Ararat College is located in the Central Highlands Area of Victoria approximately 100 kilometres West of Ballarat and is a 7-12 co-ed College of just over 300 students.
The College was established in 1913 as one of the state’s earliest secondary schools. In 1969 it divided into High and Technical Schools. In 1991 the two schools were consolidated on one campus in Barkly Street. The concept for Ararat Community College began in 1994 when the TAFE campus was incorporated on the site to create an education precinct. In 2008 the school name was simplified to Ararat College.
Our school prides itself on its success in encouraging students to achieve their full academic, physical and social potential and to become proactive and well-rounded young citizens equipped to have a positive impact on the world.
Every year our school has students who achieve outstanding results in VCE, VM and VET programs and our overall pass rate has been close to or at 100%. Ararat College has commitments to life-long learning, to building a safe and supportive environment and to creating a positive set of personal values.
The College makes a feature of encouraging, recognising and celebrating the outstanding performance of students in academic excellence, leadership and co-curriculum participation. The College’s comprehensive range of co-curricular activities include; an instrumental music program, camps program, theatrical/musical production, after school homework program, involvement in the School for Student Leadership and State School Spectactular all to support the growth of students into confident, successful and contributing citizens.
Ararat College aims to develop individuals who are confident in the process of learning and who are open to change. We strive to promote a climate conducive to personal growth and self-directed learning. The College provides a wide range of subject offerings to support students’ individual learning pathways. Students are provided with 1:1 access to a computer. Preparing our students for teenage living, employment, tertiary studies and family and community life.
The friendly and supportive learning environment is a valued feature of Ararat College. Our teachers endeavour to make learning purposeful, challenging and relevant through individual and group work. There is a quiet working atmosphere in the college where teachers seek to promote respect, openness and sensitivity of others in a caring positive environment that nurtures its students in forming appropriate values.
The history of the college can be traced back to 1867, when a flour mill was built on this site in Barkly Street.
The Ararat Grammar School opened in 1909 in Barkly Street and the first headmaster was Mr A.G. Butchers.
The Ararat Higher Elementary School was established in 1912 and on Wednesday 25th June 1913 the school was proclaimed a District High School.
Ararat Technical School had its beginning in 1947 when the Education Department authorised a third form (Year 9) course at the Ararat High School to include technical subjects.
In 1969 it was proposed a seperate technical school be constructed.
