CEO Craig Randazzo said he was delighted with the enrolment numbers for the college – which is offering both Year 10 and Year 11 this year – in 2016.

“We opened in 2015 with Year 10 enrolments. This year we have about 90 per cent of our students returning for Year 11,” he said.

Of the students that left, Mr Randazzo said most secured apprenticeships, and a few moved, but overall the college was delighted to have so many students continuing.

Mr Randazzo said the college had also expanded its enrolments and had opened up a Year 10 class for 2016, which was almost at capacity.

“We’ve had a great result,” he said.

The college prides itself on being an innovative senior school with a focus on wellbeing and personal achievement.

Mr Randazzo said Skillset Senior College was based on the Alesco learning model, created by training organisation WEA Hunter. 

It started the first Alesco School in Newcastle in 2002 and the educational model still operates today, having grown to include seven other Alesco schools throughout NSW. 

“Skillset Senior College features an adult learning environment, small class sizes and a high teacher-to-student ratio,” Mr Randazzo said.

“Maximum class sizes are set at no more than 17 students.”

Mr Randazzo said there were some important differences in approach with the Alesco model. 

“Skillset Senior College offers students the opportunity to complete their senior schooling in a small, supportive environment which focuses on assistance to meet individual student needs,” he said.

“Smaller class sizes, staff working with students to develop an individual approach to learning, and partnerships with a range of local community support organisations will work with the school to provide a holistic school experience in a beautiful physical environment at the Flannery Centre in Bathurst.”