Angel Rees became pregnant at 16 and dropped out of high school. Next year she will take another big step in her life when she returns, with toddler daughter Maali by her side.

The 18-year-old will start her year-12 studies at Hallam Senior Secondary College, which is launching a groundbreaking program for young parents.

Breanna Cousens, with son Jaxon, and Angel Rees, with daughter Maali, at Hallam Senior Secondary College. Credit:Joe Armao

She’s one of up to a dozen young mothers who failed to finish their secondary education, now preparing to return to school at Hallam next year, with children in tow, as they strive for their Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

The government school in Melbourne’s south-east is the first in the state to join the Young Parents Education Program, giving mums and dads aged 17 to 20 a chance to complete year 12 in an ordinary high school setting.