School Founder

The School of Total Education was founded in 1977 by Vijayadev Yogendra who envisaged an integrated system of education that could prepare its students for life in the post-modern world.

Vijay (as he preferred to be known) was instrumental in the development of the School: he articulated its educational philosophy, trained the teachers, established the Parents’ Program and designed the key structures of the School. In these ways, Vijay took a very active role in the School’s development.

Crucially, he recognized that educational institutions are shaped not by their architecture or curricula, but by the quality of character of the individuals who conduct their programs. Vijay therefore took a personal interest in the people—counselling and supporting individuals in their growth and development. His was a remarkable commitment and example of service.

After he retired from an active role in the leadership of the School in 1999, Vijay moved to Port Douglas, North Queensland where he established the New Horizons for Health centre. He nonetheless maintained an interest in the School’s progress and suggested new educational programs from time to time.

Vijay passed away in January 2005 leaving the legacy of a unique educational methodology aimed at the total development of the individual, together with a group of people who are committed to carrying the work forward.

This is how Vijay described the origins and aims of the School:

“In the 1970’s people asked me to establish a school embodying the ideals and approaches which I had developed and had been advocating. So, I decided to do just that. I knew that teacher training had to be the first priority, and that the uniqueness and aim of the school would be its focus on development of children, teachers and parents.

“Even then I could see ahead to young people causing more distress to society. I predicted that they would lack confidence, morals, and self-esteem. So, the School would have to encourage the character of a child; academic success could not be the primary focus. The teachers were asked to develop themselves to be better examples and thereby to influence the children’s ideas and behaviour. The teachers did indeed take up the challenge and by 1977 we were able to get going.”

In February 1977 The School of Total Education opened its doors in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda. The School relocated to Warwick, Queensland in 1981 where it has since developed into a full primary and secondary school. The first students from the Warwick school completed Year 12 in 1987. The innovative ‘Time Out Year’ was introduced in 1988.

The philosophy of Total Education is explained in the books Total Education: The Urgent Need and Future Education. These titles and others written by Vijay are available from the School Office: Parenting for Everyone, Love As A Way, What is Life, Reflections, Overcoming Guilt, Overcoming Negative Feelings, Overcoming Anger and Peace: A Way of Life.

The School and the T.H.E. Foundation

The Total Health and Education (T.H.E.) Foundation was founded in Melbourne, Victoria in 1970 by Vijay and its major focus is offering health and education programs. As with the School, the headquarters of the T.H.E. Foundation were relocated to Warwick in 1981.

Two of the Foundation’s most important tasks are providing financial support for the School—through co-ordination of business investments—and the provision of the school’s land and buildings.

The T.H.E. Foundation also conducts The Centre for Healthy Living which is located adjacent to the School property in Warwick. This Centre conducts ‘Yogendra System’ classes, courses on Parenting and ‘Steps Towards Inner Peace’ courses, as well as offering counselling services.

In September 2003, the Foundation held the well-received Pathways to Peace symposium and cultural program at Griffith University. In 2005, the Foundation hosted the Peace Festival Warwick 2005. The theme of this festival—which involved a range of community-based activities—was ‘Peace in Our Own Backyard’, emphasizing the practical nature of peace-building in our own local community.

Copyright The School of Total Education 2006.