New approach for at-risk students

• Academy to open next year for students with extremely complex needs
• New engagement centres to be established
• More co-ordinated support for schools

Some of Western Australia's most at-risk students will have a chance to turn their lives around through a new educational approach.

Education Minister Peter Collier has announced the State Government will open a new learning academy in 2016 for up to 20 students who require more intensive educational programs than those offered at mainstream schools.

"Some students face insurmountable barriers to fitting in and learning due to factors which are outside of their control, and traditional schooling hasn't worked for them," Mr Collier said.

Based in Midland, the new learning academy will be smaller and more informal than a standard school.

Each student will have an individual program based on their interests and aspirations, and teachers will guide them through the program with support from mentors.

"This will give the students the best chance to make the most of their education and create opportunities for the future," the Minister said.

The Department of Education will also establish 13 engagement centres in key locations across the State to support students with complex behavioural and attendance issues.

The centres expand significantly on the services already offered by the department and will replace 12 existing behaviour centres.

"Specialist staff will work with students who have extreme and complex behaviours - including violence towards teachers and other students," Mr Collier said.

"Some young people need intensive help to catch up, and the learning academy and engagement centres will go a long way to helping them."

Fact File

• Engagement centres to be located in each education region
• Centres will provide services in-house and via outreach to other locations

Minister's office - 6552 6300