Queensland offers a diverse range of schooling options, giving families a choice in the schooling outcomes of their children. Government schools, referred to as state schools, are funded and run by the Queensland Government, while non-government schools, referred to as non-state schools, are independent of the government and operated by their respective governing bodies.
The Queensland Government supports non-state schools with funding and services in recognition of their valuable contribution to Queensland’s education system, which includes diverse educational philosophies, and religious and other organisational affiliations.
There is a framework in place for non-state schools in Queensland to ensure each school and its governing body meets the prescribed standards for education and is accountable for its operations.
Office of Non-State Education
The Office of Non-State Education within the Department of Education assists the Minister for Education to fulfil their responsibilities for non-state education in Queensland. This includes providing advice for Queensland Government consideration on non-state education policy, planning and funding in accordance with the:
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Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (EGPA) and Regulation 2017
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Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2017 (the Accreditation Act) and Regulation 2017
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Education (Capital Assistance) Act 1993 (CAA) and Regulation 2015.
The Department of Education administers funding for targeted grant programs and subsidies on behalf of the Queensland Government for non-state schools and other community organisations. More information regarding the
non-state school funding programs is available.
Funding and Program related enquiries:
Email:
OfficeOfNonStateEducation@qed.qld.gov.au
Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB)
NSSAB is the independent statutory body responsible for the accreditation and ongoing monitoring of non-state schools in Queensland. NSSAB is established under the
Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2017.
Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
QCT is the regulatory body for the teaching profession in Queensland. QCT is established under the
Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act 2005 and the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Regulation 2016.
Non-state schools in Queensland
The department's
schools directory lists all non-state schools in Queensland. This includes boarding schools, campuses and board-approved schools or sites that are yet to commence.
Governing bodies
A non-state school's governing body is responsible for the daily operations of the school, including its policies, procedures and compliance with legislation. In accordance with the
Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2017, NSSAB must determine whether the governing body of each non-state school remains suitable.
A list of approved governing bodies for each non-state school can be found on the
NSSAB website.
Non-state schools accreditation framework review
An independent review of the non-state schools accreditation framework (NSSAF) has been completed, delivering recommendations to ensure a contemporary non-state schools accreditation framework. More information regarding the
NSSAF is available.
Non-state school legislation and reporting requirements
Core legislation that applies to non-state schools in Queensland includes: