Connected School Trial Launching 2026
Four Western Australian public schools have been selected for a transformative four-year trial that will connect students and families with greater wellbeing supports and wider health, community and social networks.
The Connected Community School trial – funded under the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement with the Albanese Labor Government – aims to ensure families can easily access community health and social services, while improving students’ educational and wellbeing outcomes beyond the classroom.
The schools selected for the $21 million trial, which will start in 2026, include:
Participating schools will consult with their community and stakeholders to work towards addressing specific local needs with a range of initiatives, such as making services available on site to remove barriers to access.
The trial also aims to strengthen ties within the community by developing partnerships and use of school facilities after hours with groups such as local sporting groups, community language groups and other community organisations.
The initiative reinforces the importance of education intersecting with the human services sector, which includes the Western Australian public health system, mental health, police, justice and community services.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“This trial is part of my government’s long-term vision of ensuring every Western Australian child gets the best possible start in life, and ensuring that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the services they need.
“By working closely with schools and families, we can give students the skills, confidence and support they need to reach their full potential.
“This trial will help schools find the most effective way of delivering practical, targeted support that meets the needs of students and their families.
“It is another example of my government’s ongoing investment in initiatives that help improve outcomes for Western Australian families.”
As stated by Education and Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton:
“A Connected Community School is one that provides a range of services and activities, often beyond the school day, to help meet the needs of children, their families and the wider community.
“The aim of this trial is to provide the right support, at the right time, to really move the dial in terms of improving student wellbeing and outcomes over years.
“We know that schools achieve the best outcomes for students when they create strong relationships with families.
“Schools understand the needs of their local families best and will play a key role in identifying opportunities to provide additional support.”
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
“A child’s wellbeing is central to their ability to learn.
“By connecting schools with health and wellbeing services, we can make sure families get support early and students have the best chance to succeed.
“Stronger connections between education and health will help create healthier communities for the long term.”
As stated by Disability Services Minister Hannah Beazley:
“Every student deserves to succeed, no matter their circumstances.
“It is well recognised that disability and therapeutic services are the most effective when delivered in natural or typical settings.
“This trial will help to ensure that children and young people with disability, and their families, are better supported, with services that work in step with schools to meet each student’s individual needs.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/New-Connected-Community-School-trial-to-commence-in-2026-20250821