The Lakes College, Blue Haven

Set in a small and welcoming campus on the Central CoastThe Lakes College’s focus on vocational education and life skills sets it apart from other alternative education schools. 

Established in 2017The Lakes College in Blue Haven is a coeducational specialist school supporting students in Years 9–10. 

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, The Lakes 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. 

After two unforgettable years at this school, I’m so thankful for the incredible support from teachers and staff who always believed in me. This place has truly felt like a second home, and I’ve grown so much because of the kindness and encouragement I found here. – Dan*, The Lakes 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. 

Annual school report 2024

Food For Thought program

Our year-long Food For Thought program delivers transformative experiences for students, intended to expand ways of thinking and to develop valuable life skills. 
 
Weekly visits to Grace Springs Farm provides hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture, including the design and construction of a permaculture system. Students develop practical life skills through nutrition and budgeting workshops, complemented by interactive cooking lessons and financial literacy sessions. 

 

Mental and physical health initiatives

Over the course of one term, students complete a Teen Mental Health First Aid course, gaining essential strategies to support peers and maintain their own wellbeing.

Additionally, as part of the PDHPE curriculum, students engage in a structured fitness program at Lakehaven Recreation Centre, promoting physical health and resilience.

Together, these initiatives foster confidence, independence and a holistic approach to wellbeing.

The Lakes College location

The Lakes College is located at 1 Apsley Court, Blue Haven, NSW 2262.

The Lakes College

0403 235 017

Email

TheLakesCollegeInfo@youthoffthestreets.com.au

Calming Kobe boosts students' wellbeing

Meet Kobe — a certified wellbeing dog who brings emotional safety, comfort and support to students at The Lakes College.

A word from the principal

At Youth Off The Streets, we put students’ wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do… We have the autonomy and expertise to adjust and modify when we need to. 
 
John Martin, Principal 
Youth Off The Streets – North Cluster schools