Enrolments at Queensland Special Schools Surge Sevenfold Over Decade

Enrolments at independent special assistance schools in Queensland have increased sevenfold since 2016, with more than 11,000 students attending these institutions in 2025. A new report commissioned by Independent Schools Queensland and conducted by research firm McCrindle reveals that principals are reporting extensive waiting lists across the sector.

Student Impact

Sixteen-year-old Joshua Houston, who has Tourette syndrome, previously experienced bullying and disciplinary action at a mainstream school where he felt unheard and disrespected. By year 9, Joshua was barely attending classes before his family found Kairos Community College in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast. Smaller classes, individual attention, and a flexible approach to assessments allowed him to regain confidence and earn an A in mathematics this year. His mother, Alicia Kerkow, noted that her son was previously punished for things he could not control, but now the family sees a big future.

Sector Growth

Data shows the number of independent special assistance schools in the state grew from 14 in 2016 to 31 in 2025. Separate figures from Queensland's Non-State Schools Accreditation Board indicate that overall enrolments in the special assistance sector more than doubled between 2022 and 2026. Kairos Community College state principal Luke O'Sullivan reported increasing demand and waiting lists across campuses for most year levels, with a new campus under construction at Nambour designed to strengthen student safety. Meanwhile, EREA Flexible Schools has expanded from six schools in 2010 to 26 nationally to support over 2,500 students, and groups running these institutions emphasize that funding must keep pace with demand.

Context

Special assistance schools operate as an alternative to mainstream classrooms for students who struggle with traditional educational environments due to various challenges. These institutions typically use smaller class sizes and personalized learning plans to support students who may have experienced exclusion or difficulties in standard schools.