Finding the right school for Years 11 and 12 can be a challenge – but what if there was a different way?
For Holly Jones and Ella Johnson, TAFE Queensland’s Senior College at Alexandra Hills provided the perfect alternative to traditional high school.
This unique approach offers local students a flexible and supportive pathway to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and, if desired, gain an ATAR.
Senior College helped Holly and Ella not only excel academically, but also become the 2025 School Captains.
Now, they’re sharing their journey – why they chose Senior College, how it transformed their education, and why it might be the right choice for your teen too.
Finding the perfect fit
Holly had spent earlier years at her previous school, but as she approached Years 11 and 12, she felt her school no longer aligned with her academic goals.
After exploring various options, she and her family discovered Senior College – a discovery that turned out to be life-changing.
“We were looking for a school with supportive teachers and small-class sizes so that I would feel comfortable engaging with the teachers and not just get lost in a crowd of students,” Holly said.
As for Ella, she was also ready for a change when she discovered TAFE Queensland’s Senior College.
“It offered a flexible timetable, allowing more time for us to study and work part-time,” she said.
The school’s unique approach to education fosters a community culture where students are treated like adults, and they can embrace their individuality while focusing on learning built around meeting their future goals.
Academic flexibility and support
One of the standout features of Senior College for both Holly and Ella was its ATAR program, which provides the academic pathway needed to reach their university goals.
Holly highlighted the importance of what the school doesn’t include in its curriculum.
“The flexibility of the Senior College timetable has allowed me to strip back anything non-essential and focus on what is important to me,” she said.
This has enabled her to successfully balance her ATAR studies with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education (CHC30121) – an opportunity that would have been difficult at her previous school.
Ella’s career goal is to become a nurse or paramedic, and Senior College is helping her achieve this dream.
“Doing my senior studies here allows me to follow this career pathway. I am supported by amazing resources and teachers,” she said, “but what I love most about Senior College is that every single one of the teachers, as well as learning support officers and administration staff, know all of us and genuinely want to see us succeed.”
A bright future ahead
For students considering Senior College, Ella has one piece of advice: “Just do it!”
She emphasises the sense of belonging and the lifelong friendships she has made.
“Senior College reduces the noise and expectations of traditional school environments, allowing us to focus on our individual study goals and achieve our best results.”
Senior College is more than just a school; it’s a community where students can thrive academically and personally.
With flexible programs and a supportive environment, it’s no wonder that students like Holly and Ella are setting themselves up for a bright future.
Enquire or apply by phoning 3826 8407, or go online and visit tafeqld.edu.au/seniorcollege.
