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
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