Queensland schools play a pivotal role in the enhancement and provision of social infrastructure across the state. These institutions offer a unique blend of academic excellence and community engagement that contributes significantly to the overall development of students and the broader society.

As Queensland gears up for a period of significant growth, increased pressure will be placed on these educational institutions unless we take appropriate measures now to ensure we can capitalise on this opportunity and set our young people up for future success.

Between 2013 and 2023, enrolments across the Queensland independent school sector alone have increased 28% from 113,942 to 145,466 students.
It’s projected that in the next 20 years number of school-aged children in Queensland will increase by 13% or about 111,000 students.

We expect the next 10 years to be a “ramp up” period, with an annual growth rate of school-aged children of 0.4% before this number jumps to 0.8% in the following decade.

This growth also comes with an expectation of choice in educational options from parents and an opportunity to accommodate and embrace the diversity of these families who will choose to call Queensland home.

The state’s unique geography provides an ideal backdrop for innovative educational approaches. New schools can experiment with context-specific curricula, such as environmental education for coastal communities and agriculture-focused programs for rural areas.

Accommodating diversity in schools ensures education reaches remote communities. These schools can address the specific challenges and aspirations of students in these areas, bridging the urban-rural education divide. Our state also has a rich indigenous heritage, and accommodating schools designed for these communities and can help preserve and promote indigenous knowledge and cultural learning.

Queensland’s education landscape needs to remain inclusive by offering a range of educational options that cater to diverse needs. Whether it’s special education, gifted programs, or vocational training, inclusivity can and is being achieved through different schools.

To ensure choice and diversity in Queensland’s education landscape over the next decade, a targeted approach is needed by government and tailored policies should be developed that encourage the establishment and sustainability of these different schools, whichever sector they may be.

Choice and diversity in education are not just buzzwords; they are vital for Queensland’s future prosperity. By accommodating new and varied schools tailored to the unique needs of the state, Queensland can build a dynamic and inclusive educational landscape that empowers its diverse population for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade.