The St John Academy is an exciting program for young people aged 12 to 17. It’s a place where you can meet new friends, develop leadership skills, and build your first aid knowledge in a fun and supportive environment.
As an Academy team member, you will meet once a week during the school term at your local Division. Your Team Leader will take you through a program where you learn essential life skills across proficiencies including health and wellbeing,
food and nutrition, communication skills and community service.
Essential skills for life
The Academy equips young people with practical knowledge and abilities to handle everyday challenges while preparing them for future opportunities and leadership.
Health and wellbeing
We encourage balanced lifestyles and resilience by building self-awareness and supporting lifelong personal growth.
Community Service
Our aim is to enspire empathy and responsibility through meaningful service projects that make a difference.
First aid foundation and leadership development
The St John Academy offers many opportunities for young people to challenge themselves. The only limit to what you can achieve is how far you are willing to go! Outside your Divisional meetings, there will be optional
activities like:
Through the Youth First Aid Program, team members learn essential first aid skills, ranging from caring for minor injuries to responding to emergencies. You will also work toward Proficiency Badges,
celebrating growth in life skills, wellbeing, and service.
Camps and competitions
Team members have the chance to attend state, national, and international camps that build independence, confidence, and lifelong friendships. Competitions provide exciting, hands-on opportunities to
apply first aid skills in realistic scenarios while strengthening teamwork and communication.
Leadership and recognition
Our Leadership Program empowers young people to take on responsibility, practice decision-making, and develop confidence. Achievements are recognised through state and national awards, including the
prestigious Grand Prior's Award, honouring service, skill, and leadership.
Achieve the Grand Prior's Award:
The main curriculum of the St John Academy is the prestigious Grand Prior Award that team members can set goals to achieve. There are 14 proficiencies available which gives a lot of options for team members to choose from. Achieving
the Grand Prior Award is very rewarding, and also sets a good challenge for team members to strive towards.
Division Locations and Meeting Times
Division locations and meeting times
The confirmed Division locations and meeting times for 2026 are:
Division Name
Meeting Day/Time
EllenbrookNEW
Mondays, 5.30pm — 7.30pm
JoondalupNEW
Wednesdays, 6pm — 8pm
Morley
Tuesdays, 5pm — 7pm
Northam
Tuesdays, 5pm — 7pm
ParaburdooNEW
Mondays, 5pm — 7pm
Rockingham
Wednesdays, 6pm — 8pm
Tom Price
Wednesdays, 5pm — 7pm
Woodridge
Thursdays, 5pm — 7pm
WundowieNEW
Thursdays, 6pm — 8pm
Warnbro Community High School
Contact school directly for more information
Enrolment and term fees
St John WA asks parents or caregivers for a contribution towards their child's learning. The fee structure is as follows:
$50.00
Enrolment fee: a once-off payment
$50.00
Term fee: this is per term, per member
Uniform fee
The initial uniform cost is covered. Additional uniform pieces can be purchased.
Applications for 2026 are now open, with four new Divisions established. There are also limited places available in existing Divisions. Please select your preferred location when completing your Application for the Academy. Division locations and times are posted above.
Applications close on Friday 19th December 2025. Successful applicants will be notified in January with instructions on how to complete their enrolment.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Academy?
The Academy is open to young people aged 12–17 years who are interested in developing life skills, leadership, and community service while having fun and making friends.
What is involved in the recruitment process?
Interested team members can submit an Expression of Interest via the link on this website. When places become available in a new location or at the start of a new year, the Academy Support Team will contact you to complete a full application. You will be required to answer some questions as to why you would like to join the Academy. All applications will be assessed prior to being offered a place.
Where can you attend the Academy?
The Academy operates across metro and regional WA. Each location hosts an Academy team, called a Division. Currently, there are six Divisions, with additional locations set to open in 2026. Each Division has a maximum of twenty
students, known as team members.
What's involved in being a team member at the Academy?
Team members take part in weekly Division Meetings, hands-on first aid training, proficiency courses, and opportunities for service, leadership, and camps or competitions. The program is designed to build confidence, resilience,
and skills for life.
What happens at the weekly Division meetings?
Each weekly two-hour Division meeting includes:
Icebreakers and team-building activities
First aid skill activities
Proficiency Badge coursework
Reflection journals and practice
What activities are there outside of the weekly Division meetings?
At times, team members have the opportunity to attend additional activities such as cultural or ceremonial events, camps, competitions and excursions. Our team members have even run onto Optus Stadium at an AFL game.
What progression opportunities are there in the Academy, and what pathways are available when team members turn 18?
The Academy offers pathways in leadership development, volunteering, and community service. Upon turning 18, Academy team members are encouraged to give back to their Division by supporting the leadership of the Division, as well
as volunteering with St John Event Health Services or Rural and Remote Ambulance or exploring careers in health and emergency services.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can support their Child's Division by volunteering as a Divisional Aide at events or camps. They are also encouraged to provide feedback each term and stay connected through newsletters, emails, and social media updates.
Committed to
keeping children safe
At St John WA, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is central to all that we do.
As a recognised Child Safe Organisation, we follow the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations to ensure our programs protect and promote the welfare of all children and young people.
We strive to create an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
If something makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you can tell us. St John WA aims to make sure everyone is happy and safe when they come to our program.
For more detailed information about the St John Academy, please review the Parent
Handbook.
Support the Academy
We welcome enquiries from organisations that
would like to support the Academy in your area, or across
the State. To discuss opportunities to get involved, email
youthacademy@stjohnwa.com.au
