Where did Margaret Jurd College come from?

MJC began within Newcastle Youth Service and later became a registered school in 1996. The College is named in honour of Dr Margaret Jurd, whose vision for supported education continues to guide our work today.

School

The Tuncurry School

Q: What is Margaret Jurd College?

Margaret Jurd College is an independent, non-government secondary school for Years 9 to 12. We provide an alternative education option in a holistic, caring and supportive environment for young people who have experienced barriers to learning.

Q: What does MJC provide for students each day?

Students receive breakfast, morning tea and lunch made fresh daily. They receive a school uniform. They have access to wellbeing and casework support. They learn in a safe, inclusive environment where every student is known and supported.

Our Tuncurry School

The Tuncurry school, housed in the former Manse of the Tuncurry Uniting Church, was donated by the Church to be repurposed as a second school. Designed with the needs of students in mind, the building ensures a welcoming space where students are met by staff who assess their readiness for learning, before heading straight into the playground for a break.

Student Support Journey

Our Program

At Tuncurry school, we offer a curriculum that is carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of our students. We deliver a Stage 5 curriculum (Years 9 and 10) which includes the mandatory subjects of Mathematics, English, Science, PDHPE, and HSIE (History and Geography). As a special education setting, we go beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, individualising and adjusting our teaching to meet each student where they are in their learning journey. This approach aligns with a key teaching standard: “know your student and how they learn,” ensuring that every student receives the support and resources they need to succeed.

Supporting individualised learning

What truly sets our curriculum apart is our commitment to individualisation. We meet each student at their current level and provide the necessary supports to ensure they can make meaningful progress. Our primary focus is to empower students by fostering their personal growth, both academically and emotionally. This approach enables us to tailor learning experiences that match each student’s unique strengths and challenges, helping them thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.

The LaunchPad Program

A key component of our curriculum is the LaunchPad program, which supports students as they transition to the next stage of their lives. Whether students plan to return to mainstream schooling, enroll in TAFE, start an apprenticeship, or enter the workforce, the LaunchPad program equips them with the confidence, skills and practical knowledge they need to succeed. It focuses not only on academic progress but also on personal growth, helping students build the resilience and self-assurance they need to navigate their future paths with confidence.

Our core values

At Tuncurry, our curriculum is built around the MJC’s core values, ensuring that every student’s educational experience is both meaningful and effective. Seek First to Understand is at the heart of our approach; we take the time to understand each student’s background, challenges, and strengths to create a learning plan that suits their individual needs. Better Together reflects our commitment to collaboration—working closely with families, external services, and the wider community to ensure that students receive the support they need. Think Different drives our belief that every student learns in their own way, which is why our curriculum offers flexible, tailored approaches to learning that allow students to engage with content in the most effective way for them.

Meeting students where they are

While the curriculum structure is consistent across schools, the delivery is adapted to meet the specific needs of each student community. At the Tuncurry school, for example, there is a strong focus on building trust and connection, especially for students who may have faced challenges such as anxiety, depression or disengagement in previous educational settings. By providing a smaller, safer, and more structured environment, we set students up for success, ensuring they feel supported and confident as they progress through their learning journey. This tailored approach helps students overcome obstacles and thrive in a positive and secure educational setting.

The Student Wellbeing Program

A cornerstone of our school is the Student Wellbeing Program, which plays a crucial role in supporting students’ overall development. This program includes two weekly workshops that focus on life success and job readiness, helping students build essential life skills that will serve them both in school and in their future careers. The workshops cover topics such as managing anxiety and emotional regulation, improving communication and conflict resolution, building confidence and setting personal goals, understanding emotional responses like the fight, flight, or freeze reaction, and developing strategies for self-regulation. By integrating these key skills into our curriculum, we aim to empower students to lead balanced, successful lives both during and after their time at MJC.

ENROL

Interested in enrolling in our Tuncurry School?

Enrolments now open for 2025

Enrolment Steps

Starting your journey with Margaret Jurd College is easy. Just follow these four simple steps to learn more about us, meet our team and see how we can support your young person.

You can fill out our Enrolment Enquiry Form here.

Our students

A day at our Tuncurry School

The Tuncurry school was carefully purpose-designed to create a supportive and flexible environment that meets the unique needs of students each day. Upon arrival, students check in at reception and have the opportunity to assess whether they are ready to enter the school environment. From there, they can either head directly to the playground to unwind or choose to speak with a caseworker for additional support, ensuring they feel comfortable and prepared to begin their day.
 
The school is equipped with two classrooms that feature a variety of learning support tools, including whiteboard desks and walls, smartboards, and comfortable lounges to promote an engaging and interactive learning experience. Additionally, the multi-purpose room serves as a flexible space for both practical lessons and as a lunchroom, giving students a place to relax and recharge. Outdoors, students can enjoy a small basketball court and handball courts, as well as a dedicated area for outdoor learning, offering a dynamic and balanced environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

Voices of MJC

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MJC is a independent non-government secondary school with schools in Newcastle and Tuncurry, NSW. Our vision is to re-engage youth in education.

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Our Staff

The supportive Tuncurry School team

At MJC’s Tuncurry school, our dedicated team work together to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive. Our teachers design personalised learning plans that cater to individual needs, while our caseworkers provide tailored support to help students overcome challenges and achieve their goals. The executive team, led by Josh, the Head of school, offers strategic direction and leadership to foster a positive and nurturing environment. Our wellbeing staff focus on the emotional and mental health of students, ensuring their overall wellbeing is prioritised.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Margaret Jurd College?

Margaret Jurd College (MJC) is an independent, non-government secondary school for Years 9 to 12. We provide an alternative education option in a holistic, caring and supportive environment for young people who have experienced barriers to learning

Who can apply?

Students who find that mainstream schooling does not meet their individual educational or wellbeing needs are welcome to apply. We cater for students from Year 9 to Year 12. Enrolment is based on individual academic, social, emotional and diagnostic needs. A formal diagnosis, or willingness to get one, is a requirement.

What is the enrolment process?

Our enrolment process is designed to be simple and supportive:

Submit an Enrolment Enquiry Form by filling out the form here.
Someone will call you to discuss your enrolment enquiry.
Initial Meeting to discuss your young person’s needs and how we can best support them. A tour of the school is also provided at this time.
Enrolment Meeting where final forms, contracts and permission notes are completed by parents, caregivers and students.

What does the education program include?

Students learn through an alternative program based on the NSW Curriculum. Each student has an individualised learning plan created with their family and teachers. This ensures both academic and personal needs are met through flexible, practical and engaging learning experiences.

Who teaches at MJC?

Our teachers are highly experienced and passionate about supporting young people. They use innovative approaches and classroom strategies that meet students where they are, helping them re-engage with learning in ways that work for them.

What wellbeing supports are available?

Every student is paired with a caseworker before they start at MJC. Caseworkers provide one-on-one support and help students set goals, manage challenges and build strategies for everyday life. They work closely with teachers and families to ensure each student is supported socially, emotionally and academically.

What do caseworkers do?

Caseworkers help students navigate issues such as conflict, relationships and mental health. They are trained in trauma-informed practice and provide consistent support, helping students understand their choices and look ahead to positive futures.

What does MJC provide for students each day?

Students receive:

Breakfast, morning tea and lunch made fresh daily
School uniform
Access to wellbeing and casework support
A safe, inclusive environment where every student is known and supported

How did Margaret Jurd College start?

MJC was founded by Margaret Jurd, a visionary dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth through education and care. Beginning in a bus in the 1980’s and later moving to a pub in Carrington, MJC continues to provide transformative learning experiences built on strong values and an unwavering commitment to student success.

Stories of belonging

"I always hated school and thought I’d never make it past Year 10. With MJC’s support, I graduated Year 12 in 2024. This school truly saved my life."

"MJC isn’t just a school, it’s a community. They never gave up on Oliver or our family, and when Shelby joined, she went from hating school to saying, ‘I love it there.’ MJC has changed both my children’s futures and our lives."

"Mainstream education never suited my young people. I didn’t think they would be able to continue their schooling, but MJC gave them an environment where they can complete their education, build resilience, and gain life skills."

"When I came to MJC in Year 9, I was struggling with anxiety and on the verge of expulsion. With the support of teachers and caseworkers, I turned things around and graduated in 2023. MJC felt like home and changed my life."

"Before MJC, my son was just surviving. At MJC, he began thriving, forming friendships, gaining skills, and seeing his potential for the first time."

"I was severely bullied at my previous school and had even attempted self-harm. At MJC I found my forever best friend and a place where being me is okay. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support."

Contact Us

Phone:

Tuncurry: 02 5582 5700

Address:

Address: Margaret Jurd College 6 South St, Tuncurry NSW 2428