• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Events
  • LEXICON
  • eLibrary
  • Log In

Lutheran Education Australia

MENUMENU
  • LEA AND OUR SCHOOLS
      • BLEA vision, mission and core values
      • Lutheran education
      • Early childhood education and care
      • Board of Directors
      • LEA calendar
      • Lutheran Church of Australia
      • Australian Lutheran College
  • OUR REGIONS
  • TEACHING & LEARNING
      • A vision for learners and learning
      • Christian Studies
      • Worship
      • Devotions
      • Service learning
      • Indigenous education
      • Pastoral care
  • SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS
      • Teaching in a Lutheran school
      • Accreditation
      • Governance
      • Scholarships and awards
      • Leadership development program
      • Valuing Safe Communities
      • LExICON
      • LEA podcasts
      • LEArning circles
  • PUBLICATIONS & POLICIES
      • Policies and guidelines
      • Brochures and books
      • Conference papers
      • Publications
      • eNews archives
      • Earthcare website
  • CONTACT
About › Lutheran education
LEVNT VLC PR photo Foundation students banner

Lutheran education

What is so special about Lutheran education? Our history Lutheran education: a snapshot Funding for Lutheran schools
What is so special about Lutheran education?

Lutheran education: a well organised system with a long and distinctive tradition

Lutherans were the first Protestants and trace their origins back to the Reformation of western Christendom in the sixteenth century. With some seventy million members, the Lutheran church is still the largest Protestant denomination in the world. As a church with an emphasis on biblical literacy and Christian education it has supported the provision of Christian education from its beginnings.

The long tradition of Lutheran education has been part of this country's history too. Lutherans have operated schools and early childhood services (ECSs) in Australia since 1839. Currently there are Lutheran schools and ECSs located in every state and territory of Australia except the ACT. All these schools and ECSs are owned by the Lutheran church and are incorporated into a system with support structures at national and regional levels.

The Lutheran church also has its own tertiary institution, Australian Lutheran College, which provides special training for Lutheran teachers in order to promote a distinctive ethos in its schools and ECSs.

Lutheran education: understanding people and life

God's word, as revealed in the Bible, is the authority for living and learning in each Lutheran school and ECS. Its central message is that of the gospel, the good news that our acceptance by God does not depend on our own worth or achievements but on his unconditional commitment to us as evidenced in the life and death of Jesus. Lutherans believe that through the process of Christian education God's Spirit is active in the lives of the community leading children and families to know and trust God.

In a Lutheran school and ECS each student is seen as a unique person created by God. He made them and loves them and provides each of them with dignity and worth. All of them have their own talents and needs as well as the potential to live useful and fulfilled lives in the world.

Lutherans believe that all positive knowledge and learning is a great gift of God for the growth and welfare of human beings. Each school and ECS considers it important to develop a spirit of service in its students so that their lives, studies, relationships, ambitions, values and attitudes they reflect a commitment to living useful lives for the good of others.

Lutheran education: a caring environment

While there is a major focus on teaching and learning, each school and ECS strives to offer far more than that. When a family joins a Lutheran school or ECS they become part of a community which strives to be a secure place which offers warm, caring relationships and a safe environment. A Lutheran school and ECS sees each student as being unique with their own particular gifts and needs. The approach is not to ask what students and their families can do for the school or ECS, but what the school or ECS can do for them.

Lutheran schools and ECSs have developed a special vision which is based on teachings of the Bible. As a Christian learning community each school and ECS aspires to provide a culture and ethos permeated by the core values of love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, service, humility, courage, hope, quality and appreciation.

Lutheran education: embraces high standards of teaching and learning

Each school and ECS strives to provide an education of excellence.

It recruits and hires well qualified, professional teachers.

It incorporates into the learning program the curriculum requirements and guidelines set in place by the relevant state authority. It caters for a wide range of abilities, including gifted and talented students and those with learning difficulties. The teaching program emphasises key competencies, stimulates thinking skills and integrates technology into the curriculum. Each Lutheran school and ECS strives to provide a quality learning experience for all its students.

A Lutheran school and ECS is also committed to a wide range of quality co-curricular activities in areas like sports and the arts.

Lutheran education: promotes Christian growth and development

Each school and ECS integrates Christian understandings into all its teaching. The Lutheran system has developed its own Christian Studies curriculum to provide students with a knowledge of Christian beliefs and teachings. Each school and ECS intentionally employs teachers who are able and active in supporting students in a Christian approach to life.

A Lutheran school and ECS provides regular worship including daily devotions. There are opportunities to encourage and nurture the Christian faith in each individual student.

Lutheran education: works as a team with parents

Lutherans believe that God has given parents and caregivers the prime responsibility for the education of their children. Lutherans provide schools and ECSs to assist parents in promoting their educational and spiritual growth. It is vital that each home and the school and ECS work together for the welfare of students on the basis of shared aims and values.

A Lutheran school and ECS holds itself accountable to parents for the progress and welfare of students. It provides structures for constant communication between the home and the school or ECS. It encourages parents to get involved in their children's schooling and to participate in school and ECS life in the variety of ways that are available.

Lutheran education: part of the greater community

Lutherans understand that their schools and ECSs operate in a larger system where they make their own special contribution and offer choice and diversity.

Lutherans accept the responsibility they have to comply with government regulations pertaining to the schools and ECSs. They appreciate and accept financial assistance from governments for the establishment, maintenance and operation of the schools and ECSs, provided that it does not compromise their distinctive nature. The church commends government assistance that enables more families to use the schools and ECSs and which helps them to provide programs for those with special needs.

Our history

Lutheran schools 1839 – present

Lutherans were the first Protestants and trace their origins back to the Reformation of western Christendom in the sixteenth century.  With some seventy million members, the Lutheran church is still the largest Protestant denomination in the world.  As a church with an emphasis on biblical literacy and Christian education it has supported the provision of Christian education from its beginnings.

The long tradition of Lutheran schooling has been part of this country's history too.  Lutherans have operated schools in Australia since 1839. The church operates early childhood centres as well. Currently there are Lutheran schools and ECSs located in every state and territory of Australia except the ACT. The Lutheran church also has its own tertiary institution, Australian Lutheran College, which provides special training for Lutheran teachers in order to promote a distinctive ethos in its schools.

Lutheran education: a rich history includes video

Video produced as part of the 175th celebrations of the Lutheran Church of Australia and Lutheran education in Australia:

ALIVE 175! LEA presentation this is the link to download

Click here to view ALIVE175! presentation online

Lutheran Education Australia commissioned the writing of a history of Lutheran schooling in Australia. Richard Hauser, now retired Lutheran principal and educator, undertook the challenge. Two histories have been written each spanning 80 years of history through the examination of Lutheran leaders and educators whose work has influenced the development of Lutheran schooling in Australia.

The Patriarchs: A history of Lutheran schooling 1839-1919

This book considers the contribution to the Lutheran church and its schools by August Kavel, Daniel Fritzsche, Wilhelm Boehm, Rudolph Ey, Theodor Langebecker, Carl Krichauff, Wilhelm Peters and George Leidig

The Pathfinders: A history of Lutheran schooling 1919-1999

This book considers the contribution to the Lutheran church and its schools by Henry Harmann, Karl Muetzelfeldt, Garry Matuschka, Gertrude Jacob, Elvin Janetzki, Carson Dron, John Zweck, Thomas Reuther.

Through The Patriarchs and The Pathfinders Richard Hauser captures the human qualities and struggles of the people featured and provides the reader with a deep appreciation of the contributions such a diverse range of Lutheran people have made.

Please contact lea@lutheran.edu.au to obtain a copy of these publications

LUTHER the movie

Released in 2005, LUTHER the movie has special significance for Lutheran schools. Martin Luther valued education and was vehement in advocating for the education of both boys and girls. Since the time of Luther the churches that have borne his name have also always valued education. Whether it was Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Zimbabwe, USA or Australia, wherever Lutherans went they established schools. Thus in Australia the first Lutheran school was established in Adelaide on the banks of the River Torrens in 1839.  LUTHER the movie is a wonderful opportunity to reflect again on our heritage and why we operate Lutheran schools.  Read more in the study resources

1930 the year of the Golden Jubilee 1980: the by gone days

The By Gone Days by Doris Sickerdick

Doris Sickerdick, a student at Lobethal Lutheran School after it re-opened in 1930 wrote this recollection of school days for the school’s Golden Jubilee in 1980.

Lutheran education: a snapshot

The Lutheran Church of Australia has a rich history in education.  Since the first Lutheran school opened in 1839 Lutheran schools have grown considerably.  There has been particular growth in the last quarter of the twentieth century from 3,592 students in 1967 to 40,291 in 2018.

The growth in Lutheran schools has been very much part of the growth of the non-government sector and reflects the church's commitment to serving both its people and the Australian community.  Around one quarter of the enrolments are Lutheran.

Lutheran schools by numbers a short video

Lutheran schools and ECSs- statistics at a glance

80 Lutheran schools

  • 37 primary schools
  • 8 secondary schools
  • 35 combined primary/secondary schools

58 Lutheran kindergartens and early childhood services

Schools by state

  • South Australia              30
  • Queensland                    26
  • Victoria/Tasmania          16
  • New South Wales            4
  • Northern Territory            3
  • Western Australia            1

Enrolments

  • Schools                                 40,537  [at Aug 2019]
  • Early childhood services       4,000    [approx]

Enrolments by state

  • South Australia                        12,625
  • Queensland                             18,141
  • Victoria/Tasmania                      6,571
  • New South Wales                         839
  • Northern Territory                     1,708
  • Western Australia                         653

Further detailed information on Lutheran schools is available in the LEA annual statistical reports

  • An introduction to Lutheran schools
  • Find a Lutheran school or early childhood centre

    Funding for Lutheran schools

    LEA funding principles

    LEA believes any funding model should:

    • provide a basic funding entitlement for all Lutheran schools that keeps pace with the costs in government schools and ensures each Australian student receives a world class education
    • provide additional needs-based funding for schools, families and students who are disadvantaged because of factors such as indigeneity, location, disability and socioeconomic / cultural disadvantage
    • provide families affordability and accessibility in their choice of schools in a way that encourages diversity, yet does not penalise private funding contributions to education
    • be transparent for all Australian systems, schools, communities and students, keeping the needs of each in balance for proper planning and management
    • ensure that all systems and school authorities have equal access to recurrent, targeted, capital and other funds through transparent and nationally recognised funding protocols
    • allow systems and school authorities to effectively and confidently operate schools in a stable and transparent environment with predictable and annual funding indexation
    • expect systems and schools to be accountable and to report on agreed national standards and outcomes using fully comparable and transparent data, whilst given schools the freedom to be innovative and creative as they enhance teaching and learning
    • affirm a student focus on being at the heart of schooling through quality teaching and learning, recognising that well trained and formed teachers, excellent resources and well planned facilities allow a world class education to be achieved
    • plan for an ongoing proactive approach to, and government-school dialogue for, future funding and development of schools to meet the needs of a growing Australian population
    • be considered by governments that listen to school principals regularly when gauging the needs of Australian schools and how to meet the needs of a growing Australian population
    • be considered by governments that listen to school principals regularly when gauging the needs of Australian schools and how to improve teaching and learning for the benefit of Australia

    Privacy Policy

    Site Map

    Copyright Lutheran Education Australia 2023