School Profile

Our vision is to build a learning community, based on respect, where we are able to achieve our potential in a safe, engaging and supportive environment.

Established in 1918, Warracknabeal Secondary College is a rural government school based in the prosperous country town in the heart of Victoria's wheat-belt. Due to the closest secondary college being at least 40 kilometres away, Warracknabeal Secondary College services an extensive rural community in the Yarriambiack Shire. Warracknabeal has approximately 2500 residents, which is situated 60 kilometres north of Horsham (population of approximately 15,000). The town is situated on the Henty Highway, by the gum-lined banks of Yarriambiack Creek. The town's name derives from an Aboriginal expression relating to the large red gums along the creek. It is approximately a four hour drive from Melbourne

We are a vision oriented school, with an owned mission and values. We aim to be a learning community based on respect, where we aim to be the best we can be.

​We reinforce our values of Respect, Excellence and Resilience, through awarding students with Young Achiever Awards for displaying these values. Being part of a close community, both within the town and the school results in a strong relationship centered education based on high expectations of behaviour and learning.

In 2021, there are approximately 170 fulltime students enrolled. Most of our students live in town with approximately 30% arriving by bus across five bus routes. There is a strong sporting culture in the school, with many students and staff playing at the local football and netball club, and there is a local gym. Other sports offered in Warracknabeal include:

  • basketball

  • field hockey​​

  • tennis

  • cricket

  • golf

  • table tennis

  • swimming

Respect, Excellence and Resilience

Warracknabeal Secondary College is committed to the implementation of consistent teaching and learning practices based on an agreed 3E Instructional model (Engagement, Exploration and Evaluation). The current model was revised and linked to the DET's High Impact Teaching strategies document in 2019. The school has been engaged in the School Wide Positive Behaviour program since 2019 and through engagement in this program have developed, in conjunction with students, clear behaviour expectations, a shared understanding of a calm learning environment and effective Learning Practices.


ICT is embedded through the curriculum, as the school has a BYOD (bring your own device) program. We use Edmodo for sharing of information, communicating with and providing feedback to students and parents, as well as submitting work. The school also has a Facebook page which is used to keep the school community informed, and to promote school events. The school newsletter is published each fortnight and is available in digital and print formats. The school is transitioning to an online student management system, and Xuno has been implemented in 2020 as the preferred system.

The Year 7-9 curriculum is based on the Victorian Curriculum. In the Senior years, we are committed to providing as many opportunities for our students as possible. We run a three year VCE program, beginning in Year 10, in order to increase subject options for students. We usually have a small Year 12 classes and we support students enrolled in virtual classes or subjects by Distance Education. For students following a practical pathway, we have implementated the VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) program. VET (Vocational Education & Training) is operated out of Horsham, On average over the last 4 years 25 students have participated in the VETis program each year. The school also runs the Reengagement program Hands on Learning twice a week with an average of between 4-6 students participating on either day.

There are currently 21.2 (Effective Full Time) teachers, which includes the principal, an assistant principal and three leading teachers, supported by 9 education support staff. We have a number of staff who are local to Warracknabeal or the greater region, who are complemented by teachers from the Teach for Australia program and the Melbourne University Graduate Program, adding to the diversity of the teaching staff.

While the Grounds are well maintained the buildings, due to their age, are in need of ongoing repair. In 2016, the school obtained a funding allocation of $4 million to begin the relocation to the Primary School site along with the Special Development School. This ‘Education Precinct’ began Stage 1 construction in late 2017 and was completed at the end of 2018. In May 2020, an announcement to complete the entire project was made. It is anticipated that the secondary college will move to this site at the commencement of 2023.

Please contact us if you are interested in joining the team at Warracknabeal Secondary College, either as a student, community partner or staff member.