Lake Colac School

Lake Colac School, formerly Colac Specialist School, provides P-12 education and an Early Education Program for students with a range of abilities as a Specialist and Special Development School. With the existing site at capacity, the school relocated to the former Colac High School site, integrating the heritage-listed 1912 building into the new campus design.

Perkins Architects worked closely with the school, VSBA, and the community to create a cohesive vision. The project included extensive heritage refurbishment alongside new purpose-built facilities to support contemporary learning. Insights from leading specialist schools informed agile, responsive spaces that adapt to students’ diverse and evolving needs throughout their educational journey.

Wellbeing was prioritised, with dedicated spaces embedded across the campus to build life skills and resilience. Specialist areas within the heritage building include art, music, woodwork, food technology, a library, staff facilities, and the Early Education Program.

New facilities include an administration and community hub with a multipurpose performance space, and two learning hubs each featuring general purpose classrooms, specialist teaching areas, sensory rooms, consulting rooms, and breakout zones. Extensive landscaping, sensory gardens, sports fields, and clear wayfinding enhance connection and ease of movement, supported by new car parking and a dedicated bus entrance for seamless arrivals and departures.