Centre for Higher Education Studies

New Centre

Start
Q2 2018
Planning
Design
Construction
Finish
Q4 2022

The above dates are forecast only and subject to change.

About the project

We built the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) to further improve educational outcomes for high-achieving and high-ability senior secondary school students across Victoria.

CHES students can study first-year university courses and select VCE subjects, accompanied by an enhancement and enrichment program. This 'head start' on tertiary courses allows our most capable students to undertake study aligned to their skills and interests that may contribute to their ATAR, while also being considered for university credits.

The multistorey centre, constructed on land purchased from the Melbourne High School Foundation, includes an auditorium, technology-rich learning spaces and tertiary-standard science and design labs.

Students remain enrolled at their chosen secondary school and are able to undertake a course at CHES as part of their VCE program. To support rural and regional students, all CHES programs are accessible through virtual platforms as well as on-site.

For more information regarding CHES programs and student intake, please visit the CHES website.

Principal appointment

Stewart Milner was appointed as the principal for CHES in South Yarra.

Stewart is a passionate educator who has worked as a teacher and principal for over 20 years, most recently as principal of Coburg High School and before that as assistant principal at Suzanne Cory High School in Werribee.

Throughout his career, Stewart has driven innovation in education as the driving force behind the establishment of several university partnerships that have provided extra opportunities to staff and students – and will cement CHES as an inclusive centre of excellence for all Victorian students.

Stewart considers it an enormous privilege to lead CHES is excited to be establishing the school as an inclusive centre of excellence for all Victorian students.

Information events

We hosted online information events for students and parents across July and August 2022.

Funding

In the 2018–19 State Budget $27.5 million was allocated to the centre.

In the 2016–17 State Budget, $12 million was allocated to schools across the State for planning. This included funding for Melbourne High School Gifted Academy which was renamed the Centre for Higher Education Studies.