ideacademy

IDEA offers portfolio-based vocational education for young creatives, innovators, and entrepreneurs aged 14–18 years. It serves as an alternative to mainstream schooling, providing a personalised learning environment with co-designed vocational pathways. Students engage in a flexible schedule at dynamic co-learning hubs to craft bespoke programs catered to their unique strengths and ambitions.

The academy is located at IDEA HQ FLUX Basement, 191 St Georges Terrace, Perth 6000, with additional campuses at IDEA William Street (3/10 William St) and IDEA Fremantle (The Piazza, 18/36 South Terrace). All locations operate from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and are situated near Elizabeth Quay and Fremantle bus and train stations.

To get started, prospective students should book an Info Session to meet the team and discuss their goals. Every aspiring student must complete a 45-minute application meeting where they discuss their aspirations and how the team can design a program that fits their needs.

IDEA partners with Registered Training Organisation NUA Learn (RTO code 46284) and Skills Strategies International (RTO code 2401) to deliver full-time training. This partnership allows the academy to meet the requirements for an alternative to full-time schooling under the School Education Act (1999).

The academy provides VET Certificates (II–IV) as a pathway to university, further education, and employment instead of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. These nationally recognised qualifications span AQF Levels 2–5 and are recorded as 'Attained Year 12 or equivalent' for census data purposes.

The program is designed for students who have completed Year 9 or the equivalent, with no prerequisites for entry. Students should be between 14 and 18 years old, and the academy targets those seeking a more relevant and challenging learning experience.

The academy offers three specific program tracks: Rookie Year 10 Alternative, Intern Year 11 Alternative, and Graduate Year 12 Alternative. These tracks are tailored to support students at different stages of their senior secondary education journey.

The academy's approach focuses on personalised, interest-driven learning supported by mentors and coaches. This holistic method aims to equip young people with the confidence, connections, and credentials needed to kickstart their careers.

The academy was founded by Nicole Gazey and Rebecca Loftus, who have extensive experience in secondary and vocational education sectors. Their background includes roles as a principal consultant for VET in the WA Certificate of Education and leadership positions in schools.

The academy assists families with the process and lodgement of paperwork with the Department of Education’s Participation unit. This includes helping students obtain an Exemption for Year 10-aged students or a Notice of Arrangement for Year 11 or 12-aged students.

The academy provides a dedicated team of IDEA staff and mentors to work closely with students. This team helps learners craft a bespoke program catered to their specific needs and ambition within a dynamic co-learning hub environment.

The academy offers a free trial in the form of an Info Session, allowing families to meet the people and discover how the academy empowers every learner. This initial step is designed to determine if IDEA is the right fit for the student.

The academy operates in Perth, Western Australia, and Fremantle, serving the broader metropolitan area. The locations are strategically placed near major transport hubs like Elizabeth Quay and Fremantle station for student convenience.

You can reach ideacademy by phone at 1300 354 872 or by e-mail at [email protected].

The official website of ideacademy is ideacademy.com.au.