Independence Day for Queensland state schools

More Queensland students will be given greater opportunities to reach their full potential and increase their job prospects with more state schools to be given a greater say in how they are run.

Premier Campbell Newman and Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek today announced 250 state schools would become Independent Public Schools in the next three years.

Mr Newman made the announcement while visiting Cairns State High School, one of 50 Queensland state schools set to become an Independent Public School in 2015. 

“Two and a half years ago, principals and school communities were shackled with red tape and regulation. Policy decisions were dictated to schools by a centralised bureaucracy with local parents and teachers given little say on teaching methods and programs,” he said.

“Since coming to office, we have been focussed on achieving better results and creating more job opportunities for Queensland students – by boosting teacher quality, improving student discipline and increasing school autonomy.

“Thanks to additional funding from the Abbott Government and the overwhelming interest from school communities to be part of the initiative, a total of 130 schools will be Independent Public Schools by 2015 and that will rise to 250 by 2017.

“Giving parents and school communities a real say on what is best for their local school is helping to improve kids’ education and job opportunities. By working together we’ve made real progress, but there is more to be done to achieve better results.

“The Newman LNP Government’s vision is to give our Queensland kids the best education in Australia. Our strong plan for Queensland education will mean better learning and employment outcomes for our children.”

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said research showed that autonomy could improve school performance and student results.

“From Malanda to Miami, Queensland state schools and their communities are also seeing firsthand the benefits of increased autonomy and the great results it can provide their students,” he said.

“We’ve seen innovative partnerships with local universities and industry groups, expanded music programs through partnerships with nearby schools, bring your own iPad programs and primary schools working with pre-Prep centres to ensure school readiness.

“State schooling in Queensland has gone from strength to strength and we are determined to continue working hard to see that continue for many years to come.”

Principal Angela Toppin said she was thrilled that Cairns State High School would become an IPS in 2015.

“Being an Independent Public School will enable us to expand our programs even further – particularly in the performing arts, languages and our International Baccalaureate (IB) program,” Mrs Toppin said.

“My first priority is to fund a middle years IB program with Edge Hill State School and enhance the teaching and learning of Chinese Mandarin as part of the global schools program.

“I also plan to develop a sports performance centre in partnership with local sporting and community organisations.  Thanks to the IPS initiative we are now able to turn these goals into a reality.”

Member for Cairns Gavin King said it was great to know that even more schools would be given the opportunity to benefit from more autonomy and less red tape.

“I’ve already seen the great achievements of Edge Hill State School that became an Independent Public School this year and I have no doubt that Cairns State High School will follow suit,” Mr King said.

“The extension of this program means that even more schools in Cairns will get the extra support they need to gain their independence.”

A full list of 2015 Independent Public Schools follows:

2015 Independent Public Schools

Albany Hills State School

Ashmore State School

Bellevue Park State School

Boondall State School

Bounty Boulevard State School

Boyne Island State School

Brookfield State School

Burpengary State School

Burpengary State Secondary College (NEW SCHOOL OPENING IN 2015)

Cairns State High School

Caloundra State School

Caningeraba State School

Capricornia School of Distance Education

Centenary State High School

Childers State School

Coomera Rivers State School

Earnshaw State College

Eatons Hill State School

Elanora State School

Hilder Road State School

Jindalee State School

Jinibara State School

Kalbar State School

Kenmore State School

Kin Kin State School

Kirwan State School

Lake Clarendon State School

Mackay District Special School

Malanda State High School

Maroochydore State High School

Merrimac State School

Miami State High School

Mountain Creek State School

Nobby State School

Norman Park State School

Ormeau State School

Oxley State School

Pimpama State Primary College (NEW SCHOOL OPENING IN 2015)

Pullenvale State School

Rainworth State School

Redcliffe State High School

Samford State School

Seven Hills State School

Springfield Central State School

St Helens State School

Stretton State College

The Gap State School

Upper Mount Gravatt State School

Windsor State School

Yeronga State High School

[ENDS] 5 November 2014                                       

Media contacts: Premier’s Office – 3719 7000

Minister’s Office - Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652