The University High School in Parkville was initially caught off guard,but has now hit back,launching an extraordinary attack on the government's"deeply disappointing"and"poorly conceived"plan.
In a further blow,it said expanding its zone to include all of the CBD,parts of Southbank and the Docklands would place"enormous stress"on its ability to provide an outstanding education.
Principal Heather Thompson said the school was already struggling to meet demand from its booming catchment area,which covers North Melbourne,Carlton,Parkville and the northern end of the CBD.
"Although it is encouraging that the government is working to address the inner school shortage issue,it is disappointing that it chose not to consult with us given we are in a position to provide valuable insights into the problem,"Ms Thompson said in a statement.
She said the school did not have a strategy – or funding for new facilities – to deal with such a huge expansion of its zone. It has already increased its Year 7 intake from 150 to 200 students.
The decision would also jeopardise the school's specialist programs at the Gene Technology Access Centre and Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences,the statement said. It said these facilities may need to be converted into regular classrooms to cater for a surge in enrolments.
"It will be a great loss for Melbourne's leading medical and research precinct if specialist maths and science facilities at our school have to be abandoned due to this poorly conceived plan."