School Can't Pathways
Research-based, pathway-focused support for young people who have disengaged from mainstream education.
Welcome to School Can't Pathways
We understand that every young person's journey is unique—especially when school feels overwhelming or out of reach. At School Can't Pathways, we specialise in supporting young people who have struggled with anxiety, school refusal, or other challenges that make traditional schooling difficult.
Our staged support model with ongoing pathways helps students rebuild confidence, strengthen social and learning skills, and find a pathway that works for them—whether that's returning to school, exploring alternative education, or building life skills for the future.
After the initial 8-week Intake Phase, students transition into a Maintenance, Bridge, or Exit pathway depending on readiness and goals.
Led by Dr Carol Schultz, a specialist teacher and guidance officer with decades of experience, we provide a safe, supportive, and flexible environment where young people can grow at their own pace.
If you're a parent, carer, allied health professional, school counsellor, teacher, or youth worker looking for a credible, research-based solution for students who have disengaged from mainstream education, you're in the right place.
Let's take the next step together.
Who This Is For
This pathway-based support model is suited to young people who:
- Are not attending school or attending minimally
- Experience anxiety, ASD, or emotional overwhelm
- Have tried multiple supports without success
- Need a safe, low-demand environment to re-engage
This is not tutoring. It's a staged support model designed to rebuild safety, engagement, and readiness—then help students move into the next right pathway.
We focus first on helping your child feel safe enough to engage again—then build a pathway forward.
Pathway recommendations are reviewed after Intake to match the student's needs and readiness.
We work with:
How It Works
Students are supported through a staged approach with ongoing pathways:
- Stabilise – remove pressure and rebuild safety
- Re-engage – gentle participation in low-demand sessions
- Rebuild – restore readiness for learning
After the initial 8-week Intake Phase, students transition into a Maintenance, Bridge, or Exit pathway depending on readiness and goals.
🔵 Maintenance
Ongoing stability, confidence, and social connection for students not yet ready to return to school.
🟢 Bridge
Supported return to school or TAFE, with active liaison and advocacy to prevent relapse.
🟠 Exit
Transition to Home Education or vocational pathways with practical guidance and portfolio support.
Sessions and supports are delivered as:
- Small group (max 5 students)
- Online via secure platform
- No forced participation
- Flexible and low-demand
NDIS Funding
These pathway-based supports may align with NDIS goals and funding categories such as:
Improved Daily Living & Improved Learning
Peer connection and community engagement
Emotional regulation and social skills
We accept Self-Managed and Plan-Managed participants. Detailed progress reports for plan reviews are included.
Meet Dr Carol Schultz
With nearly 30 years of experience supporting young people who struggle with school and life challenges, Dr Carol Schultz is passionate about helping every child find their way back to learning and confidence.
Carol is a Registered Teacher specialising in Special Education and a qualified Guidance Officer. She holds a Doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland, where she developed practical, research-backed approaches to support young people facing anxiety, school refusal, and other barriers.
Trusted by families, schools, and allied health professionals alike, Carol leads School Can't Pathways with a focus on real-world solutions that make a lasting difference.
Ready to Support Your Young Person's Journey?
Whether you're a parent, carer, teacher, school counsellor, youth worker, or allied health professional, we're here to help.