Enrolment with a school of distance education
An 'at home school option' is available through a School of Distance Education. For example, the Brisbane School of Distance Education (BSDE) offers enrolment to 'by choice' families, who do not wish to or cannot access their local state school. They provide a full curriculum and teacher support. The parent/s are the tutor for the student as they do their school work at home.
For 'by choice' families, BSDE does charge a fee, but this includes all curriculum materials and teacher support. Parents would need to discuss enrolment directly with them and request an enrolment package or obtain an application from their website. An application for partial of full waiver of the fee can be made under certain circumstances.
There are a range of schools of distance education throughout Queensland, and their contact details can be accessed via the Home Education website.
To contact BSDE phone (07) 3727 2444 or visit the BSDE website.
Student resource scheme fees
To provide a cost-effective option for parents through a school's bulk purchasing practices, many school communities have chosen to operate a textbook and resource scheme which enables textbooks and other resources to be used or purchased by parents at cheaper rates. These schemes require the endorsement of the school's parents and citizens' association to operate.
Participation by a parent in such a scheme is voluntary, based on a determination of the value derived from the scheme. If a parent chooses to participate in the scheme, a fee will be due and payable for the resources provided to the student.
On lodgement of the completed Participation Agreement Form with the school and payment of the participation fee in accordance with the agreed payment arrangement, the school shall provide the items to the student when due for the student's use.
Payment of the participation fee by the parent is a requirement for continued participation in the scheme. An unpaid fee will be subject to the school's debt recovery processes.
Please see the Student Resource Scheme and State Education Fees procedures for more information.
Conditions of fee exemption for dependant students
The Department of Education offers fee exemptions for eligible dependant students of temporary visa holders whose parents are studying in Queensland tertiary institutions.