Queensland independent schools are expected to welcome more than 138,000 new and returning domestic students in 2022.
Two new independent schools and one new campus have also been approved to open in Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Term 1, 2022.
They will bring the total number of independent schools in Queensland to 231 operating across more than 280 campuses (see new schools list below).
Independent Schools Queensland CEO Chris Mountford (pictured left) said a consistent increase in enrolments across the year levels was expected as more families made the move from southern states to Queensland as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A small but consistent growth per year group state-wide is forecast for the Queensland independent schooling sector in 2022,” Mr Mountford said.
“This growth is also consistent with the latest figures showing independent schools now catering for 15.5% of total student enrolments in the State in 2021.
“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, 2022 Queensland independent schools are expected to welcome about 8,300 Prep students, 13,000 Year 7s and 12,000 Year 12s.
Choice and diversity of independent sector a ‘major drawcard’ for parents
Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network Executive Officer Justine Cirocco (pictured below) said choice and diversity was a major drawcard for new parents and families joining the independent sector for the first time in 2022.
“Parents have the right to choose how and where their children are educated in line with their own personal values and beliefs, and independent schools in Queensland embody this,” Ms Cirocco said.
“I would like to welcome all of the new families joining the independent sector in 2022 and encourage them to embrace the many opportunities their independent schools provide to get involved in school life and to engage in their child’s education.”
Back to school dates
The majority of Queensland schools are expected to start the new school year for face-to-face learning for Prep – Year 10 from 7 February 2022, with Years 11 and 12 starting remote learning from 31 January.
However, some independent schools may have different start dates with some starting online learning from today (Monday 24 January). Parents should check commencement dates with individual schools.
Read more about 2022’s delayed return to school arrangements in our recent story.
Supporting your child with the transition back to school: read our guide for parents.
New independent schools
Australian Industry Trade College – Brisbane (Spring Hill, Brisbane) – a co-educational, senior school offering apprenticeships and traineeships. The school will commence with Year 10 students.
IQRA College of Brisbane (Berrinba, Brisbane) – a co-educational, primary school for students in Prep to Year 6.
New campuses
Silkwood School – a new campus of the College, for senior students, located at Robina.
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.
*This story was originally published on ISQ’s website as New Independent Schools and Enrolments for 2022.
