How Enrolment Works
A Thoughtful Process to Ensure the Right Fit
Enrolling at Ontrack College is different from enrolling in a mainstream school. As a Special Assistance School, our process begins with a professional referral and a review of your child’s readiness to engage in our program. This helps us understand your child’s needs and ensures our environment is the right place for them to re-engage with learning.
Enrolment Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Professional Referral
A referral is required before any interviews or enrolment decisions take place. The referral must come from a school, agency, or relevant practitioner who understands the student’s support needs (e.g. previous school principal/guidance officer, psychologist, GP, youth worker, counsellor, case worker). This verifies that the student meets the SAS criteria for disengagement or serious risk of disengagement from mainstream schooling, as outlined in the official referral form.
Step 2 — Submit an Enrolment Application
Once you have the referral, parents/carers must complete the full Enrolment Application Form. The application gathers information about:
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schooling history
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behaviour and support needs
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medical information
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learning needs and assessments
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family and caregiver details
This form is required for all prospective students and includes a reminder that incomplete or inaccurate information may affect enrolment decisions.
Step 3 — Application Review
The Ontrack team reviews the referral, application, and supporting documents. Reasons an enrolment may not be accepted are listed clearly in the referral form, including:
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no places available
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Ontrack cannot adequately meet the student's support needs
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saftey to self and others
This review determines whether the student proceeds to the next step.
Step 4 — Interview With the Principal
If the referral and application are accepted, the family will be invited to an interview with the principal and/or senior staff. The enrolment application explains that an interview does not guarantee enrolment. The purpose of the interview is to:
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understand the student’s story
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discuss readiness and expectations
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explore how Ontrack’s environment can meet their needs
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clarify responsibilities of the student and family.
Step 5 — Enrolment Decision & Placement
After the interview, the enrolment committee determines whether an enrolment offer will be made. If places are full, applicants may be added to a waiting list. All decisions prioritise student safety, learning needs, and readiness.
Step 6 — 10-Week Probationary Period
All new enrolments begin with a 10-week probationary period, as stated in the enrolment form. During this period, staff assess:
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student engagement
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attendance and routines
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behaviour and readiness
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ability to work within the structured environment
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suitability for ongoing placement
A place is confirmed only once this period is successfully completed.
Ready to Take the First Step?
To ensure the best fit for each student, Ontrack College requires all families to complete an enrolment application before tours or interviews are offered. This helps us understand your child’s needs, readiness, and circumstances so we can determine whether Ontrack is the right learning environment for them.
