About LEA

The Lutheran church is a Christian tradition dating back to the 16th century. With some 70 million members, the Lutheran church remains one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world.

Through Martin Luther and its early beginnings, the Lutheran Church championed the importance of universal education for all.

Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) serves as the national body supporting Regions, and Lutheran schools and early childhood services.

Video: The History of LEA

Lutheran Education Australia

Lutherans have operated schools in Australia since 1839 and Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) is the national support body for Lutheran education across the country.

As a national support body, Lutheran Education (LEA) works closely with state-based Lutheran education bodies (Regions) and Lutheran learning communities (schools and early childhood services).

Lutheran Education Australia partners with Regions, schools, early childhood services and staff, walking alongside them and connecting them with the resources they need.

The foundation of Lutheran education is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which informs all learning and teaching, relationships and activities (The LCA and its Schools, 2001).

LEA’s role

LEA has a nationwide role supporting the Lutheran education sector. Our work crosses a wide range of areas, including:

  • Development of nationally consistent policies and guidelines
  • Administration of key funds
  • Provision of training, accreditation and professional development services
  • Supply of the Worship and Devotions Guides and other resources
  • Assisting in the attraction and retention of staff in Lutheran education
  • Leadership development for emerging leaders
  • Lobbying Federal Government on behalf of the Lutheran education sector

Regional and Rural Lutheran Education

While predominantly located in cities and larger regional centres, Lutheran schools are also found in rural and regional areas.

LEA appreciates and understands the unique challenges faced by regional schools in overcoming additional obstacles of distance and access to resources.

First Nations Lutheran Education

Lutherans have a long history connecting with First Nations communities.

First Nations students have access to education in every Lutheran school and early childhood service.

Finke River Mission’s Yirara College is a boarding school in Alice Springs for Aboriginal students 12 years and older from remote communities.

Several Lutheran schools have significant First Nations enrolments. These include Peace Lutheran College in Cairns (12%), Eastside Lutheran College in Hobart (6%), and Crossways Lutheran School in Ceduna (60%).

Tertiary Lutheran Education

The Lutheran Church of Australia’s tertiary institution is Australian Lutheran College in Adelaide, which offers innovative and distributed approaches to learning.

Australian Lutheran College is involved in adult education in partnership with universities in Adelaide, Brisbane and Ballarat.

Postgraduate theological and educational study options are also offered by Australian Lutheran College, ensuring pre-service and in-service needs of students and staff are supported for Lutheran education.

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