General News
15 May, 2026
Inglewood catholic school to close end of year
Catholic Education Sandhurst said it was “deeply saddened” to announce the closure of St Mary’s Primary School Inglewood at the end of the year.
DECLINING enrolment numbers have caused the last Catholic school in the Loddon area to close at the end of the year.
Catholic Education Sandhurst said it was “deeply saddened” to announce the closure of St Mary’s Primary School Inglewood.
Parents and families were made aware of the closure earlier this week via email.
CES executive director Kate Fogarty said the board had made the difficult decision that had not been taken lightly.
“It was reached only after extensive consideration and discussion with the wider community,” she said
“Over a sustained period, declining enrolment numbers have challenged the school’s viability.
“When considered alongside low projected demographic growth and the need to meet regulatory requirements, it is evident that ongoing operations is no longer sustainable.
“As difficult as this outcome is, we believe it represents the most responsible course of action for the Inglewood community.”
Ms Fogarty said families of St Mary’s Inglewood will be fully supported in transition to their preferred school choice for 2027.
‘The town is fortunate to have Inglewood Primary School and in addition, Marist College Bendigo in Maiden Gully is connected by a daily bus service should families choose to keep their children in the Catholic system,” she said
“Similarly, the staff of St Mary’s will be supported to understand their career options, including identification of alternative employment opportunities within Sandhurst Catholic Schools.
“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise Principal Stephen O’Shannessy and the staff who have been exceptional teachers and leaders for the children, Parish Priest Stephen Bolling and the St Mary’s community more broadly.”
This news comes two years after St Patrick’s Primary School Pyramid Hill closed.
St Mary’s Primary School Inglewood has a rich history, with the Presentation Sisters who established St Mary’s School in 1860, and who served the community for 114 years before the first lay principal was appointed in 1974.
“We also acknothe Diocese of Ballarat who led the school community until 1978, when Inglewood became part of the Sandhurst Diocese,” Ms Fogarty said.
“There have also been a number of principals and parish priests who have contributed greatly to the school community.
“We are committed to commemorating and celebrating the rich history and legacy of the school in a meaningful way later this year.
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