From Struggle to Strength: A Sustainable Model for Transformative School Improvement

Overview

In 2021, Bayswater Secondary College stood at a crossroads, marked by years of declining enrolments, poor academic outcomes, student disengagement, a fractured relationship with the community, rumours of closure and a significant number of changes to the leadership of the college spanning the previous seven years. Students lacked pride in being part of the College community, staff turnover was high, and there was little consistency or direction. The school lacked not just structure, but a sense of identity, belonging and hope.

Fast forward to today, and Bayswater Secondary College tells a vastly different story. With strong and stable leadership, clear processes, and a values-driven culture, the school has seen remarkable gains: significant enrolment growth, staff retention, improved student outcomes and some of the highest levels of student, staff and parent satisfaction in the region and State. The school is now recognised for its calm, inclusive and purposeful learning environment, empowered student voice, and renewed pride in what it means to be part of the Bayswater community.

This presentation will explore the strategic and sustainable ground-up approach that underpinned this transformation, drawing on elements of the Positive Education approach, Berry Street Educational Model, School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports and improvement frameworks of educational researchers such as Vic Zbar and Pamela Macklin. Rather than chasing silver bullets, we focussed on simple, high impact strategies that built a foundation for positive cultural change and continuous growth.

Our journey hasn’t been perfect or linear – it is a perpetual work in progress, as all good schools should be. By committing to being 1% better each day, we’ve created the conditions where students and staff can thrive. This is a story of what is possible when a school invests in people, prioritises culture and rebuilds trust – one step at a time.