Medium / High Support Needs

Who attends

Students placed in medium/high support needs classes have disability-related support needs that cannot be fully met in a mainstream classroom, even with reasonable adjustments. Placement is determined by the NSW Department of Education through an intensive support assessment, in consultation with families, allied health professionals, and the receiving school. Students have an individual education plan tailored to their learning goals and level of independence.

What the school provides

Classes are small, with a high ratio of support staff to students. Teachers deliver a modified curriculum focusing on communication, self-care, social participation, and functional literacy and numeracy alongside academic content appropriate to each student's level. Allied health professionals — including speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists — may work alongside school staff to deliver therapy within the school setting. Many schools also have sensory rooms, assistive technology, and other specialist resources.

Finding a school

The schools listed below are NSW government schools that currently operate a medium/high support needs class. Families seeking this type of placement should contact the NSW Department of Education's learning and support team or speak with their child's current school about beginning the assessment process.


64 schools found.

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