A quality school education is essential if young people are to have access to the greatest possible opportunities in life, but it is not a universal experience in Australia. Instead, too many young people are disengaged from school, especially those in the middle years of schooling and those living in disadvantaged areas. This study examined the experience of nine schools serving disadvantaged communities that had improved student outcomes against the odds through the introduction of a student-centred or personalised learning approach. Method is appended. [This report was produced by the Education Foundation Australia with funding from The R.E. Ross Trust. Foreword by Barry McGraw. Preface by Adam Smith.]