About Berengarra School
Established in 1977, Berengarra School is a specialist, independent secondary school for students in Years 7 to 12. We are a non-denominational, co-educational school dedicated to supporting young people with social and emotional complexities, including ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Berengarra offers a flexible, trauma-informed education in a calm and welcoming environment. We create a space where students feel safe, understood, and ready to re-engage with learning.
No uniforms. No homework. Later starts. Shorter days.
Curriculum & Campuses
Our Box Hill Campus caters for students in Years 7-10. The campus curriculum is informed by the Victorian Curriculum. The primary goal of the curriculum is to provide a personalised learning opportunity which is focused on the individual needs of students and provides educational opportunities in a nurturing community. Students are encouraged to develop confidence in learning, whilst reconnecting and re-engaging with education.
Classes are small, with up to 10 students working with a Teacher and an Education Support staff member, supported by a dedicated Wellbeing Team.
Planning for teaching and learning follows a skill-based outline, focusing on Literacy and Numeracy as a priority. The inquiry skills of researching, analysing, evaluating, reflecting and communicating are interwoven throughout the curriculum.
Classroom learning is conducted in mixed ability classes with the activities, tasks and outcomes carefully adjusted and supported to meet a diverse range of learning goals and abilities.
Our Chadstone Campus caters for senior secondary students Years 10-12, offering the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) and VCE Vocational Major certificate (VM). Both these certificates contain a practical and engaging applied learning curriculum. This curriculum is designed to provide an opportunity for students to complete their Year 12 schooling and progress to further studies or employment, including traineeships and apprenticeships. Class sizes are small, up to12 students working with a Teacher and an Education Support staff member, supported by a dedicated Wellbeing Team.
CafEducation – Onsite Café Training at Berengarra School
Through our CafEducation program, senior students can complete VET qualifications in Retail (Cert II & III) as part of the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) or VCE Vocational Major (VM).
In a supportive, real-world café setting, students gain hands-on experience in customer service, barista skills, and food safety. They also have the option to undertake a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT), combining school, training, and paid work.
CafEducation also offers Barista Training to nearby schools, giving Berengarra School students the opportunity to step into mentoring roles.
Student Support
Berengarra School provides a supportive, trauma-informed environment where every student is known and understood. Our wellbeing-focused approach includes:
Some students may also access additional supports such as formal counselling, casework, safety plans, and intensive attendance support where needed.
Enrolments are welcome throughout the year.