A large private school in Melbourne’s outer west has been put into voluntary administration, leaving over 1,200 students in a precarious position.
Mowbray College in suburban Melton has suffered a severe financial breakdown.
Administrators are doubtful they will be able to keep the school open and parents are scrambling to find other schools for their children.
The college was placed into voluntary administration on Tuesday with debts of $18 million.
The Baillieu Government has brought forward a $400,000 grant to keep the school open until the end of term.
Administrator Jim Downey says the school’s financial situation is in a “parlous” state and it will be tough to keep it open.
“My aim is to keep the doors open through to the end of the term,” he told ABC local radio.
“For the period that I operate the school, staff can be assured they will be remunerated for their time.”
Mr Downey says times are tough and families are having trouble paying their school fees.
He says the school is owed about $2 million in unpaid fees.
Families of the students are distraught over the impending closure, saying local schools are already filled to overflowing.
Parent Cathy Stewart says they saw the warning signs and have arranged for their young son…