Lake Colac School is proving that disadvantage doesn’t have to dictate outcomes. Discover how one rural school is setting the benchmark for equity in Australian education.
A School Where Disadvantage Is the Norm
With over 90% of its families in the two lowest socioeconomic quartiles, Lake Colac School could have been just another statistic. But under the leadership of Principal Cameron Peverett, the school has rewritten the narrative—showing that with the right strategies, even the most disadvantaged students can thrive.
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Evidence Over Excuses
At the heart of Lake Colac’s success is an unshakeable commitment to evidence-based teaching. Instead of buying into assumptions about what students with intellectual disabilities can’t do, the school focuses on what research says they can achieve—especially when high-quality teaching meets high expectations.
Cameron and his team rigorously vet every new program, adopting only those that are backed by research and tailored to the school’s unique context. This sharp focus has led to stunning gains in reading proficiency, bucking national trends.
Trust and High Expectations Go Hand in Hand
Equity isn’t just about access—it’s about trust, leadership, and culture. Cameron ensures every teacher understands the “why” behind their practice. His school operates on the principle that students deserve the best, not just the bare minimum. Staff are given the tools to teach with precision and intensity—because the students demand and deserve no less.
Results That Speak Volumes
The outcomes speak for themselves: steady growth in enrolment, improved student engagement, and retention of passionate, committed staff. Families now see Lake Colac as a school of choice, not last resort. It’s become a model for what’s possible when equity is baked into every part of school culture.
