Why more families are choosing a boutique boys’ school experience
For many families weighing up education options, the decision is no longer simply about prestige or tradition – it’s about fit.
When choosing the right education for their children, parents are increasingly seeking schools where their child is known, supported and able to thrive academically, socially and emotionally – driving a shift towards boutique-style environments where smaller scale fosters stronger connection.
At Christian Brothers College (CBC) Adelaide, that philosophy is intentional.
Principal David Johnston says the college’s size – just under 1000 students from Reception to Year 12 – is central to its success.
“CBC is intentionally a boutique boys’ school,” Johnston explains. “Our deliberate size sits at the centre of everything we do, ensuring every student is personally known, pastorally supported and never ‘just a number’.”
Founded in 1878 in the Edmund Rice tradition, CBC has long been a part of Adelaide’s educational landscape. Today, it operates across two city campuses within walking distance of each other, offering a Reception to Year 12 pathway that blends tradition with a forward-thinking approach.
While its history is significant, Johnston says the focus is firmly on what matters most to modern families.
“We place equal value on academic growth, character formation, wellbeing, sport and culture,” he says. “We are intentional about educating the whole person –developing good young men rather than chasing a single definition of success.”
That balance is reflected in the college’s academic results. CBC has maintained a 100 per cent SACE completion rate, alongside consistent improvement in Year 12 outcomes over the past decade. Students regularly achieve high ATAR scores, including placements in the top 1 per cent nationally.
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But Johnston is quick to point out that success looks different for every student.
“Ultimately, we focus on setting boys up for life beyond our gates through diverse and well-established vocational, university and trade pathways, ensuring every graduate is prepared for his next step with confidence,” he says.
For families exploring options, one of the biggest challenges can be getting a genuine sense of a school beyond brochures and open nights. That’s where CBC’s “Come and Try” days come in.
“The best way to understand the school is to experience it firsthand,” Johnston says. “Our Come and Try Days give prospective students a simple, low-pressure way to see if CBC is the right fit for them.”
Unlike more formal enrolment events, these days are designed to feel like a regular school experience. Students attend classes, meet teachers and interact with current students – giving families a clearer, more authentic picture of daily life.
“It allows families to gain clarity and confidence in their decision without the pressure of a formal recruitment process,” Johnston says.
Another key consideration for parents is when to start. At CBC, Johnston says there are clear benefits to joining from the junior years.
“Students who begin at our Junior Campus benefit from strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and wellbeing, as well as early access to specialist programs,” he says.
“Starting early fosters a strong sense of belonging and ensures a seamless transition into the senior years. It ensures boys are academically and socially prepared for the long-term journey of their education.”
Beyond the classroom, CBC places strong emphasis on opportunities that broaden horizons and build confidence. Partnerships play a role here, including a well-established connection with English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.
“This gives students and their families exposure to global-level programs,” Johnston says. “These links, alongside our university and industry connections, help students explore future pathways with confidence.”
For many families, however, the decision also comes down to value. Independent schooling is a significant investment, and Johnston says CBC is conscious of balancing quality with affordability.
“Families consistently see CBC as a strong value option,” he says. “While we provide a high-quality, independent education and extensive opportunities, we remain committed to being a realistic investment for families.”
That approach, he says, is about prioritising what matters most.
“We work hard to keep fees affordable and reinvest directly in teaching, learning and student support, providing a strong balance of quality and affordability.”
For Johnston, the appeal of CBC ultimately comes back to something less tangible – but no less important.
“Professionally, it is a privilege to lead a college where relationships are the bedrock of everything we do,” he says.
“Our staff are dedicated to truly knowing and supporting the unique journey of every boy who walks through our gates.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates with families seeking more than just academic results.
“On a personal level, I love the vibrant sense of community, the daily conversations and witnessing boys transform into confident young men,” Johnston says.
As education choices continue to evolve, boutique schools like CBC are carving out a distinct space – offering a model where scale enables connection, and where success is measured not only by results but by the kind of young people who graduate.
“While CBC is incredibly proud of its long and storied history, we are equally focused on the future,” Johnston says.
“Our goal is for every boy to leave our gates confident in who he is and optimistic about the world ahead.”
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