EDEN College, Macquarie Fields

Established in 2007, EDEN College was created to continue the work of Youth Off The Streets in the Macquarie Fields community. Today the college is a coeducational independent school supporting students in Years 9–12.

EDEN stands for Education, Dedication, Empowerment Now. The college provides a safe and inclusive learning environment for young people who are at risk of disengaging or have already disengaged from mainstream education.  

The dedicated team of educators is committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue their Record of School Achievement (RoSA), Higher School Certificate (HSC) or transition into further education, training or employment. 

As a Special Assistance School, EDEN College takes pride in its innovative and student-centred approach. It empowers learners who have previously struggled to find their place in traditional educational settings, offering them a renewed opportunity to thrive. 

Within a nurturing and supportive environment, students are encouraged to re-engage with their education and realise their potential. 

“Transitioning to EDEN College was life changing. I slowly rebuilt my confidence and reconnected with my love for learning… EDEN feels like one big family where everyone’s voice matters 
– Bonnie*, EDEN College student

In addition to the guidance provided by the school manager and teaching staff, student wellbeing is holistically supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising a provisional psychologist, school counsellor, student support youth worker and, where appropriate, a First Nations student support youth worker. 

The Riley Centre for Youth and Learning

Sharing EDEN College’s campus is the Riley Centre for Youth and Learning, an outreach centre for local young people aged 12-24. Formerly known as the Koch Centre for Youth and Learning, the centre has been a proud part of the Macquarie Fields community for 14 years.

“Since its establishment, it has stood as a place of opportunity, offering education, sport, wellbeing and pathways for young people and families,” says EDEN College’s School Manager, Dr Lisa Hobden. “It has helped countless individuals build confidence, find belonging and create brighter futures.”

In November 2025, the centre was renamed at the request of longtime supporters Libby and David Koch in memory of our founder, the late Father Chris Riley AM.

The SOLAR Program

SOLAR (Schooling via Off-campus Learning for At-Risk students) was designed to provide the most vulnerable and disengaged students with a way of accessing quality education through online learning. 
 
The program adopts a hybrid learning approach, with each student allocated two dedicated days of remote learning to support flexibility and autonomy. The program also integrates a cross-curricular, project-based learning framework that encompasses core subjects including English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science and PDHPE, fostering deeper engagement and real-world application. 
 
Through alternative education models like the SOLAR Program, we are able to support students who cannot or would not otherwise be willing to attend school due to challenges with physical or mental health. 

EDEN College location

EDEN College is located at 86 Parliament Road, Macquarie Fields, NSW 2564.