Alternative Primary School in Hurstbridge / Cottles Bridge
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Current vacancy in Grade 4 for 2026. Please follow enrolment process here.
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Welcome Note
The Learning Co-operative is a small, independent, progressive primary school situated on 17 acres of beautiful bush land close to the township of Hurstbridge, Victoria. Our school has an experienced Co-ordinator, a team of trained generalist and specialist teachers as well as support staff who work closely with parents to provide a more holistic and individualised education than is possible at larger schools. Our school focuses on flexible, child-centred, play based, outdoor learning to enable our children to develop the creative critical thinking skills and resilience they need for a happy, healthy future.
Community and wellbeing are key values. The Learning Co-operavtive is unique because of the important role parents play in all aspects of running the school. The Learning Co-operative was established in 1973 and is one of the oldest progressive schools in Australia.
OPEN DAY
Term 2 - 2026
Date : Tuesday 28th April
10am - 12pm
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**Please note: we are a very small school and may have limited spots available. We continue to hold our Open Days for future families and interest as our capacity changes on occasion throughout the year. We recommend to come along without kids for the Open Day if you are able to. This gives you the opportunity to chat to teachers and other parents on the day and decide if the school could be a possible fit for you and your family. You must visit us in person before going on the waitlist.**
Playgroup
Join our friendly playgroup at our beautiful bush school for fun activities.
WHEN: Friday mornings 9.30 - 11am
COST: $20 per term
BYO snacks or a small plate of something to share is most welcome.
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For more information please email us at:
HundrED, Victoria Spotlight
In 2018, we were recognised by HundrED.org as 1 in 10 innovations in education chosen from Victoria.
We are a Child Safe School
Learning Co-operative is a child safe organisation committed to promoting children’s safety, wellbeing and protecting children from abuse. We implement the 11 Child Safe Standards in accordance with Ministerial Order 1359.
We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to creating and maintaining a school where all children and young people are safe and feel safe. We actively identify and manage risks of harm and respond promptly and thoroughly to any concerns.
We value diversity and are committed to accommodating the needs of all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with disabilities, and those who may be vulnerable.
We actively seek and value the voices of children and families in decisions that affect their safety and wellbeing.
All staff, parents, volunteers, visitors and contractors are required to comply with our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Child Safety Code of Conduct and related procedures, and to take all reasonable steps to promote the safety of children.
Child safety is a shared responsibility. We are committed to ongoing review and continuous improvement of our child safe practices in partnership with our school community.
Please see our Statement of Commitment to Child Safety.
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We are a Culturally Safe School
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We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and gather. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We are committed to creating a culturally responsive and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and community members. This means everyone is respected, valued, and supported to express their identity and culture, and their voices influence our school community.
Cultural safety is part of everything we do — from teaching and learning to community engagement. We actively work to embed First Nations perspectives, challenge discrimination, and build strong, respectful relationships with local Aboriginal communities.
Please see our Cultural Safety Statement.
In 2025 we developed the inaugural Learning Cooperative Reconcilation Action Plan (RAP). More details in Our Vision for Reconciliation.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Learning Co-operative acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we play, learn, care, and connect. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise that this land was never ceded and honour the enduring connection that Aboriginal peoples have to land, water, and community.
