Is Novo right for you?

Let’s talk honestly about where you’re at — and whether Novo could be the right place for your next step.

If school hasn’t felt right… you’re not alone

You might have felt anxious, left out, or like you couldn’t keep up. Maybe school just didn’t work for how you learn — or what was happening in your life.

Novo is for young people who are ready to try something different. A school that listens. A school that adapts. A school that sees what you can become — not just what’s gone wrong.

Novo could be a good fit if you…

Want to come to school regularly

Need support that’s tailored to you

Would feel better in a smaller, more respectful setting

Are open to working with staff and other students in a kind, honest way

Novo might not be the right fit (yet) if you…

Don’t feel ready to take part in your learning

Aren’t willing to follow shared expectations about behaviour and respect

Need a different kind of program or support for now

We’ll always be honest — and help you find the right path, even if that’s not with us right now.

Beyond the ordinary

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Who we support

Many of our students have experienced:

  • Mental health or social-emotional challenges
  • Learning, attention, or behaviour difficulties
  • Feeling unsafe or unsupported in other schools
  • Cultural or community barriers
  • Disability or health conditions
  • Financial hardship or other life pressures

If this sounds like your story — or your child’s — we understand. And we’re here to help you move forward.

What we offer in return

Novo is designed to give you:

  • A flexible, hands-on learning approach
  • One-on-one mentoring and wellbeing support
  • Clear expectations and strong, respectful relationships
  • Pathways to TAFE, uni, work, or life goals that matter to you
  • A smaller, safer space where you can just be yourself

Want to know more about what learning looks like at Novo?

Eligibility and how it works

Novo is a registered Special Assistance School. That means we’re designed and funded to support students in Years 9 to 12 who’ve faced barriers to learning and need something different.

To be eligible, you need to:

  • Be in Year 9, 10, 11 or 12
  • Have experienced challenges in mainstream school (like mental health, trauma, behaviour needs, or disadvantage)
  • Be ready to engage, attend regularly, and take part in a positive learning community

We’ll talk with you, your family or carer, and any support people you work with to figure out if Novo is the right fit — and how we can help.

Real stories. Fresh starts.

“We have witnessed gradual but dramatic improvements in our child’s attitude to the importance of learning and taking responsibility for his various life choices. We know that he feels safe at his school and is willing to openly discuss private matters with school staff and accept advice that is offered to him with appropriate explanation.”

Novo Parent

Real stories. Fresh starts.

“When I first came to Novo I was a mess; I lacked confidence, I didn’t have many friends, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, I hated school and my mental health was at its absolute worst. I’m a new person now; I enjoy going to school, I have a job, I can handle my mental health, I have a lovely group of friends, I’ve finally got my life back on track again.”

Novo Student

Real stories. Fresh starts.

“In two and a half days my son’s Mentor Teacher has managed to ignite a passion for learning which I haven’t seen since kindergarten. The weight of the world seems to have lifted off his shoulders and he is a different kid; happy and engaging.”

Novo Parent

Real stories. Fresh starts.

“I feel that at this school I was given the opportunity to focus on my mental health and I felt supported in doing so. My wellbeing felt like a priority to the teachers and school, which was always an important factor to me … The staff are fantastic people to have around and encourage students to do their best. They know how to help in a lot of situations and often help to calm students down when everything feels impossible to handle.”

Novo Student

Let’s talk

If you’re curious, hopeful, or even just unsure — reach out. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.