The Y in Australia currently operates Y Community Schools that help young people at risk of disengaging with mainstream school, get back on a pathway to learning and employment.
Our Schools programs are built on a simple belief: when young people feel safe, seen, and supported, they thrive.
We create environments where learning feels relevant again, where education becomes a pathway to confidence, wellbeing, and future opportunity.
Our Y Community Schools currently operate in Melbourne, Western Australia and Queensland, with our Alternative Suspension program running in New South Wales. Additionally, we partner with schools in every state to provide out-of-hours school care.
Our Commitment
Learning that starts with belonging
Y Schools provide more than lessons; they provide connection. Each classroom pairs a qualified teacher with a youth worker who supports students socially, emotionally, and academically. This wrap-around approach helps young people build trust, regulate emotions, and develop the skills they need to stay engaged in learning.
Alternative and flexible education
Our programs are designed for students who may have disengaged from mainstream schooling due to personal, social, or academic challenges. Through small class sizes, individual learning plans, and flexible timetables, we help each student find their rhythm and rediscover their strengths.
Wellbeing at the centre
We place wellbeing at the heart of education. Students are supported through counselling, mentoring, and case management, building confidence, resilience, and life skills alongside literacy, numeracy, and vocational learning.
Partnerships that make it possible
Y Schools work in close collaboration with education departments, community services, and families to create integrated support networks around each young person. Together, we’re helping students not only return to learning but to re-imagine their future.
Safety is our highest priority
The Y has a zero tolerance approach to the harm or neglect of any child or young person.
Our national approach to safeguarding ensures all our Y’s are the safest place they can be. We align our policies and procedures to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, and go beyond this to keep every child and young person in our care safe, healthy and well. With 52 licensing standards, a national safeguarding framework and a safeguarding lead in every Association in our country – we are committed to being child safe.
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