Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?
The Skillset Senior College is an independent school, so it is fee-paying. However, we don’t want cost to be a barrier for young people accessing education. Our fee is $40 per term, per student – so $160 for the year. Skillset Senior College also covers the bulk of the cost for excursions, teaching resources, consumables and guest speakers/trainers.
Fees can be paid in smaller increments or as a lump sum – whatever is most convenient.
How big is the school?
Each campus has a maximum of around 70 students, making up four classes (Year 12, Year 11 and two Year 10 classes). The small student numbers and individualised environment at Skillset Senior College are some of the key features of the school that help our students to succeed. Class sizes are intentionally small and we have a high staff-to-student ratio, to ensure that all our young people receive the support they need.
Is everyone who applies accepted for enrolment?
Skillset Senior College is an independent (private) school, that strives to provide educational opportunities for young people who are genuinely seeking to gain a school qualification. We interview all genuine applicants and make an assessment about whether our school will be a suitable environment for that young person to meet their educational and personal goals. Not all young people will find that Skillset Senior College is a ‘fit’ for them, and there will be times when it is in the best interests of the student to be enrolled elsewhere.
We aim to enrol students who are facing significant challenges to completing their schooling in mainstream high schools. No student will be discriminated against on the basis of their gender, race, sexuality, religion or appearance. Where a young person is facing highly complex issues, this may place them outside the scope of the support that Skillset Senior College is able to provide. The Head of College will make a final decision on all enrolment applications, in accordance with the number of places available, and the capability of Skillset Senior College to meet the young persons’ needs.
Is Skillset Senior College a proper high school?
Yes. Just like the other high schools in our area, Skillset Senior College is a real high school, with qualified secondary teachers providing the standard high school curriculum. We are a member of the NSW Association of Independent Schools, and are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to qualify students to receive the ‘RoSA’ (Record of School Achievement – this used to be known as the Year 10 School Certificate) and the HSC (Higher School Certificate). We are simply an alternative to mainstream options.
Skillset Senior College is not part of TAFE, nor are we a training college for apprentices. For these services, connect with our Skillset Corporate team.
Is SSC a ‘behavioural school’ or ‘special school’?
SSC is not a specialist ‘behavioural school’, and we do not cater exclusively for students with diagnosed disability. We have been designated by NESA as a ‘special assistance school’, which allows us certain provisions around attendance and funding. We do provide disability support and assistance for our students who experience problem behaviours that they wish to address. Please refer to the Department of Education and Communities, if you are seeking information regarding Special Schools for students with specific needs in terms of disability and behaviour.
What year levels does Skillset Senior College teach?
Our school offers Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12. To enquire about enrolment for Year 10 or Year 11 this year or next, visit our enrolments page.