Independent special assistance schools in Australia

Independent special assistance schools play an important role in removing barriers to education, providing vulnerable young people with the opportunity to complete school.

Students enrolling in an Independent special assistance school have usually experienced long-term disengagement from education. With specialised support they can re-engage in learning and determine future pathways for further study or employment.

The Australian Education Act 2013 defines special assistance schools as those which ‘primarily cater for students with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties’.1 Although Independent special assistance schools enrol a high proportion of students with disability, these schools should not be confused with Independent special schools, which cater solely to students with disability, usually with significant adjustment needs. Independent special assistance schools provide an alternative option to mainstream schooling to reengage young people in education. Many students who attend special assistance schools are educationally disadvantaged. This is often due to their social or economic circumstances, and poor levels of achievement or school participation.

This Special Assistance Schools: Showcase report presents an overview of Independent special assistance schools in Australia and their unique role in providing inclusive and relevant education to young people who have not experienced success in mainstream schooling. You can access the full report here.

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