The Domain Independent Schools Guide chatted with Principal Ashleigh Martin about the evolution of future-focused learning environments at Caulfield Grammar School.

In its 144-year history, Caulfield Grammar School has retained its character, traditions and academic strength while remaining contemporary and forward-looking. Rather than following education fads and introducing change for change’s sake, each step in the school’s evolution is carefully considered, planned and delivered.

“Any innovation we introduce is research-based, sensible and pragmatic,” says Principal Ashleigh Martin. “We want to stay current, but we don’t want to lose our soul. Families come to Caulfield Grammar School because of who we are, and we protect that, but we can’t be conservative and always look backwards – we must aim for that sweet spot.”

While being discerning, Caulfield Grammar School doesn’t shy away from opportunity and innovation. In 2024, it merged with Shelford Girls’ Grammar School after the girls’ school closed its doors. Ashleigh says this has created space for valuable “blue-sky thinking” about the future of the new Shelford Campus.

“The merger is a catalyst for innovation and will enhance the education experience of all Caulfield Grammar School students,” he says. “It allows us to strengthen and build an already great school.”

Shelford Campus Project Lead Sarah Salter is helping to shape this next significant phase of Caulfield Grammar School’s history. It is a community-focused process with staff, students and families being asked for their views on what they believe is essential for the continued growth and success of the school and its students.

The school invited over 12,000 current and prospective families to participate in a comprehensive market research survey to share their views on how the new Shelford Campus should be shaped. “We are creating a vision for the new campus that is co-designed with our community,” Sarah says. “Through the survey, families expressed a strong desire for a seamless and connected educational experience from Junior through to Secondary School. They value their child being known as an individual and want schools to think innovatively about the future for their students, what careers they will go into, and what schools can provide to address the future skills gap.”

The school listened carefully to its community, triangulating data from global experts and research, family demographic analysis and market research. Through its unique footprint and design, Shelford Campus has afforded the school the opportunity to launch with dual purposes that respond to the valuable data they received.

In February, Caulfield Grammar School announced the launch of a new Junior School at the campus, expanding access to a quality Caulfield Grammar primary education for families living in the Caulfield, Bayside and surrounding areas. The Junior School will open its gates in 2027, initially enrolling students in Prep and Years 4–6 with plans to expand to a full Prep–Year 6 offering in subsequent years.

“The Junior School at Shelford Campus will benefit from the outstanding primary years learning program already established at our Malvern and Wheelers Hill Campuses,” Ashleigh says. “Shelford Campus is also located just two blocks away / 800m from the well-established Years 7–12 Caulfield Campus, supporting a seamless transition from Junior to Secondary School. The Junior School at Shelford Campus will embrace the same future-focused philosophy, grounded in strong foundations, that guides the school’s educational vision. We are committed to ensuring that students are known as individuals and equipped with the tools they need to thrive.”

Alongside the launch of the Junior School, a new Innovation & Pathways Centre will be introduced at Shelford Campus, providing students across all Caulfield Grammar campuses with industry-informed learning experiences that prepare them for future careers and opportunities. Programs will progressively evolve over the next few years, offering curriculum-based opportunities, extension programs, and a diverse range of co- and extra-curricular activities designed to prepare students for the evolving world beyond school.

Programs developed at the new Innovation & Pathways Centre will include initiatives that provide career exposure and future skills development.

“We are working closely with strategic partners to design industry-informed programs that introduce students to emerging career pathways, such as AI engineering and sports technology – fields they may not have previously considered,” says Sarah. “Like many leading industries, we take a test-and-learn approach. When we introduce a new program, we pilot, iterate and innovate, ensuring we are leveraging research and data to deliver the most impactful experiences for our students.”

This dynamic approach to learning will allow all Caulfield Grammar School students that access programs at Shelford Campus to develop the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed to navigate an ever-changing world, reinforcing Caulfield Grammar School’s commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

Ashleigh emphasises the importance of collaboration in shaping the school’s future, highlighting the role of parents in this process. “Engaging parents has enabled us to have a clear vision of what we want our school to be moving forward. As a school, you can’t make decisions in an ivory tower. Parents are discerning and involving them in research has been a real step forward.”

“The new Shelford Campus is an innovation ground where we can develop programs, engage students, see what is working, make any necessary adjustments and then build fantastic programs that can be rolled out school wide.”

Ashleigh says he is excited about the next stage in Caulfield Grammar School’s rich and respected history.  “Shelford Campus will be our next epicentre of innovation and a hub that blends strong academic performance with a well-rounded education that prepares students to thrive.”