Secondary Education

Teens have the same rights to education as their peers. It is essential that parents thoroughly research all secondary school options. Transition to secondary school presents many challenges for the young person with PWS, and parents should seek out options that will best suit their child’s needs.

There are several options available, including government secondary schools, independent schools special education settings, homeschooling and distance education.  

The Disability standards for Education in the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 set out the rights of students with disability. The standards outline how education providers, like schools must support these students.

As with Primary education, there are some schools that cater specifically for children and teenagers with additional needs. Special schools often have specialists like speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists on the staff. They also usually have an accessible environment and curriculum.

To enrol in a specialist school, your child must meet the school’s diagnosis criteria. Some schools also have enrolment zones. This means your family must live within a certain area for your child to go to that school.