About us

Our Story

For over 100 years, A Start in Life has been helping young Australians access education – giving them the chance to learn, grow and thrive just like their peers.

We’ve walked alongside thousands of students from all walks of life – from children cared for by single-parents and teenagers putting themselves through high school, to university and TAFE students who’ve moved hundreds of kilometres away from their rural towns to pursue their education.

Our story began after World War I, when William Thompson, Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of New South Wales, lost his son on the Western Front. Seeing so many children left without parents, he felt compelled to act. In 1922, he founded the William Thompson Masonic School at Baulkham Hills to provide care and education for children who were orphaned by the war.
A year later, this the NSW Masonic Schools Welfare Fund was established – the organisation that would later become A Start in Life. As times changed, so did we. In 1972, we broadened our mission to support any young Australian experiencing financial hardship, regardless of background or Masonic connection.

Today, we continue this work as an independent charity, receiving no government funding. Everything we achieve is thanks to the generosity of our donors and community. Together, we’re nurturing and igniting young minds for brighter futures.

Our Values

#Collaborate | #Empower | #Acountable | #Adapt

We will help you unlock your inner potential, so you can push beyond what you ever thought possible.

100+ Years Supporting Australian Youth

We are a non-profit organization that supports students who are committed to advancing and broadening their educational and future horizons. 

We offer financial assistance which includes regular interactions with A Start in Life’s Student Assistance Team and access to a variety of resources, activities, experiences, workshops and coaching. 

Established over 100 years ago, we have extensive experience assisting students through programs which complement ‘in-school’ learning and extend the student. Through nurturing and igniting young minds, we encourage students to unlock their potential, broaden their horizons and pave the way for a brighter future.
7000+
students
assisted since
our inception
200+
Students can be supported per year
3
Programs for Students from k-Tertiary

01

Tailored Support Programmes

All of our programs are built around students' interests and goals, ensuring age-appropriate and student-centred guidance every step of the way.  

02

Flexible and Convenient

Our programmes are designed to fit around busy schedules. Students or guardians can choose times to interact with our team that suit them.

03

Supplementing and Complementing Academic Education 

Backed by research on what students need to succeed in their education, personal lives, and the workforce.

04

Broadening Horizons

We help students unlock their inner potential and introduce them to pathways they never thought possible or even knew existed.

Let’s Make Change Happen!

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Tell them about us!