But the Geelong school hopes revealing these figures prompts people to open their purses. In what the school believes is an Australian first, Northern Bay College is calling on the community to sponsor all its students. Principal Fred Clarke doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of living in one of the state's most disadvantaged postcodes. “We need to grab people's attention. There is a real need,” he said. A $1000 Northern Bay Challenge sponsorship will pay for the simple things many students take for granted every year: a desk to study on, textbooks, an internet connection at home.

Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video It will also let students cut back on part-time work so they can focus on their studies. Some teenagers at the school work up to 20 hours a week in fast food restaurants to supplement their family's income. More expensive packages will fund scholarships so students can finish Year 11 and 12, complete leadership courses, and pay for living expenses and even university fees. The Geelong Community Foundation will facilitate these tax-deductible donations. While most schools offer scholarships to attract high-achieving students from elsewhere, Northern Bay College has a different goal. “We are trying to support the good ones that we have got here,” Mr Clarke explains.

“We have the capacity to make a difference." While grateful for the government funding his school receives, Mr Clarke said removing the barriers experienced by his students required outside assistance. With almost 2000 enrolments, the school is one of the largest in Victoria. It’s located in the 3214 postcode, which covers the Geelong suburbs of Corio, Norlane and North Shore, and has been ranked as one of the state’s worst when it comes to internet access, income, education levels, literacy and numeracy, long-term unemployment, juvenile offending and criminal convictions. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

When Roghayeh Sadeghi arrived at Northern Bay College as a 12-year-old she could only say "hello". Roghayeh Sadeghi wants to be a human rights lawyer. Credit:Jason South It was the first time the Afghan refugee – who grew up in Iran and moved to Australia after her father died – had attended school. "I had a lot of help from Northern Bay staff who helped me speak English and reach my potential," she said. The 16-year-old now wants to be a human rights lawyer.

“I have had a lot of struggles in my life,” she said. “I want to be someone who others can get help from.” Roghayeh is among about 20 students at the school on scholarships, and is receiving support from the Skyline Foundation and Australian Business and Community Network. She's used the money to buy textbooks, a desk, chair, laptop and to attend a leadership camp in Melbourne. Many of her peers have grown up in families where they've been told they're no good and can't achieve anything, she said. "It's time to change that. I know they have full potential and our teachers know they can do whatever they set their minds to."