Mount Isa Flexible School was founded in 2010. It is a Catholic co-educational secondary special assistance school in the Edmund Rice tradition, providing education to young people who, for a myriad of reasons, have unmet educational needs. The school is deeply committed to social justice and stands in solidarity with First Nations peoples. Our approach is founded on a profound respect for Indigenous cultures, engaging with care and understanding of the unique histories, traditions, and needs of the Indigenous families who turn to us for support.
Mount Isa Flexible School is dedicated to working with all young people who wish to re-engage with education and who may have found challenges in mainstream schools, including mental health issues, behavioural challenges, learning difficulties, disabilities, youth justice involvement, or those who find the academic nature of mainstream education difficult. We are committed to providing holistic learning experiences that address the social needs of all students and promote their emotional, cognitive, spiritual, cultural, and academic development.
Currently, 84% of our students identify as First Nations peoples. In recognition of cultural practices and respect for traditions, we organize our classrooms according to gender. Those who identify as female (21 young people) are placed in the Emu Classroom on one side of the school, while those identifying as male are placed in two separate classrooms—Dingo and Kangaroo—on the other side. This arrangement reflects the higher number of male enrolments, which currently stands at 36.
We offer a diverse range of activities throughout the week, including outdoor adventure-based learning, sports, arts and crafts, men’s and women’s activities, community access, work experience, volunteering, Learner Driver Training, TAFE-at-School, recycling initiatives, On-Country programs, silversmithing, pastoral care workshops, and much more. We also provide breakfast and lunch for our students, encouraging them to cook for the community while learning valuable life skills.
Mount Isa Flexible School works closely with a variety of other agencies to support young people and their needs, including Headspace, CYMHS, Gidgee Healing, Brodie Germaine Youth Support, the Department of Education, Youth Co-Responders, PCYC, Early Action Group, Youth Justice, 54 Reasons, Zonta, Mt Isa Neighbourhood Centre, DATSIP, Jonathan Thurston Academy, Intensive Bail Support Program, and Yallambee Aboriginal Community and Cultural Advancement Incorporation.
At Mount Isa Flexible School, young people are at the heart of their own education. We actively involve students in decisions that impact their learning and attendance. Our program model and the subjects we offer are designed around students’ interests and skill levels. We are committed to providing each student with a personalized learning experience tailored to their unique needs. These experiences help to build self-confidence, foster an optimistic outlook on their potential, and empower students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Mount Isa Flexible School is currently in a period of growth. We began 2022 with 29 students enrolled, and in 2025, this number has increased to 55 young people. Our young people are supported by 16 on-site staff, two of whom are involved in a new, mixed mobile and on-site team known as the Goanna Program. This program operates with one teacher and a First Nations youth worker, who go out into the community to cater to the needs of those who require personal specialized support to attend school. This program currently has 4 young people enrolled, with plans to increase to 8 at the end of 2025. Many of these young people are under intensive bail restrictions and suffer from social anxiety, making it difficult for them to attend school when other students are present.
Mount Isa Flexible School is one of five Flexible Schools that together form an area under the guidance of Area Principal Todd Alloway. There is a Head of Campus located on-site, as well as an Associate Head of Campus and a Risk and Compliance Officer. These roles sit under our new national restructure within EREA Flexible Schools Ltd (EREAFSL) and are overseen by Regional Director Adam Richter.
