The State Government is consulting with the community as it determines the future of Gruyere Primary School.
A letter from the Department of Education was delivered to community members in late September which invited locals to drop-in sessions where they can discuss the prospect of new enrolments, obtain feedback and answer questions.
The sessions will be held on Tuesday 14 October from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at the Gruyere Hall.
Gruyere Primary School has had no students or staff since the start of 2024 due to a lack of student enrolments, and thus has been non-operational.
However, the school hasn’t closed down yet and its fate will be determined once more information is obtained surrounding potential enrolments.
“The department is compiling a range of information to inform a recommendation about the school’s future to the Minister of Education.
“This includes enrolment interest, data about the number of students living in the Gruyere PS zone and capacity of the schools in the surrounding area,” the letter stated.
If there was enough local demand for students to attend the school, then there could be a process of seeking enrolments throughout 2026 for the 2027 school year.
A minimum of 11 new enrolments would be required for the school to reopen.
In July 2025 Gruyere Primary School received $52,000 as part of the Victorian Government’s Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) for essential maintenance works.
Three buildings at the school were identified as needing essential maintenance work to ensure they’re kept weatherproof and secure.
If the school fails to receive any interest, or if it doesn’t reach the required amount of enrolments, then it would officially close and the department will manage the site’s disposal.
Assets and memorabilia of local historical interest from the school would be handed over.
The Department of Education was contacted for comment.
