New needs-based funding structure for non-state schools

In an historic agreement between the non-state school sector and the State Government, Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today committed a greater share of State Government funding to Queensland’s most needy non-state schools in 2009.

Mr Welford said the Bligh Government had committed to providing a greater proportion of support to non-state schools that service students with the highest needs.

“This new policy will create a more equitable funding arrangement for non-state schools across Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“It will benefit schools with the highest needs, including those with high numbers of students with disabilities, students with a non-English speaking background, Indigenous students and students from isolated areas.

“Schools in isolated areas and boarding schools that give boarding fee concessions in cases of economic hardship will also benefit.

“This policy will also direct a greater proportion of the available funding to schools in low socioeconomic areas and those with relatively low private income.”

“Schools such as St Brendan’s School at Moorooka on Brisbane’s southside are set to benefit from a greater share of this funding.

“St Brendan’s has a significant percentage of students that come from a refugee background and nearly half the school population speaks English as their second language.

“Schools like St Brendan’s need extra funding and support to help students achieve educational outcomes.”

Mr Welford said under the current arrangements just 22.5 per cent of the funding allocated to non-state schools was provided according to the needs of schools.

“Over the next few years, we will gradually increase the proportion of this needs-based funding to 40 per cent of the total recurrent funding provided to non-state schools.”

Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director Mike Byrne said he supported the new needs-based funding structure because it would provide greater benefits to disadvantaged students and schools with the greatest needs.

“Some schools need extra support to deal with complex issues such as social disadvantage, high levels of disability and non-English speaking backgrounds,” Mr Byrne said.

“I welcome the State Government’s commitment to address this complexity.”

Independent Schools Queensland Executive Director Dr John Roulston AM said he also supported additional funding being provided to needy schools.

“Increased needs-based funding will ensure schools in greatest need receive the funding they need in the future to improve educational outcomes for students,” Dr Roulston said.

Mr Welford said the rate of per capita funding for non-state schools would not decrease under the policy.

“Base funding for all non-state schools will remain at current levels while the new policy is phased in over the next few years,” he said.

“Our Government allocated $412.8 million in recurrent funding to non-state schools in the 2008-09 budget. A further $50.4 million was allocated for capital assistance funding for non-state schools in 2008-09.

“Our Government supports choice in education.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985