Berengarra School - Refer a Student Student Referrals

Refer a Student – Berengarra School

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About This Resource

At Berengarra School, we work closely with educators, wellbeing teams, psychologists, and allied health professionals who support young people as they navigate complex educational journeys.

This page provides quick access to referral information, downloadable materials, and guidance for sharing the prospect of attending Berengarra School with families and carers who may benefit from our wellbeing-first, student-centred approach.

Who This Page Is For

School wellbeing or inclusion leaders

Learning diversity staff

Allied health professionals — psychologists, OTs, social workers

Youth workers or case managers

Education staff and consultants

NDIS providers

Referral Fit – Is Berengarra Right?

Berengarra School is a specialist Years 7–12 independent school for students with social and emotional disability. We support capable young people who may be:

Disengaged from mainstream school
Experiencing anxiety, school refusal or “school can’t”, trauma, depression, or social withdrawal
Neurodivergent, including ADHD or autism
Living with emotional or behavioural needs
Feeling overwhelmed or unsafe at school
Needing a smaller, calm, relationship-based learning environment
Benefiting from a flexible and trauma-informed model

We do not require a diagnosis or formal funding plan to begin a conversation.

Other Referral Pathways

We also welcome students referred through external programs. In particular, we partner with the Navigator Program, a Victorian Government initiative that supports young people at risk of disengaging from education. If you are a Navigator case worker or supporting a family through this program, please feel free to contact us directly.

Referral & Transition Process

Many mainstream schools are supporting increasing numbers of students experiencing anxiety, emotional distress, neurodivergence, and chronic disengagement.

In large school environments, even highly capable wellbeing teams can find it difficult to provide the level of relational, flexible and individualised support some young people need to feel safe and connected at school.

Often, families and school staff already sense that a different educational setting may help — but knowing how to begin that conversation can feel overwhelming.

At Berengarra School, we work collaboratively with families and schools to help create supported, positive transitions for young people who may benefit from a different learning environment.

Identification & Early School Discussion

A wellbeing staff member, teacher, psychologist, or school leader may identify that a student could benefit from a smaller, more flexible and relationship‑based learning environment.

At this stage, professionals may introduce Berengarra School as a positive possible pathway, sharing information with families using our downloadable flyers, newsletter snippets, and referral materials below.

School staff and allied health professionals are also welcome to contact our Head of Wellbeing, Mason Somerville, on (03) 9898 9167 to discuss discuss suitability, referral options, or potential transition pathways.

Family Engagement & Exploration

Once families are ready, they can connect directly with Berengarra School by calling (03) 9898 9167 or requesting a tour. We welcome collaborative involvement from referring schools and professionals. Where helpful, trusted staff may attend tours alongside the family and young person to provide reassurance, continuity, and an additional supportive presence during what can be an overwhelming time.

Supported Decision‑Making & Transition

Our team works closely with the family and referring professionals to develop a shared understanding of the young person’s needs, explore suitability, and determine next steps.

Families remain central to all enrolment decisions. If Berengarra School is not the right fit at that time, we support families to explore alternative pathways, including using our Victorian School Finder to identify other suitable options.