Special assistance schools rapidly expanding in Australia

Schools specifically designed to help troubled students are expanding quickly. These special assistance schools (SASs) provide new opportunities for kids who struggle in regular classrooms. Last year, enrolments at these schools increased by 21 percent. This growth is much faster than other types of schools. Private schools grew by 4.1 percent, while government and Catholic schools saw increases of just 1.1 and 1.2 percent, respectively. In Victoria, over 4,500 students now attend around 30 special assistance schools, which have a total of 47 campuses. Across the country, about 15,500 students are enrolled in these types of schools. One leading provider is Hester Hornbrook Academy. It opened in 2017 with fewer than 40 students. Today, it has nearly 800 students and has added campuses in multiple locations, including Prahran, Sunshine, and Melbourne's CBD.