New Ripley Valley schools reach double milestone

Published Friday, 27 September, 2019 at 06:13 AM

Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Grace Grace

Education Minister Grace Grace has officially announced the final catchment maps and names of the two new state schools being built in Ripley Valley.

Ms Grace said the $50 million primary school will be called Ripley Valley State Primary College, catering for prep to year 6 students in 2020.

The $70 million high school will be named Ripley Valley State Secondary College, welcoming year 7 and 8 students in 2020.

“This is a very exciting milestone for the Ripley Valley and Ipswich communities,” Ms Grace said.

“After plenty of consultation with the local community, it’s great that residents of the Ecco Ripley Development will be included in the primary school catchment area.”

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller said it was important that residents had the opportunity to have a say.

“We know this has been a hot topic amongst my community which is why the Department has taken the time to listen to residents, considering all feedback in creating the catchment.”

Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard said the catchment area was a win for her local community.

“I’m over the moon to see the Ecco Ripley residents included in the primary school catchment,” she said.

"One of the joys of my job is getting great outcomes for local people. Thank you to the Ecco Ripley residents who worked with me to get these changes made to the catchment.

“These two principals can both start taking enrolments from term 4.”

Ms Grace said the countdown was on until the two state-of-the-art schools open, along with six others across Queensland.

“These schools will be game changers for the Ripley Valley and Ipswich communities and are supporting local jobs, with over 300 tradies on site every day,” she said.

“Stage 1 of Ripley Valley State Primary College will include an admin building, canteen and resource centre, a multi-purpose hall and oval, as well as areas for prep and general learning.

“Stage 1 of Ripley Valley State Secondary College will deliver an admin building, robotics centre, business, fashion and graphic design centre, plus flexible general learning spaces.

“The school will also open with a sports field, hospitality centre, art and design centre, senior technology centre and indoor and outdoor sports courts.”

Click here to view the catchment maps.

For more information on the new Ripley Valley schools, visit: https://qed.qld.gov.au/programs-initiatives/det/building-education/new-schools-for-2020

Media contact: Laura McKee – 0451 997 920