A School That Meets You Where You Are: Inside the Youth Futures Hub Model
“Hope for young people, hope for families”
When Principal Paul Jones talks about the young people at Youth Futures Community Schools, his respect for them and belief in their potential shines through. “A lot of the young people who come to us haven’t had the easiest run,” Paul says. “They’ve experienced trauma, instability, or just never felt like they belonged in a traditional school setting. That doesn’t mean they don’t want to learn; it just means they need something different. That’s where we come in.”
That “something different” is the Youth Futures Community Schools Hub model, a flexible, trauma-informed system designed to meet students where they are and move with them as their needs change. The model offers three programs; Community Schools, Anchor Point (a safe, neutral space), and Comet Connect (a mobile, one-on-one classroom). Junior students complete a modified Years 8 and 9 WA curriculum, while seniors (years 10, 11and 12) pursue Certificates in General Education for Adults.
Transitions between programs are seamless, guided by Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) that follow each student. “Whether they need a quiet environment, time away from traditional settings, or a gradual return to school life, we ensure continuity and support,” says Paul.
Many students arrive carrying anxiety, mistrust, or disconnection. That’s why emotional safety forms the foundation of the Hub model. “The relationship comes first,” says Paul. “Once students feel safe and supported, everything else follows.”
Beyond academics, students receive holistic support from youth workers, psychologists, trainers and a one-to-one literacy and numeracy service, all working together as one team. Every aspect of the Hub model is grounded in compassion and respect. “We want students to feel proud of who they are,” Paul explains.
The model recognises that a traditional 9-to-3 schedule doesn’t work for everyone. “Life isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Paul says. Mental health is central with staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, and behavioural challenges are met with care, not punishment.
Each student’s IEP is tailored to their strengths, interests, needs and goals, allowing them to learn at their own pace while building life skills and job readiness. “They define what success looks like for them,” says Paul.
Transitions between programs are planned and flexible, always reassessing the best support for each student. “Continuity is key,” Paul emphasises. “We adapt to shifting needs, so students feel held, not bounced around.” This approach aligns with the Western Australia School Education Act, ensuring students receive both quality education and wellbeing support.
And it works. In 2024, 226 students graduated with full qualifications, a powerful result for a model built on trust, safety, and adaptability.
“We’re not just helping students pass tests,” Paul says. “We’re helping them rebuild trust, regain confidence, and imagine a future they want to be part of.”
For students at Community Schools, Anchor Point, or Comet Connect, the Youth Futures Hub model offers not just an education, but a second chance.