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Choosing a school

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In Queensland there are almost 1,300 state schools and over 450 independent and Catholic schools.

The schools directory provides contact details for all state, independent and Catholic schools, including email and website addresses if available. For an alternative search option, use the region maps.

Choosing a state school

Queensland state education operates as a partnership between schools and their communities. All state schools are co-educational. Primary schools offer education from Prep to Year 6 and secondary schools offer education from Years 7 to 12.

The school year usually runs from late January to mid December. It is divided into 2 semesters, with 2 terms in each and vacation breaks for Easter, winter, spring and summer.

Children usually attend the state school closest to where they live; however, parents can send their children to the state school of their choice, depending on available places. Some schools have a School Enrolment Management Plan that means students may not be able to enrol unless they live within the designated catchment zone. A small number of schools have an Enrolment Eligibility Plan that means students may not be able to enrol unless they meet specific enrolment criteria.

Parents can search for schools in their local area via the schools directory.

School websites are a good starting point for parents to understand the culture and philosophy of a school.

Principals or other staff members can also provide tours, classroom visits and information.

All students with disability can attend their local state school. Some students with disability may be eligible to enrol in a state special school. Information about how Queensland state schools support students with disability can be found on the students with disability page.

To help decide which school is best for your child, consider the following:

  • What are your child's needs and interests?
  • Is the school reasonably close to home, work and carers?
  • What facilities does the school offer? Are you comfortable with the feel of it?
  • What are the school policies on homework, discipline and safety?
  • Are other services available such as after school care?

Parents may wish to ask prospective schools about:

  • the size of the school
  • when to enrol
  • teaching methods, classrooms and learning environments
  • uniform policy
  • school hours
  • levies
  • assessment and reporting procedures
  • available resources
  • extracurricular activities
  • communication between home and school
  • student participation (e.g. school council)
  • parental involvement (e.g. parents and citizens' association).

Copies of the school rules or code of conduct, newsletters, prospectus and annual report will give you further information about the school and its activities.​

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Last updated 09 February 2024