New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that Queensland parents are choosing to enrol their children in the state’s independent schools in greater numbers than ever before.

ABS school census data released today shows the independent sector in Queensland grew by more than 5,000 students in the past 12 months. This represents a 3.8% increase overall and a market share of 17.3% of all Queensland students – the highest this has ever been.

Over the past decade, enrolments in the Queensland independent sector have increased 33% from 115,154 students in 2003 to 152,635 in 2024. This year also marks the sixth year in a row that independent school enrolments have grown at a higher rate than any other sector.

Independent Schools Queensland CEO, Chris Mountford said the ongoing and consistent growth across the sector was indicative of the importance parents place on having real choice for their children’s education.

“Choosing where to send your child to school is a parent’s right, and we are seeing that right being exercised more every year through strong enrolment growth in the independent sector,” Mr Mountford said.

“The independent sector in Queensland represents more than 230 diverse schools, from small vocational focused colleges, to special assistance schools helping young people who have disengaged from mainstream schooling, to various faith-based schools.

“With an additional 100,000 school-aged children projected to live in Queensland over the next two decades and the non-government sector expected to educate a significant number of these students, ongoing government capital support must be considered now.”

Mr Mountford said with construction costs rising by up to 40% over the past five years, and enrolments in the non-government sector consistently increasing, government capital support should be reviewed accordingly to ensure taxpayers continue to realise this significant value for money investment for Queensland school students.

“For every dollar of capital funds the Queensland government provides non-state schools in Queensland, the sector spends an additional $6 from other sources to build school facilities,” he said.

“Current annual capital funding provided by the State Government for non-state schools enables the sector to deliver roughly $870 million in classrooms and facilities annually.”

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