Small classes
More time to understand each student
With up to 10 students per class, a teacher and an education support staff member, there’s room to get to know each student’s strengths, needs and ways of learning.
Year 7 for 2027
Year 7 Enrolments | 2027
Year 7 at Berengarra School in 2027
A small number of Year 7 places are available at our Box Hill Campus.
For some children, the move to secondary school can feel overwhelming, particularly when anxiety, autism, ADHD or social and emotional challenges make school difficult.
At Berengarra, small classes, familiar staff and a supportive approach to learning help students feel settled, build confidence and develop a sense of belonging.
If you’re exploring secondary school options for your child, we’d welcome a conversation.
Arrange a Visit or Phone CallCould Berengarra be right for your child?
If anxiety, neurodivergence or social and emotional challenges are making school difficult for your child, Berengarra may be worth exploring. Our Box Hill Campus offers a smaller, more personalised learning environment for students in Years 7–10.
A dedicated Year 7 space
Naarm: A space to settle and belong
Naarm is Berengarra’s purpose-built Year 7 space, giving students a familiar environment where they can build relationships, settle into routines and develop a sense of belonging.
Personalised learning
Learning that builds on strengths
Teaching is adapted to students’ goals and starting points. Alongside literacy and numeracy, practical experiences create opportunities to develop skills, confidence and connections.
Wellbeing support
Support woven into the day
Classroom and wellbeing staff work together to support students’ social and emotional needs, so they can feel known, supported and ready to take part in learning.
Settling into Berengarra
A gradual start to Year 7
Starting a new school is a big step, particularly for children who have found school challenging.
At Berengarra, every new student begins with a 20-day gradual start. Rather than attending full days immediately, students build up their time at school over four weeks.
This gives them time to get to know their teachers, become familiar with routines and build confidence in their new environment.
How the 20-day gradual start works
Days 1–5
9.30–10.45 am
Until first break
Days 6–10
9.30 am–12 pm
Until lunch
Days 11–15
9.30 am–1.25 pm
Until second break
Days 16–20
9.30 am–2.40 pm
Full school day
Before starting, families and students meet with the Head of Campus to prepare for their first days at Berengarra.
A school day designed with students in mind
At Berengarra, the school day is structured to provide consistency, familiarity and time for students to reset. Clear routines and supportive staff help students know what to expect and feel ready to learn.
9.30 am start
A later start to the school day.
2.40 pm finish
A shorter school day.
No uniform
Students can wear comfortable, appropriate clothing.
No homework
Learning takes place during the school day.
A typical day at a glance
How Home Group works
Learning at Berengarra
Learning at Box Hill Campus
At Berengarra, students follow the Victorian Curriculum, with teaching adapted to their strengths, learning needs and individual starting points.
Literacy and numeracy remain priorities, alongside practical, creative and inquiry-based learning. Students have opportunities to explore interests, develop skills and build confidence across a broad range of subjects.
Explore Learning at Box Hill
Hear from our families
A parent’s perspective
Choosing a secondary school is a big decision, particularly when your child has found school challenging.
Hear from a Berengarra parent about their family’s experience and what the school has meant for their child.
Life at Berengarra
School is about more than lessons. It’s about finding your interests, sharing experiences, building connections and feeling part of a community. Here’s a glimpse of everyday life at Berengarra.
Learning beyond the classroom
Different experiences create opportunities to explore interests, build confidence and connect learning with the wider world.
Celebrating together
School celebrations and shared experiences bring students and staff together, helping build a welcoming community.
Time to think and connect
Shared interests and activities offer opportunities for conversation, problem-solving and connection.
Spaces for learning
Our smaller school environment brings learning, relationships and wellbeing support together throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing a secondary school can bring up plenty of questions. Here are some things families often ask when considering Year 7 at Berengarra.
How do I know if Berengarra is right for my child?
Berengarra supports students who may experience anxiety, neurodivergence or social and emotional challenges that affect their engagement with mainstream schooling.
Our enrolments team can talk through your child’s needs and help you explore whether Berengarra could be a suitable setting.
Does my child need a formal diagnosis?
No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis or referral to make an initial enquiry. Our team will explain what information may be needed if you decide to proceed with an application.
What does the enrolment process involve?
Families generally begin with a school tour or initial conversation, followed by an Expression of Interest.
Our team then gathers relevant information and assesses whether Berengarra is a suitable setting. If an enrolment is offered and accepted, students begin with a 20-day gradual start.
Are there school fees?
Berengarra is an independent school and fees apply. Our team can provide current fee information and explain the costs associated with enrolment.
How do students travel to Box Hill Campus?
Our Box Hill Campus is located at 43 Harrison Street, Box Hill North.
A supervised school bus service to Box Hill Station is offered at the end of the school day. Please confirm current transport arrangements with our team.
Can we visit before deciding whether to apply?
Absolutely. A visit is a good way to see the learning spaces, meet staff and ask questions about your child’s needs.
Parents and carers are welcome to visit first if that feels more comfortable, and arrangements can be discussed for your child to visit later.
Explore the Berengarra School Prospectus
Get to know Berengarra a little better. Our prospectus introduces our approach to learning, wellbeing and school life, and provides more information for families exploring secondary school options.
Viewing on your phone? Use the buttons above to open the prospectus in a separate tab or save a PDF copy to read later.