal

Dear member of the PEGS community, 

I am writing to inform you that the school has applied to VCAT for an exemption from certain sections of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010(Vic), and to explain our reason for doing so.

As you know, the school offers a “diamond” model of education, with boys and girls educated together in Kindergarten, separately in Junior and Middle School, then together again in Senior School. At all levels we strive for equal numbers of boys and girls. 

We believe the respectful character of our students, the supportive quality of our learning environments and the academic achievements of our graduates endorse our unique structure. 

An exemption, as detailed in the attached notice, is necessary to allow us to make enrolment decisions on the basis of gender in order to maintain, as far as possible, even numbers of boys and girls in the school. 

You may have read in the media that other schools have been through a similar process. These exemptions are commonly granted to schools which offer co-education, particularly in locations such as ours where there is a disparity between places available to girls and boys for independent education. The current reality is that there is much more choice for girls than there is for boys; without an exemption there would be an imbalance of gender in the school which we believe would be detrimental to our students’ academic and social development. 

As the attached notice indicates, you are welcome to make your own submission to VCAT as part of this process. VCAT will consider all submissions when determining whether to grant these exemptions. 

We value inclusivity, diversity, safety and respect. By making this application, the school is maintaining its commitment to gender equality, and will continue in its care for the wellbeing of every student. 

Yours sincerely,

Kate Dullard
Principal

VCAT Public Notice - H145-2025