Just a few years ago, Xavier’s* school life was a cycle of suspensions and setbacks.
The environment didn’t suit him and things quickly spiralled.
“I really just didn’t like school, so I never wanted to go,” he says.
Xavier often found himself in conflict with other students and was disciplined for things he felt had little to do with learning.
“I left my school jumper at my friend’s house and he burned it,” says Xavier.
Without a jumper in winter, Xavier kept showing up in the wrong uniform. The school’s response was suspension, again and again.
Xavier was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression by the school psychologist.
During his time at his mainstream school, Xavier felt more like a problem to be managed than a student to be supported.
Youth Off The Streets: “School refusal is a symptom of something bigger”
Things began to shift when Xavier was connected with Brent, a youth worker who suggested a different schooling option.
“We came to Bowen and did the interview, which was great,” says Xavier. “I’ve been here ever since.”
A clean slate
Now in Year 10 at Bowen College, Xavier has found a school that works for him.
“One big pull from this school is that they let you wear whatever you want,” he says. “I hate the shirt I’m wearing, but it’s my choice to wear it.”
Xavier appreciates the individualised support and flexibility at Bowen.
“There’s a lot more attention given to the students,” he says. “There’s also a lot of leeway for students who have certain disadvantages.”
Learn more about Youth Off The Streets’ independent high schools
Connection has also played a big role in Xavier’s re-engagement with schooling.
“This school is more of a tight-knit community where everybody knows everybody,” he says. “Everyone knows what you did last weekend and everyone knows when and when not to talk to you, like if you’re focusing on something.”
“It’s almost like a hangout, but with maths,” he says.
Xaver loves that learning is punctuated with engaging activities and outings.
“My favourite thing about Bowen is all the excursions we get to do,” he says.
His highlights include snowboarding and visiting the Great Barrier Reef through the Duke of Edinburgh program.
“Every Friday we also do volunteering,” he says. “We’ve been going to Taronga Zoo and taking care of animals as well as going to a local primary school to read to the children there and do activities with them.”
Luke recalls being able to teach the primary school students what he and his peers learned at the zoo.
“We took animals from Taronga to the school and we showed them the animals while telling the kids fun facts,” he says. “I got to show them a ringtail possum.”
Our independent, accredited high schools meet students where they’re at, providing flexible learning options.
Towards tomorrow
Since starting at Bowen College, Xavier has built a strong foundation for his future.
He’s already earned his First Aid certificate, white card for construction work and completed his CV.
“I know how to handle a snake bite,” he says. “It’s just useful knowledge to have in life.”
Xavier has also explored trades like plumbing and carpentry and is interested in electrical work.
“Having my white card and my PPE – both of which I got through school – opens up a lot of opportunities,” he says. “If someone says, ‘Hey, want to come work on site?’ I can do that straight away.”
Through school, Xavier is also getting his Working at Heights certification and working towards his driver’s licence, both of which will open even more doors for him in the future.
Looking ahead, Xavier plans to stay with Youth Off The Streets for the remainder of high school.
While he’s still exploring his interests, he’s grateful that school has opened up possibilities and given him the tools to make informed decisions about his future.
A different kind of education at an independent high school
Youth Off The Streets operates six accredited and registered independent high schools, offering an alternative for young people in Years 9–12 who have disconnected from mainstream education or are at risk of disengaging.
Our high schools comply with the Australian curriculum and the NSW Education Standards Authority. They’re designed to meet young people where they’re at – providing tailored learning plans, wellbeing support and opportunities to build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
In 2024, 256 young people were supported across Youth Off The Streets’ independent high schools. Our education model blends academic learning with practical life skills, vocational training and personal development, giving students like Xavier the tools to succeed on their own terms.
*Name and image changed to protect the privacy of the young person.
