New data shows a growing number of parents are choosing to enrol their children in Queensland’s independent schools.  

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today shows sector enrolments in Queensland independent schools grew by 3.8% in the 12 months between August 2021-2022 to more than 141,000 students.  

The independent schooling sector’s share of Queensland’s total 870,819 enrolments in 2022 also grew to 16.2%, up from 15.7% in 2021, according to the ABS 2022 Non-Government School Census (Commonwealth). 

The ABS data shows that Queensland independent schools enrolled an additional 5,363 students in 2022, taking total student enrolments to 141,313. The 3.8% growth in Queensland independent schools was well above the combined state average of 0.4% and the non-government (Catholic and independent combined) average of 2.4%. 

Full time equivalent staffing numbers in Queensland independent schools also increased to 18,585, up from the previous year’s figure of 17,820. 

Independent Schools Queensland Chief Executive Officer Christopher Mountford said the continued growth in the independent schooling sector reflected the considered approach parents took to choosing where to send their children to school. 

“We know parents take a holistic approach when choosing where to send their child to school, and independent schools offer this choice and diversity to parents,” Mr Mountford said. 

“More than 20 different religious, philosophical or non-denomination affiliations are represented by more than 230 independent schools across the state. 

“Whether it’s the teaching staff, the facilities and extra-curricular activities, or the philosophy or pedagogies on offer from individual schools, all of these factors weigh in to this important decision made by parents, and this is what a diverse independent schooling sector offers.” 

MEDIA CONTACT

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