Q. Does ECG Secondary College accept students who have left other schools?

Absolutely! In fact, supporting students who have struggled in other school settings is one of our strengths. 

We understand that a mainstream school environment is not the right fit for everyone. That’s why ECG Secondary College offers an alternative approach to learning, with smaller classes, personalised support, and a strong focus on student wellbeing. 

Many students who join us after leaving another school tell us they finally feel comfortable, supported, and able to succeed in the classroom. 

Our goal is to help every student feel valued, build confidence, and reconnect with learning in a way that works for them. 

Q. How big is ECG Secondary College?

ECG Secondary College has five on-campus learning locations and one virtual campus. 

Our on-campus locations deliver the Victorian Curriculum for Years 9 and 10, and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) and VCE Vocational Major (VM) for Years 11 and 12. 

Our virtual campus offers the Victorian Curriculum for Years 9 and 10, and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) for Years 11 and 12. 

One thing that makes ECG different is our small class sizes. On average, our classes have around half the number of students you would find in a typical secondary school classroom. 

Smaller classes allow teachers to spend more time with each student, providing personalised support and guidance. 

This small, supportive learning environment can be especially beneficial for students who feel anxious in larger school settings or who need extra time and support to build confidence and master new concepts. 

Q. Is ECG Secondary College a ‘real’ school?

Yes. ECG Secondary College is a registered secondary school, and all of our teachers are fully qualified secondary school educators.  

Students are also supported by a dedicated team of Learning Support Officers, Youth Workers, Wellbeing staff and Career Practitioners, who work together to support both learning and wellbeing. 

What makes ECG different is our approach to education. We keep class sizes small, provide personalised learning plans, and place a strong focus on student wellbeing. 

We aim to create a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable, valued, and ready to learn. 

This means students receive more individual attention, greater flexibility, and more hands-on learning opportunities than they may experience in a traditional mainstream school setting. 

The difference between ECG Secondary College and a mainstream school is our approach. Our classes are smaller, our learning plans are individual to each student, and we have a real focus on creating a safe, nurturing environment where our students can thrive. Our students have more time, more support and more hands-on learning opportunities than a typical mainstream school is able to provide.

Q. What can I do after I graduate?

Our curriculum opens the door to a wide range of opportunities after school. 

At ECG Secondary College, there is a strong focus on developing practical skills and real-world experience. Through the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) program, students can also gain formal qualifications that support them to move into employment, start an apprenticeship or traineeship, or continue on to further study. 

Students are also supported through both pre-accredited and accredited training programs, helping them build skills, confidence, and clear pathways into future study or work. Students who successfully complete the VCE VM will be eligible for a variety of tertiary pathways including non-scored university placements. 

Our goal is to ensure every student leaves with options, direction, and the skills they need for their next step. 

Q. What does ‘ECG’ stand for?

ECG stands for Education Centre Gippsland. The name reflects our origins, when multiple education providers came together to create more hands-on learning opportunities across the Gippsland region. 

Today, ECG Secondary College refers to the secondary school part of our organisation, Community College Gippsland, which also delivers training and further education programs.

At ECG, we focus on each student as a person, not just a learner. Our T.H.R.I.V.E. program provides a therapeutic, holistic, and vocationally focused environment for achieving personal excellence where students can: 

• Learn their way through personalised programs that reflect their interests and goals  
• Build confidence and resilience in a supportive setting  
• Gain practical life skills for everyday life and future work  
• Develop positive relationships with staff and peers who genuinely care  

Inquiry-based, practical learning is part of a broader approach that values wellbeing, connection, and engagement as the foundation for personal growth and long-term success. 

ECG is proud to support students to find strength not just in their learning, but in their character, mindset, and relationships.