Submit an enquiry
Want to learn more?
Submit an enquiry below to register your interest in enrolling with Zeal Futures Secondary School.
Zeal Futures
Secondary School.
A special assistance school providing tailored learning pathways for students to thrive.
Zeal Futures Secondary School
Zeal Futures Secondary School
Helping students thrive.
Our Special Assistance School, located in Ourimbah, offers supportive, hands-on learning for students in Stages 5 and 6 (Years 9, 10 & 11) looking for an alternative to the mainstream education system, helping them to unlock their potential and thrive in their education.
At Zeal Futures, we offer a supportive, inclusive, and flexible environment where students are encouraged to thrive both academically and personally. We believe education should be engaging, practical, and empowering.
Our goal is to help every student find their place, their purpose, and their next step – whether that’s further study, training, or employment.
About our School.
Zeal Futures Secondary School is a Special Assistance School located on the University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah Campus. We cater to Stage 5 and 6 students (Years 9-12) who benefit from smaller classes, hands-on learning, and strong wellbeing support.
The school is conveniently located near public transport, with Ourimbah train station just a short 10-minute walk away. In addition, buses run hourly to the campus from many parts of the Central Coast, making it easily accessible for students and staff.
A key point of difference from other Special Assistance Schools is the on-campus Child Care Centre, operated by the University, which provides support for students who are young parents.
Learning at Zeal Futures
Our school operates four days per week, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00am to 2:30pm. Breakfast, morning tea and lunch are provided daily.
We believe in breaking down barriers to learning. There are no uniforms, and students are encouraged to express themselves respectfully in an adult learning environment.
To align with our philosophy, the school maintains a no homework policy. Each student will be assigned a laptop to support their learning. These laptops will remain the property of the school and will be securely stored on the school premises when not in use.
Our curriculum focuses on five core Key Learning Areas (KLAs):
- English: Focuses on developing literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills.
- Mathematics: Covers various strands, including Mathematics 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3, with options to adjust content to meet individual needs.
- Science: Includes multiple syllabuses, with a focus on understanding scientific concepts and applying them to real-world problems.
- History and Geography: Required subjects that provide an historical and geographical context for understanding Australia and the world.
- PDHPE: Covers personal development, health and physical education.
Wellbeing and Support
Student wellbeing is central to everything we do. Our team includes teachers, learning support officers, and well-being staff who work together to provide wrap-around support system. We take a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach to teaching and learning, ensuring each student feels safe, valued, and understood. We also partner with local health and community services to provide access to counselling, youth support, and external wellbeing programs.
Additional Opportunities
Students will have access to engaging vocational tasters in areas such as; Construction, Hospitality and Business. These short courses are designed to help students expand and discover their interests and develop practical skills that support future career pathways.
We are accredited to deliver Stage 5 (Years 9-10) with the Record of School Achievement (commonly referred to as ‘RoSA’ which can be awarded to students who leave school after completing Stage 5. It shows a student’s achievements up until they leave school.)
For many students upon completing Stage 5, the question may still be – where to next? This is where we provide various options and can support students who may wish to continue onto Stage 6 (from 2027) – or transition into further education and training with Zeal Futures.
Our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Group Training Organisation (GTO) provide pathways to apprenticeships, traineeships, and vocational courses. Students can also explore university and TAFE options located on the same Ourimbah campus.
Enrolment and Fees
To enrol at Zeal Futures Secondary School, students and parents/carers must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This is followed by an interview to ensure the school environment and program are the right fit. Our aim is to support every student who joins our community to thrive.
Annual school fees are $150. This covers materials, activities, and all meals provided during school hours. For further information or to speak to one our dedicated staff members, please call 1800 247 864 or email [email protected].
Term Dates
Term dates for 2026 are as follows:
- Term One: Monday 9th February to Thursday 2nd April
- Term Two: Monday 20th April to Wednesday 1st July
- Term Three: Monday 20th July to Friday 25th September
- Term Four: Monday 12th October to Friday 11th December
Download a copy of the Zeal Futures Secondary School Calendar here.
Meet our staff -
Classroom Teacher
Taisya.
I have 5 years’ experience in NSW secondary schools, with a background in Drama and English and experience teaching a wide range of other subjects including TAS, CAPA, and Mathematics. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating engaging, practical, and inclusive learning experiences that support every student to achieve success in their own way.
I was drawn to Zeal Futures Secondary School because of its commitment to supporting young people through flexible, personalised education. I love working with students who not only benefit from a different approach to learning, but being able to give these students a place to thrive is extremely important to me and something I am very passionate about.
My favourite part of teaching young people is seeing students discover what they're capable of. Whether it's helping them overcome challenges, develop confidence, or find a genuine passion for learning - it's incredibly rewarding to watch them grow both academically and personally. Building positive relationships and celebrating those moments of success, big or small, is what I enjoy most.
Meet our staff -
Learning Support Officer
Laura.
I have over 5 years’ experience working as a Classroom Support Officer within the Department of Education, where I have supported students with a wide range of learning needs and abilities. This role has given me valuable experience working one-on-one and in small groups, helping students engage with their learning and develop confidence in the classroom.
I wanted to work with Zeal Futures because of its focus on working closely with students as individuals. I am passionate about providing one-on-one support that helps students better understand how they learn and discover what they enjoy learning about. I believe every young person has strengths, and I enjoy helping students build on those strengths while developing confidence in themselves. The opportunity to be part of a school that values personalised learning and meaningful student relationships is something that really excites me.
My favourite part is building genuine relationships with students and seeing them grow in confidence over time. I enjoy using movement, humour, and positive encouragement to create an environment where students feel comfortable, engaged, and willing to challenge themselves.
Meet our staff -
Head of Campus
Manaia.
My teaching career has spanned over 25 years in national and international contexts, having worked in a range of educational settings including government, private, and independent schools. I have also been a lecturer at a university for the Master of Education program.
I chose to join the team at Zeal Futures Secondary School as it was an exciting opportunity to support the establishment of a new school from the ground up. It was great to be able to utilise my expertise and knowledge, building the foundations for the school to be successful for students who require an alternative approach to education.
As Head of Campus, I am able to nurture trauma-informed professional development of staff, set up systems and curriculum that improve student engagement, focus on avenues for student voice and agency, and create a culture of community. All these behind-the-scenes actions are necessary to help young people thrive and develop key skills for post-school pathways.
Expression of interest
Join our staff.
Are you a passionate educator who thrives in a collaborative, student-focused environment? We'd love to hear from you! Register your interest to join the Zeal Futures Secondary School team as a Casual Teacher or Casual Support Teacher below.
