Increased autonomy for more Independent Public Schools

Published Wednesday, 16 October, 2013 at 01:04 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman

Minister for Education, Training and Employment
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

Premier Campbell Newman and Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek have today announced another 54 state schools across Queensland would become Independent Public Schools from the start of 2014.

Mr Newman said the second-round of the government’s Independent Public Schools initiative had received more than 100 applications from schools wanting a greater say in how they are run.

“At the election we committed to giving 90 Queensland state schools more autonomy in our first term through the Independent Public Schools initiative,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to announce that because of overwhelming interest we are now well ahead of schedule and will see 80 Independent Public Schools operating from next year.”

Minister for Education Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said that Queensland schools and students were benefiting as a result of the increased autonomy afforded through our Independent Public Schools initiative.

“By cutting red tape and removing layers of bureaucracy, school communities are empowered to make more decisions that impact directly on students’ learning,” he said.

“The first 26 Independent Public Schools have led the way this year, showing great innovation in the way they are managing their resources and tailoring programs to meet the needs of their school communities.

“Research shows that autonomy can improve school performance and student outcomes, which is why the Newman Government is investing $21 million in the Independent Public Schools initiative.”

Mr Langbroek said careful consideration had been given to the selection of Independent Public Schools.

“Queensland state schools already have a good deal of autonomy, however we recognise that not all schools will be ready to take on the additional independence offered through this initiative,” he said.

“The schools selected for this next round are considered to be in the best position to benefit from increased autonomy to achieve the best outcomes for their students and local communities.

“As Independent Public Schools, they share the same core values and have access to the same support as other Queensland State Schools.

“The difference is that Independent Public Schools have more autonomy over decisions that can be made at a local level, such as recruiting teachers, managing resources and tailoring curriculum.”

Mr Langbroek said Independent Public Schools would receive a one-off payment of $50,000 to assist with the transition, plus an extra $50,000 in funding each year.

“The greater flexibility that comes with being an Independent Public School will enable school communities to use this additional funding to explore more innovative ways to tailor programs to maximise students’ potential,” he said.

Minister Langbroek visited Mansfield State High School in Brisbane today, which was named as one of the state’s newest Independent Public Schools.

A link to the DETE TV Independent Public Schools video can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/user/DETQueensland

(This can also be used as an additional vision and audio source for media).

A full list of 2014 Independent Public Schools follows.

2014 Independent Public Schools

Albany Creek State School

Alexandra Hills State High School 

Ascot State School

Aspley East State School

Aspley State School

Benowa State High School

Broadbeach State School

Bulimba State School

Camp Hill Infants and Primary School

Chancellor State College

Coomera Springs State School

Corinda State High School

Craigslea State High School

Edge Hill State School

Enoggera State School

Ferny Grove State High School

Ferny Grove State School

Golden Beach State School

Helensvale State High School

Hermit Park State School

Highland Reserve State School

Indooroopilly State High School

Ironside State School

Ithaca Creek State School

James Nash State High School

Kelvin Grove State College

Kenmore South State School

MacGregor State High School

Macgregor State School

Mansfield State High School

Meridan State College

Middle Park State School

Milton State School

Mitchelton State School

Narangba State School

Narangba Valley State School

North Lakes State College

Ormiston State School

Palmwoods State School

Pimlico State High School

Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI)

Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS)

Queensland Academy for Science, Maths and Technology (QASMAT)

Robertson State School

Rochedale State School

Southport Special School

Springfield Central State High School

Sunnybank Hills State School

Tallebudgera State School

The Gap State High School

Varsity College

Wavell State High School

Wellers Hill State School

West End State School


[ENDS] 16 October 2013                                        

Media contacts:

Premier’s Office – 3224 4500

Minister’s Office - Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652