Five of the students are boys from the Clontarf Football Academy - the first to graduate through the program.

Aaron Jetta, Neville Jetta, Lewis Jetta, Clinton Garlett and Graham Taylor will celebrate finishing Year 12 tomorrow night at the school’s graduation ceremony.

Korrine Yarran was part of the follow your dream program, which involved her putting in extra hours after school for tutoring and assistance with homework.

“For us it has been a real coup because of the programs we have put in place for indigenous students,” principal Susan Kerr said.

Mrs Kerr said staff and students had been working hard to help the students reach their full potential and it had been reflected in better grades, participation and attendance.

Director of the South West Clontarf Academy Mark Skehan said the football program had done a lot to keep students engaged in high school.

The indigenous sport and education program has been so successful two students are up for the AFL draft.

“It gives them the expectation that Year 12 is achievable for them,” Mr Skehan said.

“Two re-engaged last year having left school and another made the admission he probably would have left had it not been for the academy.”

The Clontarf Football Academy started at Newton Moore last year and uses football to encourage indigenous male students to stay in school and finish Year 12

The academy was started in 2000 by AFL and WAFL coach Gerard Neesham after he recognised young Aborigines excelled in the football environment and it had a positive impact on their self-esteem, their families and the wider Aboriginal community.

Mr Skehan said the program has been a positive change for the whole school community.

Student Neville Jetta said the program and the teachers involved had been helpful with his school work.

“And the football trips and games have been really great,” Neville said.

Mrs Kerr said the students were role models for younger students and had bright employment and sporting futures.