Research suggests that 20% of children are chronically disengaged from school across Australia. Factors such as mental health, childhood trauma and socioeconomic status can impact school engagement and attendance. Students with chronic absenteeism are more likely to drop out of school and experience poorer long-term health and social outcomes.
North Academy is a response to the community-need, offering an independent non-government special assistance school to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people with complex trauma, developmental or mental health needs. North Academy stems from Allambi Care’s commitment to ensuring that no child or young person is excluded or left behind in education. It is located in West Wallsend, NSW and welcomed its first intake of 20 students in Term 1, 2023. It offers the community an alternative to mainstream education, which features small class sizes, shorter school days and a unique and personalised blend of wellbeing and education to meet each student’s academic, social and emotional needs. Doing school differently is in the school’s DNA and is a driving force behind the initiative.
North Academy is currently registered and accredited for students in years 9 and 10 and offers students the opportunity to obtain the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) award.
Parker Jackson, Principal of North Academy reflects on the impact he has seen in the first cohort of students, in particular their social growth.
“We enrolled 20 students who all had stories of disadvantage in education. Our first cohort of students are young people who are disenfranchised by the mainstream model of school. Most were chronically disengaged for most of their high school career, some have experienced extreme bullying and others did not receive the much-needed care and support they needed to thrive.
One of the standout moments of impact this year are the friendships that have been created. We have young people who have for the first time in their life been included in a ‘group chat’ with friends at school and going to the movies together on the weekend. We have created a platform so our young people can experience a sense of belonging and in return we are seeing much happier young people at school.” 
The North Academy team is particularly proud of the determination of Morgan, a young person supported by Allambi Care. Morgan came to Allambi after being formally exempt from mainstream education due to his challenging behaviours. Morgan is now on a path to complete his Record of School Achievement Award and has one of the highest attendance rates of any young person at North Academy.
During the first year of operation, the North Academy team also went through an audit from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to demonstrate our evidence to comply with legislation. The team were thrilled to pass the audit and were given the maximum length to operate (5 years), which is usually reserved for well established schools. With a plan to expand the North Academy offering to young people in Year 11 and 12, North Academy are well positioned to continue to positively impact the lives of our young people.
IMPACT IN ACTION
North Academy has worked with a young person who had not left their house in two years due to high anxiety. Now linked to support and a Psychologist, this young person is attending school full-time. The young person’s Mother shared their feedback with the team.
“The North Academy teachers and staff have been instrumental in assisting my son to return to school after two years of school refusal. They have displayed professionalism, understanding and patience in nurturing and building my son’s confidence and trust. He is now able to attend school, leave our home and has started to partake in external activities such as golf and bowling. I cannot express the depth of gratitude myself and family feel towards North Academy. I took my son bowling for his birthday for the first time in 2 years, as a parent I can’t express the words of how happy I am to see him ok.”
To find out more about North Academy visit: https://northacademy.nsw.edu.au/
