Independent Public Schools making history

Queensland’s first Independent Public Schools are about to forge a new path for state education, with more autonomy to recruit teachers, manage resources and tailor curriculum to the needs of their students.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said 26 Queensland state schools would start the school year as Independent Public Schools in a history-making first.

“This Newman Government initiative will see our first Independent Public Schools spending less time cutting through red tape this year and more time improving student outcomes,” Mr Langbroek said.

“It delivers on our election commitment to lift education standards by giving schools more control over their decision making.

“Each school has received $50,000 to assist with the change and an extra $50,000 in funding each year for administrative purposes.

“The principals I have spoken to have been very enthusiastic and I look forward to seeing some great results from them this year.”

Mr Langbroek said the Independent Public Schools model had worked well in other jurisdictions, and would be extended to 120 Queensland state schools by 2016.

“The Newman Government is committed to working with Principals, teachers, parents and the wider school community to deliver the very best education for Queensland kids,” he said.

“There will be more opportunities this year for state schools to put their hand up to become Independent Public Schools in 2014.

“I encourage staff, students, parents and carers to keep a close eye on the progress made by our first Independent Public Schools and consider how this innovative new model might benefit their school communities.”

For more information about Queensland’s Independent Public Schools initiative visit the Education Queensland website at http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/independent-public-schools/index.html

2013 Independent Public Schools

·         Aldridge State High School

·         Ashgrove State School

·         Aspley State High School

·         Banksia Beach State School

·         Belmont State School

·         Brightwater State School

·         Mountain Creek State High School

·         Brisbane State High School

·         Calamvale Community College

·         Cleveland District State High School

·         Darling Point Special School

·         Kenmore State High School

·         Kirwan State High School

·         Mango Hill State School

·         McDowall State School

·         Miles State School

·         Murrumba State Secondary College

·         Nambour State High School

·         Noosa District State High School

·         Narangba Valley State High School

·         Palm Beach Currumbin State High School

·         Peregian Springs State School

·         Smithfield State High School

·         Southport State High School

·         Tagai State College

·         Tallebudgera Outdoor Education School

[ENDS] 23 January 2012