River Nile School

The River Nile School (RNS) in North Melbourne is an independent senior secondary school dedicated to the education of refugee and asylum seeker young women. Many of our students arrive in Australia with interrupted or limited schooling, varied English language skills, and experiences of trauma, displacement, and resettlement. Despite these challenges, they bring resilience, ambition, and a strong desire to build secure and meaningful futures.

RNS offers the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM), the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), and applied learning programs that provide practical, hands-on education. Our curriculum integrates literacy, numeracy, digital skills, wellbeing, and employability, while recognising the diverse knowledge and lived experience our students contribute. Learning is student-centred, giving young women agency and aligning education with their strengths, interests, and pathway goals.

The school takes a holistic approach, addressing barriers that can prevent young women from fully engaging in their education. Wraparound supports include counselling, case management, wellbeing services, meals, uniforms, and transport assistance. This trauma-informed and inclusive environment ensures students feel safe, connected, and able to focus on learning.

Partnerships are central to RNS. We collaborate with community organisations, training providers, employers, and universities to create pathways into further education, training, and employment. These partnerships not only provide opportunities but also help shift community perceptions by increasing representation of refugee and asylum seeker young women in education and the workforce.

The impact is significant: students gain qualifications, confidence, and independence. Many transition to TAFE, university, and employment, breaking cycles of disadvantage and contributing

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