Independent Public Schools to continue in Queensland

Education Minister Grace Grace said Independent Public Schools will remain in Queensland and called on the Federal Government to re-instate the funding.

Speaking at independent public school Ironside State School today, Ms Grace said a recent evaluation report, led by PotentialPlus Solutions, contained seven recommendations aimed at refining the model and sharing the benefits across all state schools.

“Scott Morrison cut funding to this program over 12 months ago,” Ms Grace said.

“The Federal Government’s funding ceased in 2017 but the Palaszczuk Government has maintained it.

“We will continue to provide funding for at least this term of Government, but we want the Federal Government to step up and pay their fair share, too. Students in an IPS school today will continue to be in an IPS school tomorrow and for the rest of this term of Government.”

Ms Grace said IPS had also revealed several positive initiatives that could be rolled out to all state schools, particularly around strengthened local decision making.

“We have 1240 state schools and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting all of them to deliver a world class education,” Ms Grace said.

“The recent evaluation has found effective leadership, engaged parents and community partnerships are positive contributors to continued improvement for Queensland state schools. 

“This is in line with the work we’ve already started in looking at ways we can ‘let leaders lead’ by supporting principals to make informed decisions at the local level.”

Ms Grace said a Steering Committee would be established to immediately start working with stakeholder groups to further consider the recommendations.

“We want to make sure all stakeholders are consulted about how any benefits of the IPS program will roll out across our network of schools,” she said.

“The Steering Committee, to be led by the Director-General of Education, will be required to report back to Cabinet by the end of the year. This consultation is about making sure all Queensland state school students will benefit.”

The Evaluation of the Independent Public Schools Initiative 2018 Report is available on the Department of Education website.

Media contact: Scott Chandler 0439 578 472