The Small School Advantage
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. In Australia, families have the freedom to select a school that best suits their child’s needs—and sometimes that choice changes as circumstances evolve.Clarence Valley Anglican School is a co-educational, inclusive school grounded in Anglican values. We offer a high-quality education from Pre-Kinder to Year 12, focused on student wellbeing, academic achievement, and personal growth. Our mission is to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, and our vision is to empower them with the skills, knowledge, and values to thrive locally and globally. We prioritise care, community engagement, and innovative learning pathways, underpinned by our core values of Respect, Opportunity, Community, Compassion and Diversity.
Luckily for many, small schools are still operating and are often more supportive of individual’s care while reaching high academic outcomes. Small schools can offer a more flexible learning program for the individual, fostering wellbeing in a way that is out of reach for a larger school.
Flexibility in learning – small schools are able to tailor learning to the individual, collaborating with staff who become familiar with their students in ways that are unlikely in a larger school.
Unique staff - because of the small number of staff in a small school, staff don’t collect in silos but are able to take on a variety of roles and get to know students in their school, rather than just a face in a class.
Close monitoring and tracking of learning – small schools can offer unique ways of tracking students who are not just a number, their individual needs can be monitored and supports put in place quickly when needed.
Relationships and connections - between students and staff are deeper as staff get to know their students in the playground, at sport times and in the small classes that are offered.
Partnerships between school and home - fosters belonging, leadership and social and emotional skills
Having a go - in a safe environment where students are not ‘lost in the crowd’ help students to learn from their mistakes and develop creativity.
There is much to be said for the small school advantage and the results are in themselves a pleasing reminder of the advantages to be had in a small school environment.
Child Safe Standards Statement
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.