Schools across NSW are prioritizing attendance as a critical foundation for student success. Each school crafts their own Strategic Improvement Plans (SIPs) with ambitious targets; Sefton High School aims for 92.22% and Plumpton High School targets 88% by 2027. While these targets are essential for school planning, the most profound insights into why students attend come from their own voices.
For many students, especially those at risk of disengagement, the Creating Chances Champions and Coach programs provide a specific reason to show up. Qualitative feedback from participants highlights that the program creates an “anchor” day in their week. Students have explicitly stated, “I enjoy coming to school more on Thursdays because of this program,” and, “I like coming to school on Mondays now”.
This shift in motivation is not just anecdotal; it is backed by significant data. In a 2025 mid-year evaluation, 73% of students reported feeling like coming to school more because of the program. For these students, the Creating Chances program transforms the school environment from a place of obligation to a place of opportunity.
For example, Mika found it difficult to be engaged at school, specifically sitting down in class for long periods of time. The ability to showcase her leadership skills by coaching local primary school students through new sports activities completely changed her outlook on what her education journey could be. “It has made me feel excited and happy coming to school knowing I’ve got this.”
The NSW Wellbeing Framework identifies “Connect” as a core pillar of student health. When students feel they belong, their motivation to attend naturally increases. After participating in Creating Chances, there was an 11.2% improvement in students feeling they “belong” at their school and a 19.2% increase in students simply “liking school”.
Direct student feedback reinforces these numbers:
- “This program has made me motivated to improve my attendance.”
- “I have been wanting to come to school more often.”
School leaders have noticed that this improved motivation translates into a broader cultural shift. At Wyong High School, Principal Rodney Hill observed that for a student going through a tough time, the program was such a “highlight” that without it, she might have been “completely lost” in the system. At Kanahooka High School, teachers noted a marked improvement in school engagement for students who were previously shy or reserved once they took on leadership roles in the Coach program.
The feedback is clear: when students are given agency, leadership opportunities, and a safe space to grow, their attitude toward school changes. By fostering resilience (+14.3%) and self-efficacy (+17.3%), programs like Creating Chances do more than just improve a school’s data points—they help students find a goal and a purpose for being in the classroom every day. As one 14-year-old participant put it: “I have more goals now that I have done a Creating Chances program.”
To learn more about our Champions and Coaches programs contact us
