New college brings inclusive education model to Nambour

Executive Principal Tony Andrews “We specialise in supporting young people who have disengaged from mainstream schooling, offering a safe, relational and high-impact learning environment.”

A new fee-free senior school for students who have fallen out of mainstream education will open in the heart of Nambour next year, marking a major investment in local youth and the town’s growing education sector.

Kairos Community College, a non-profit Special Assistance School for young people in Years 10–12, will open its Nambour campus in January 2026. Executive Principal Tony Andrews announced the move at a recent Nambour Chamber of Commerce meeting, describing it as “a long-term commitment to the town” and “an opportunity to change lives through inclusive, trauma-aware education.” “Kairos exists to change lives,” Mr Andrews said.

“We specialise in supporting young people who have disengaged from mainstream schooling, offering a safe, relational and high-impact learning environment. When students don’t just succeed academically but grow in confidence, wellbeing and connection — that’s the Kairos difference.”

The college will start at a temporary site at 66–68 Currie Street in 2026, accommodating 34 Year 10 students, before moving to a purpose-built campus at 32 Coronation Avenue in 2027.

The new facility will feature breakout spaces and flexible learning areas designed to meet individual needs. Kairos, which already operates campuses at Deception Bay and Caloundra, has a 100% Queensland Certificate of Education completion rate and has twice received the Fisher Education Provider of the Year Award.

Mr Andrews said the expansion to Nambour reflects the college’s belief in the potential of the community as much as its infrastructure.

“We chose Nambour because we see massive potential — not just in the buildings going up but in the people,” he said. “We want to embed ourselves in the community, not just plant ourselves here. Our young people thrive when they’re connected.”

Community connection is central to the Kairos model. At its other campuses, students undertake hundreds of hours of local volunteering, something Mr Andrews said would continue in Nambour. “It’s a free education, but our young people give back.

Many have withdrawn from society — we reconnect them through community.”

The college is also partnering with local organisations including The Shack, supporting its ‘Trees of Hope’ program through staff and student volunteering.

An Enrolment Information Morning will be held in Nambour on Thursday November 13. Enquiries are open for students entering Year 10 in 2026.

• For more information, visit www.kairoscc.qld.edu.au or email admin@kairoscc.qld.edu.au.