This case study of Catholic Ladies' College Eltham Victoria shows major shifts in its style of operation from the late nineteenth century to the present. These shifts are seen as reflections of change in the philosophy and provision of Catholic education generally, as it responds to different historical and social pressures.
Evidence for the Chapters dealing with the general background of Catholic education has been largely drawn from histories and sociological investigations, while evidence for the particular history of the school has been largely drawn from archival material documents, interviews and survey results. Findings are that within the school changes in style and direction can be noted which illustrate major trends and changes in Catholic education. Some evidence of differences in style of operation between Catholic, government and independent schools was found in the contemporary context, though full organization and school climate studies were not conducted.