At Benton Junior College, children are members of a global community, connected to the whole world by ties of cultures, economics, politics and shared environmental concerns.

Benton Junior College acknowledge the Bunurong people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet, learn and play, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

The History of Benton Junior College

Benton Junior College, a Victorian Government primary school, was named in recognition of the pioneering contribution made by the early Benton family. Benjamin John Benton, born in Essex England, brought his family to Australia aboard the “Elizabeth” arriving in the Mornington area in about 1851.

A distant cry from when we first opened our doors in 2003, there are currently 868 children attending Benton Junior College (representing more that 550 families!).

In a relatively short time, we have achieved an excellent reputation for providing opportunities for our children to achieve their academic and social potential through meaningful activities that develop connections with our local and global communities.

Origin of our name:

Benton Junior College

Benton Junior College, a Victorian Government primary school, was named in recognition of the pioneering contribution made by the early Benton family.

Benjamin John Benton, born in Essex England, brought his family to Australia aboard the “Elizabeth” arriving in the Mornington area in about 1851.

Benjamin was a man of many skills. He farmed the land and worked with James Firth making roads in the area. They put in the pylons for the Mornington Pier and also carted wood to the pier to be shipped to Melbourne to fuel the bakers' ovens.

It is in that same pioneering spirit that Benton Junior College opened in January 2003.

The Benton family tradition continues with descendants of our schools namesake currently completing their studies here.

Benton Junior College is committed to developing and nurturing a community of life-long learners. We support the development of the whole person; a person with a positive self image, who seeks excellence and respects the rights of others. Our intention is to make learning relevant and meaningful to children. Our focus is on children as capable individuals and as active constructors of their own learning. We aim to instill children with the motivation to learn, the ability to think, the courage to imagine and the compassion to care globally.

Children are encouraged to develop a sense of identity and self-worth, recognising their own strengths, talents and areas for improvement. A flexible, happy and non-judgemental environment allows children to take risks and draw on their natural curiosity to research and confidently verbalize innovative ideas.

This supportive climate encourages cooperation, positive behaviours and effective communication between teachers, children and peers. The children are given the opportunity to grow and develop a love of learning in a challenging, yet safe environment.