Enrolment enquiries

At Arndell, we understand that every child’s learning journey is unique. Our enrolment pathways are designed to ensure that each student’s educational, social, and emotional needs are met in the most supportive environment possible. Working in partnership with families, schools, and health professionals, we aim to provide a clear and compassionate process for students who may benefit from an intensive learning and wellbeing program.

Arndell School is an Intensive Learning Support - Mental Health (ILSMH) setting within the NSW Department of Education. We provide specialised support for primary students with emotional or mental health needs that significantly impact their engagement in mainstream learning environments. Learn more about Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs).

Enrolment into a School for Specific Purposes (SSP) like Arndell is different from enrolment at other public schools. It involves a referral and placement process designed to ensure that each student's educational and wellbeing needs are best supported.

If you believe an SSP may be the right environment for your child, the first step is to speak with your local public school. They will work closely with you to understand your child’s needs and guide you through the process of exploring the most appropriate support options available.

Pathways to Arndell School

There are two main ways students may access placement at Arndell School:

1. Access Request through the NSW Department of Education

Families who feel a specialist setting may best support their child should begin by speaking with their local public school. The school will work with you to complete an Access Request, which is reviewed by a Department of Education Placement Panel. This process ensures that your child’s individual learning and wellbeing needs are matched to the most appropriate educational setting.

Enrolment in an SSP is considered when:

• your child has significant and ongoing support needs
• they meet the Department’s disability criteria
• this type of specialist support is the most appropriate.

2. Referral through Coral Tree Family Service - Clinical Schools Program

Students may also be referred to Arndell through the Coral Tree Family Service, a state-wide tertiary service supporting children with complex mental health needs and their families. Referrals are made by a child mental health professional, and students participate in the Clinical Schools Program, which combines educational support at Arndell with therapeutic work through Coral Tree.

The Clinical Schools Program is available to students from public, catholic and independent schools.

Talk to us

If your child is already enrolled at our school, or you’ve been recommended for a placement with us, we are here to support your transition. Contact us if you have questions about our programs, orientation process or how we work with families.