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St Joseph’s is an inclusive, supportive school for 12-25 year olds looking for an alternative to mainstream education.
Here for you in every way
Your learning program is designed just for you. Learn at your pace, get job-ready skills and access all the support you need to tackle life’s challenges.
Helping you reach your potential
You’ll leave St Joseph’s full of confidence and ready to chase your dreams, whether your next step is more education, training or getting a job.
Free meals
Breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are supplied
Free MYKI
A free yearly Myki pass to get you from A to B
Free support
In-class wellbeing workers to achieve learning goals and navigate life challenges
No school fees
Excursions, incursions and camps are all free
No booklists
All books, stationery and resources are supplied
No uniform
Wear clothes that reflect your individual personality and style
Mainstream school isn't right for everybody
Maybe you haven’t had a great experience of school and think all schools are the same.
We get it. Don’t stress.
There’s another way to do school.
If you’re looking for a school that provides wrap-around support, individualised learning and builds practical job skills, we’ve got you.
Meet the Executive Principal
Chloe Hand is a highly experienced education professional, with a youth justice background. She has championed an innovative approach to education in Australia, offering choice for young people disengaged from mainstream education. Chloe remains a dedicated advocate, leading St Joseph’s Schools and supporting young people.
We support young people in their individual pathways to success through mutual respect, compassion and liberation.
What you get at St Joseph’s
- A chance to finish your education at a school where you feel at home
- Teachers and wellbeing workers who care about you and what you want to achieve
- People who listen, accept and help with any social or family barriers
- Individual learning that builds practical skills to make you job-ready
- A place where you can be yourself, build confidence, be proud of yourself and be supported to reach your potential
Uncover your journey
Not all programs run at each campus so get in touch today with your preferred campus to discuss your journey and get more information.
Victorian Curriculum
Year 7-10
Designed to teach knowledge and skills for life-long learning, social development and active and informed social interaction through literacy, numeracy, humanities and STEM subjects.
VCAL Teach Out
VCAL Intermediate
Students who made considerable progress through their Vocational Certificate of Applied Learning in 2022 can complete their remaining units and graduate at the end of 2023.
VCE VM – Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major
The VCE VM is a vocational and applied learning program that focuses on the individual’s strengths and interests, while developing skills and capabilities to succeed in further education or employment.
Young Parents Program
Year 7-10
A child-friendly classroom, onsite nursery and support from a dedicated wellbeing worker enables young parents to continue their education and attend classes with or without their children.
VPC Victorian Pathways Certificate
Senior program
An inclusive, flexible certificate that teaches literacy, numeracy, personal development, and work-ready skills to prepare young people for the workplace.
Electives
Available to all young people
Programs to explore interests and engage with new experiences outside of the curriculum. St Joseph’s offers music, woodwork, physical education and art electives.
VET - Vocational Education and Training
Senior program
A core part of VCE VM certificate, VET enables students to gain skills and industry-recognised qualifications for a variety of workplaces. We also offer School-based apprenticeships or traineeships (SBAT) which provide students with paid on-the-job training while they complete secondary school.
BlendED
Year 7-12 online program
A Victorian-first education model that combines online individualised learning with in-person wellbeing support. The curriculum is delivered through a mix of virtual live classes and assigned tasks that students can access anytime they like.
Find yourself at St Joseph’s.
St Joseph’s is so much more than a school. It’s a safe space to work out who you are and what you want to do in life.
There are no rules, only our four guiding principles of respect, safe and legal, participation and honesty. They set a common ground for staff, young people and families to work together.
Policies, documents and reports
Download school documents, forms and agreements and view our school’s policies and annual reports.
Contact us
To enrol or ask questions, get in touch today or call your preferred campus for more information.
Referral form
If you’re working with a young person and think St Joseph’s is a good fit for them, download and complete the referral form below, then email it to the chosen campus.
Our campuses
North Melbourne
385 Queensberry Street
North Melbourne, Victoria 3051
northmelbourne@stjosephs.vic.edu.au
03 9269 6900
Ballarat
9-11 Humffray Street North
Ballarat, Victoria 3350
ballarat@stjosephs.vic.edu.au
03 9269 6980
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, gather and play.
We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
St Joseph’s School is a safe, diverse and inclusive learning community.
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