The Victorian Government will fast-track funding for upgrades to Catholic and Independent schools across Victoria to give students and staff the best facilities sooner, and support local jobs, businesses and Victoria’s economic recovery.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced $145 million for more than 50 projects under the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund.

The investment will create close to 800 jobs during construction, and follows more than $1.18 billion for new schools, upgrades and expansions of government schools announced in May.

Additional funding for this second round of the Non-Government Schools Capital Fund has been brought forward to help stimulate the economy and create jobs.

The successful schools will be able to start their projects within the next six months driving Victoria’s economic recovery from the pandemic, and the summer’s bushfires.

The projects will help these schools meet growing enrolment demand, and includes six new schools in growth areas. More than a third of Victorian students attend Catholic or Independent schools.

It’s part of the Government’s election commitment to establish a $402 million fund in partnership with the non-government school sector to upgrade and build new non-government schools across Victoria.   

The Victorian Government is building the Education State with an unprecedented $7.2 billion investment that is not only creating 7,500 jobs but improving, upgrading and building schools to ensure that every community can access a great local school where students are supported to achieve their best.