Across the Diocese, 64 Catholic primary and secondary schools, 56 DOBCEL parish schools and 8 schools governed by Religious Institutes or Ministerial Public Juridic Persons, provide distinctive Catholic education from the Murray to the Sea. The role of DOBCEL is to lead, provide service to, and partner with all 64 schools to enable every student to flourish and every student, staff member and family to experience to experience the presence of the risen Christ in our schools.

As of 2021, DOBCEL took over the governance authority of our 56 parish schools. This an historic undertaking shifting the governance authority from parish priests, who have had this role in parish schools in the Ballarat diocese since our first parish school was established in 1849. DOBCEL continues to work in partnership with our 56 parish schools into the future. Catholic Education Ballarat is the operational arm of DOBCEL and is responsible for the implementation of DOBCEL strategies, policies and procedures, and overseeing the day to day running of our schools.

As partners in Catholic Education, open to God’s presence, we pursue fullness of life for all.

With every blessing,
Mr Tom Sexton
Executive Director of Catholic Education

St. Patrick's will do all to ensure its students learn and grow in a safe environment that values their wellbeing and individual learning journey.
All our decisions will be based upon what is best for each student in every learning environment.