Expression of interest
Become a student.
Register your interest below in becoming a student 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 Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10) 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.
Zeal Futures Secondary School has opened with one class in 2026, with plans for future growth to create even more student success stories.
Our goal is to help every student find their place, their purpose, and their next step – whether that’s further study, training, or employment.
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.
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 students (Years 9 and 10) 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 Learning.
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.
