Since their first school opened in 2020, The BUSY Schools has supported hundreds of young people to complete their schooling, find career paths or progress to tertiary education. The success of the schools and engagement with local communities to support outcomes for disengaged youth has propelled their seventh campus in Queensland to open in Cleveland this year, in time for Term 2, 2023.
The BUSY Schools are independent Special Assistance Schools providing an alternative school option for Year 11 and 12 students who have disengaged from mainstream education. With smaller classroom sizes and a highly supportive environment, The BUSY Schools educational program combines academic studies, vocational training, and personal and professional development to support the social, educational and employment outcomes of young people. All costs are covered at The BUSY Schools and there are no fees for students.
The Redland City community consulted with The BUSY Schools in early 2021 to outline issues with youth disengagement, school refusals and the need for more alternative education solutions in the area. Thanks to this collaborative community-focused approach, in particular the close consultation with the local education leaders, The BUSY Schools was able to respond by establishing the Cleveland campus in 2023.
The Redland community highlighted the rising number of ‘school refusals’ and youth who were disengaging from education. According to a recent ABC 7.30 report, since COVID, a rise in ‘school refusals’ (students are motivated to attend school but cannot due to anxiety and other mental health issues), has concerned educators around the country and resulted in a parliamentary inquiry.
Alternative education models which offer small campus, smaller classroom environments and highly personalised teaching and learning experiences such as The BUSY Schools are ensuring these students maintain their chances of completing high school.
Alex is a prime example of the kind of student The BUSY Schools support. After experiencing issues with mental health and bullying at his previous school, Alex had disengaged with his education. When his mother Emily found out about The BUSY Schools and suggested this as an option, things began to change for the better following his enrolment with The BUSY Schools Shailer Park campus.
His mother Emily quickly noticed a difference in Alex stating, “Since being at The BUSY Schools, I’ve noticed a general improvement in Alex’s attitude, health and wellbeing, and his positivity about the future.”
Alex went on to graduate in 2022 with straight A’s and this year he has enrolled at JMC Academy to continue his studies in a Diploma in Film and Television.
The BUSY Schools will open their seventh school in Cleveland in time for Term 2, 2023. The school will offer the same successful educational formula as other BUSY Schools campuses throughout Queensland which include Cairns, Coolangatta, Salisbury, Shailer Park and Brisbane City, along with Southport Girls+ school which is also set to open for Term 2, 2023.
CEO for The BUSY Schools, Lee Aitken, stated, “We are excited to open our seventh campus in Cleveland this year, to enable us to support more young people to reengage with their education, complete high school and make meaningful progress in their careers. We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the local community for their needs, and ultimately provide support for the young people of Redland City. We expect there to be a large interest in Year 11 enrolments for the Cleveland campus and encourage people to enquire as early as possible.”
The BUSY Schools new Cleveland campus will be located at 32 Enterprise Street, Cleveland Qld 4163.
All inquiries are welcome – contact 1300 176 451 or email cleveland@busyschools.com.au
Alternatively, you can make an enrolment enquiry through our website.
