Mental Health Support
Who attends
Students placed in an ILS (Mental Health) class are experiencing mental health challenges — such as anxiety, depression, or trauma — at a level that prevents them from accessing education in a standard classroom environment. Placements are made by the NSW Department of Education through a formal referral process, with involvement from the student's school, counselling staff, and where relevant, external mental health services. Like all intensive support placements, these are time-limited; the goal is to stabilise and build skills that enable a return to mainstream schooling.
What the school provides
ILS (Mental Health) classes have small enrolments and are staffed by specialist teachers working alongside school counsellors and, where appropriate, health professionals. The program blends academic learning with wellbeing support, including structured routines, relationship-building with trusted adults, and explicit strategies for managing anxiety and emotional regulation. Individual education and wellbeing plans are developed in partnership with families.
Finding a school
The schools listed below are NSW government schools that currently operate an Intensive Learning Support (Mental Health) class. If you think your child may need this level of support, the first step is to speak with the school counsellor or learning and support team at their current school.
12 schools found.
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Ajuga School
Quarter Sessions Road, Glenfield NSW 2167
Ajuga School is a K-12 Intensive Learning Support (Mental Health) School in Glenfield, specialising in education for students with complex trauma and autism, and promoting a therapeutic, inclusive, and diverse learning environment.
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Arndell School
Badajoz Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113
Arndell School supports primary-aged students with emotional and behavioural challenges through a tailored curriculum and collaborative partnerships aimed at successful reintegration into mainstream education.
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Bridge Road School
127 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown NSW 2050
Bridge Road School in Sydney supports K-6 students with emotional disturbances through an intensive behavioural intervention program, emphasising a low student-to-teacher ratio and personalised education.
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Centennial Park School
78a Avoca Street, Randwick NSW 2031
Centennial Park School in Randwick provides specialised educational support for students in Years 7 to 12 with mental health issues, emphasising personalised programs that prepare them for future educational pathways.
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Edgeware School
Burnett St & Tennett Pde, Hurlstone Park NSW 2193
Edgeware School is a specialised educational facility for students in Years 7 to 12 with mental health disorders, providing individualised education programs in a supportive environment to help them reach their full potential.
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Fowler Road School
Cnr Fowler Rd & Matthew St, Merrylands NSW 2160
Fowler Road School is a special educational institution in Merrylands, focused on supporting students with emotional and mental health difficulties from Kindergarten to Year 12, through a safe and inclusive learning environment.
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HopeTown School
177 Pollock Ave, Wyong NSW 2259
Hopetown School provides tailored education for students with mental health challenges, focusing on emotional wellbeing and personal development in a nurturing environment.
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Kandeer School
412 Fallon St, North Albury NSW 2640
Kandeer School provides specialised educational programs for students with complex behaviour and emotional needs, focusing on individual growth and integration into mainstream education. The school has recently expanded its facilities to enhance learning outcomes and foster a supportive community.
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Kotara School
Seaview & Park Aves, Kotara NSW 2289
Kotara School provides education for students with emotional disturbance and behavioural disorders in years 3 to 6, focusing on behavioural change and reintegration into mainstream schools.
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Redbank School
6 Dragonfly Drive, Westmead NSW 2145
Redbank School is a NSW Department of Education School for Specific Purpose that provides personalised, wellbeing-focused education for secondary students with complex mental health needs, fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth.