In Western Australia, CaRE schools have moved far beyond their early reputation as “last resort” settings. Today, they are recognised as safe, flexible, and supportive learning environments where young people can learn, heal, and thrive. Yet as these alternative education programs grow in importance, so too does the need for stronger collaboration between CaRE and mainstream schools.
Building Stronger Education Partnerships
As our Principal Paul Jones noted in his conversation with Executive Director of AISWA, Chris Massey, collaboration is about more than goodwill. It requires systems, sustainable funding, and a clear recognition of CaRE schools as equal partners in the broader education landscape.
“Government needs to recognise CaRE schools as legitimate, long-term pathways in their own right, not just steppingstones back into mainstream. At the same time, we need investment in smoother transitions and shared initiatives that prevent students from falling through the cracks,” Paul explained.
Supporting Student Choice and Flexibility
Chris Massey echoed this call, emphasising the importance of student choice and flexible learning options:
“If a young person is seeking an education that is faith-based or one focused on a specific trade, there needs to be availability and flexibility to move across schools to find the right fit. Collaboration between CaRE and mainstream schools is vital to making that happen.”
Creating Inclusive Learning Pathways
This sentiment reflects a growing call from educators across the sector: to build bridges, not silos. By opening up channels for joint programs, shared professional learning, and pathways that honour different student needs, both CaRE and mainstream schools can create an inclusive education ecosystem where every young person has a chance to succeed.
Building Brighter Futures for Young People
For families, this means fewer barriers and more choice. For students, it means belonging, stability, and hope. And for Western Australia, it means a stronger, fairer education system — one that recognises diverse pathways as vital to building brighter futures.