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Queensland independent schools are expected to welcome more than 145,000 new and returning domestic students in 2023.

Six new independent schools and nine new campuses have also been approved to open in Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Townsville and Far North Queensland in 2023. They will bring the total number of independent schools in Queensland to 238 operating across more than 295 campuses (see new schools list below).

Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) CEO Chris Mountford said while independent school enrolments were still increasing, the rate at which they were growing had slowed after a period of significant growth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Independent schools in Queensland saw a significant increase in enrolments throughout the pandemic as families made the decision to move to Queensland as a result of lockdowns and changes in work circumstances,” Mr Mountford said.

“While this overall growth has slowed as predicted, we are still forecasting a 3.8% increase in total enrolments compared to the previous year, with the independent sector catering for 16% of all Queensland school enrolments in 2023.

“This is highlighted in a small but consistent forecasted growth per year group state-wide.

“These figures will only be confirmed once the February non-state schools census data is released, but early indications do point to steady growth for the sector.”

In Term 1, 2023 Queensland independent schools are expected to welcome about 8,400 Prep students, 13,600 Year 7s and 12,200 Year 12s.

Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network Executive Officer Amanda Watt welcomed the new families joining the independent schooling sector in 2023.

“Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision and we know parents spend much time researching their choice,’’ Ms Watt said.

“We are lucky in Queensland to have a plethora of schools in the independent sector – ranging from small special assistance schools to large colleges - offering parents wonderful choice and diversity.

“Decades of research tells us that children flourish when families and schools work together as partners, so I’d encourage parents to take up invitations to engage with their child’s learning and support our wonderful teachers wherever they can.’’

All new non-state schools must meet legislated accreditation criteria before they are approved to operate by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board. Existing independent schools opening new campuses or changing aspects related to their accreditation must also obtain Board approval. All non-state schools are not-for-profit.

New independent schools due to open in 2023 on the first day of Term 1 or as indicated

Challenge Trade and Business College – Collingwood Park, South West Brisbane – a co-educational, senior school offering apprenticeships and traineeships. The school will commence with Year 11 students.

Clearview Christian College – Tannum Sands – a co-educational, secondary school for students in Years 7 to 12.  The school will commence with Year 7 & 8 students.

Compass Independent School – Kelvin Grove, Brisbane – a co-educational, multi-age, primary school for students in Prep to Year 6. The school will commence with students in Years Prep to 5.

Connections Community College – Burpengary, North Brisbane – a co-educational, secondary special assistance school for students in Year 7 to Year 12. The school is approved to open in July for students in Years 7 to 9.

Eaton College – Mount Louisa, Townsville – a co-educational, primary and secondary school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Prep to Year 10.  The school is approved to open in July for students in Years Prep to 3.

Kluthuthu Christian College – Napranum, Far North Queensland – a co-educational, primary school for students in Prep to Year 6.

New campuses

Carinity Education - Rockhampton – a new campus for the special assistance school, located at Mount Chalmers, for students in Year 7 to 9.

Australian Industry Trade College – Redlands – a new campus of the college, located at Ormiston, for students in Year 10 to 12.

Hillcrest Christian College – a new campus of the college, located at Coolangatta, for students in Year 7 to 9.

Indie School – a new campus for the special assistance school, located at Thuringowa, North Queensland, for students in Year 9 to 12.

Mastery Schools Australia – new campuses for the special assistance school, located in Coolangatta, Nerang and Southport, for students in Year 4 to 10.

Ohana College – a new campus for the special assistance school, located at Meadowbrook, for students in Year 7 to 12.

The Busy School – new campuses for the special assistance school, located in Brisbane City, Cleveland and Southport, for students in Year 11 and 12.

YMCA Vocational School – Brisbane South – a new senior campus for the special assistance school, located at Parkinson, for students in Year 10 to 12.

YMCA Vocational School – Moreton Bay – a new campus for the special assistance school, located at Kepock, for students in Year 7 to 12.

Media Contact

Callum Bentley
0428 612 315 | media@isq.qld.edu.au


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