Can your school years really shape your life long after the final bell?

In this episode of Catholic Education Matters, we explore new research uncovering the lifelong impact of Catholic schooling on employment, wellbeing and community contribution.

Host Kate Fogarty, Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, is joined by Bruce Phillips from the Victorian Catholic Education Authority alongside lead researcher and longtime public policy analyst Andrew Wade, to unpack the findings from a newly released study on the long-term benefits of Catholic schooling

Using data from the nationally respected Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, the research reveals that attending a Catholic school can have a positive impact on employment outcomes, general health, life satisfaction and community engagement - even decades after graduation.

In this episode, we explore:

• How the HILDA data reveals differences between Catholic, government and independent school graduates.
• Why Catholic school graduates are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, and work in sectors that serve the public.
• The surprising links between Catholic education, life satisfaction and long-term wellbeing.
• What these findings mean for families, educators and communities across Australia.

Whether you're a parent, educator, policy maker or simply curious about the long-term impact of education, this episode offers fresh insight and a deeper understanding of how schooling shapes lives beyond the classroom.

Now join us as we explore what truly matters in education.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The HILDA Survey
• Victorian Catholic Education Authority

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 55 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.