Beaconhills College

The concept of establishing a local, independent, Christian school originated from a group of parishioners at St John’s Anglican Church, Upper Beaconsfield in 1980. A steering committee was then formed by March 1981, with John McConchie assuming the role of Chairman.

Recognizing the significant interest within the community for such a school, John McConchie organized a public meeting at the Pakenham Hall on 11 March, 1981, which drew an attendance of approximately 250 individuals. During this meeting, the proposal for an ecumenical, co-educational, low-fee secondary school was approved, inspired by the successful Christian Community Colleges already present in Maryborough, Portland, Newhaven, and Woodend.

The College was founded with the backing of three local parishes: St John’s Anglican Church in Upper Beaconsfield, St James’ Anglican Church in Pakenham, and Pakenham Uniting Church.

In 1982, the school officially commenced its operations with 34 students and five staff members. Frank Millett served as the founding Principal until 1988, while John McConchie continued to serve as Chairman of the College Board until 1986.

With the growth of the local community, the College also expanded. By 1988, the student body had grown to 388 students with 30 teachers, eventually reaching over 1000 students a decade later. Little Beacons Learning Centre was established in 2007, relocating to the Pakenham Campus in 2013.

The year 2003 marked a significant milestone as the College evolved into a multicampus institution with the inauguration of Beaconhills in Berwick. At that time, the College boasted 190 staff members and 1636 students across both campuses. With the success of the College’s international program, a modern boarding residence adjacent to the Pakenham Campus was unveiled in 2019, making Beaconhills the sole school in the Casey/Cardinia region to offer boarding facilities.

In 2020, a second Little Beacons Learning Centre was inaugurated on the Berwick Campus, transforming both campuses into Early Learning to Year 12 institutions. Presently, the College accommodates approximately 3000 students.