MacKillop Education opens new Clifton Hill school to meet rising demand

MacKillop Family Services has expanded its specialist education footprint in Victoria with the launch of a new school in Clifton Hill, opening Term 3 to meet increasing demand for an inclusive and therapeutic learning environment.

MacKillop Family Services is proud to announce the opening of its fifth specialist school, MacKillop Education Clifton Hill, to meet the growing need for education settings that support students with complex learning and emotional needs.

The new school, located on the site of the former St John’s Primary School in Clifton Hill, will welcome both primary and secondary students at the beginning of Term 3 on Tuesday 22nd of July, with plans to enrol an additional 40 students in 2026.

This new campus joins MacKillop’s existing schools in Maidstone, Caulfield, Geelong (VIC) and Waranara (NSW), which are already operating at capacity.

Director of MacKillop Education, Anne Henderson, said the new school is a vital response to increasing demand.

“We constantly get calls, at our other schools, from parents looking for a different learning environment for their child. This new location will allow us to support students whose learning needs or emotional challenges mean they need extensive adjustments made to the curriculum content and assessments and to the physical environment.”

Ms Henderson adds, “At our schools, we believe in the vital role of education in fostering equity and equality. We are committed to supporting every student to reach their full potential through education.”

MacKillop Education offers a trauma-informed approach with a strong focus on student wellbeing. Every child has an individualised learning plan, and is supported by on-site psychologists, speech pathologists and therapeutic programs like Paw Pals, where therapy dogs help young people re-engage with learning in a safe and nurturing environment.

With the opening of Clifton Hill, MacKillop continues its commitment to providing inclusive education for students who need a different kind of learning environment to remain engaged in education.

If you would like further information about MacKillop’s referral process for the Clifton Hill school, this information is available here.