About Havenbrook Learning
At Havenbrook Learning, we believe every young person deserves to feel heard, affirmed, valued, empowered and nurtured.
We are a specialist learning community for neurodivergent young people aged 14–18, designed around the understanding that there is no single pathway to success. Rather than expecting students to fit into traditional educational models, we create learning experiences that build on individual strengths, interests and aspirations.
Our students engage in authentic, project-based learning that connects education with real life. Through ASDAN International Awards, nationally recognised vocational qualifications, community projects, workplace learning and university extension opportunities, students develop practical skills, confidence and a strong sense of identity.
A key feature of the Havenbrook model is our focus on vocational identity development. Using the internationally recognised RIASEC framework, students explore their interests, discover their strengths and gradually develop an understanding of the environments and experiences in which they thrive. Instead of asking students to decide on a career, we help them understand who they are becoming.
Our approach is neuroaffirming, relationship-based and future-focused. We recognise that behaviour communicates needs, that regulation supports learning, and that meaningful participation is a foundation for growth.
By the time students graduate, they leave with more than qualifications. They leave with a portfolio of achievements, a clear understanding of their strengths, practical experience in authentic settings and a personalised pathway towards further education, employment, entrepreneurship or community participation.
At Havenbrook Learning, we are not preparing students for a single job.
We are helping them build meaningful, self-determined futures.
A message from our founder
A Message From Our Founder
Hello, and welcome to Havenbrook Learning.
My name is Tanya Newsome, and Havenbrook Learning was created from a simple belief: every young person deserves to feel heard, affirmed, valued, empowered and nurtured.
Throughout my career in education, I have had the privilege of working alongside hundreds of young people as they navigated learning, wellbeing, career exploration and life transitions. Again and again, I encountered students with remarkable talents, creativity, insight and determination—young people who could see possibilities others could not, solve problems in unique ways and pursue their interests with incredible passion.
Yet too often, I saw these same students struggle within educational environments that focused more on what they found difficult than on what made them exceptional.
Havenbrook Learning was founded to challenge that narrative.
We believe that every young person possesses strengths worth celebrating, talents worth developing and potential worth investing in. Rather than asking students to fit within predetermined pathways, we create opportunities for them to discover who they are, explore what inspires them and develop the skills, confidence and experiences needed to build meaningful futures.
Our approach combines neuroaffirming practice, authentic project-based learning, vocational education, community partnerships, workplace experiences and personalised support. Through ASDAN International Awards, nationally recognised qualifications, university extension opportunities and real-world projects, students are encouraged to pursue their interests, develop their capabilities and contribute to something larger than themselves.
At Havenbrook, we recognise that every young person brings a unique combination of strengths, interests and ways of thinking. Our role is not to define success for students, but to help them discover what makes them exceptional. Whether that leads to creating new technologies, solving environmental challenges, designing innovative businesses, advancing scientific understanding, building thriving communities or pursuing pathways that have not yet been imagined, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to realise their potential and contribute their gifts to the world.
Some of tomorrow's greatest innovations may come from minds that think differently today. Havenbrook exists to ensure those minds have the opportunity to flourish.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Havenbrook Learning. I look forward to welcoming students, families, supporters and community partners who share our belief that difference is not something to overcome—it is often the very foundation of innovation, creativity and progress.
Warm regards,
Tanya Newsome Founder & Principal Havenbrook Learning
Frequently Asked Questions
Havenbrook Learning's pilot program is currently searching for a location within the Blacktown LGA.
Until the school expands beyond a pilot program, donations are currently the most direct method to assist
Once the required infrastructure is established, the below donate now link will provide a quick, simple and tax deductible method for donations.
Our important causes
Pilot Program Fundraising
