But rising fees were rated as the biggest challenge to the future of the school,the survey of almost 900 former students found. While an increase in student numbers was a concern,the group said a rise in pupils could also offset fees hikes.
Fees jumped by about 6 per cent for its senior school students to almost $39,000 for year 12 last year,but are likely to rise again in 2024 as private schools increase teacher salaries to compete with rises in the public sector,while inflationary pressure and decreases in government funding will also affect tuition costs.
The survey,conducted in June 2022,found 46 per cent were opposed to the school increasing student numbers. About two-thirds of old boys “were happy with the current level of socio-economic,cultural diversity and inclusiveness at the college”.
Two-thirds supported an increase in socio-economic,cultural diversity and inclusiveness among students. About 57 per cent did were opposed or undecided on the co-ed change,while 32 per cent were in favour.
One former student,who requested anonymity to speak freely,said there were “very many disaffected former students – spanning generations”.
“There are old boys with a legal background who are looking closely to see if it could be challenged. Newington had a positive future with population growth in the inner west. They’ve never been in a better position,so in my view the motivation seems to be ideological.”
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However,Newington’s chairman Tony McDonald said the “majority of our community shares our excitement about the future direction of the school”,and the benefits co-ed will deliver to current and future students and families.
“The college is gladly engaging in constructive dialogue with our community. We have not directly been threatened with any legal action and have received extensive legal advice throughout this process. Alumni were consulted on a number of occasions,” he said.
In a letter to former students in early November,old boys union president said its executive had been involved in “ensuring that the perspectives of all Old Newingtonians are considered in the council’s decision-making process.
Former president of the old boys union and one-time school council member,Ian Webster,said while a move to co-ed was “valid” he was concerned about the practical requirements and “lack of available sporting space” for girls.
“How will the school create the required sporting facilities for girls,when there is not enough space for boys now,” he said. “Some of the families that have registered their sons have signed up for a boys’ education and will be given a school in co-ed transition. That is not fair.”
Newington is governed by an act of parliament,and was founded by the Methodist church in 1863. It is a member of the Athletics Association of Great Public Schools,a historic sporting association of boys’ schools,which also includes Shore and Scots College.
Newington has increased the number of women sitting on its board from four to six,with three new female members appointed in the past two years.
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