More than a dozen schools across south-east Queensland will expand Prep enrolments next year in response to rapid population growth.
Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) has approved increased numbers in 16 schools in the region in response to heightened demand.
BCE Executive Director Dr Sally Towns said demographic shifts and rising student numbers would see more places made available in schools in areas such as in inner-city Brisbane, Beaudesert, Gold Coast and Springfield Lakes.
“BCE proactively responds and adapts to the needs and demands of our communities across our 146 schools across South-East Queensland,” Dr Towns said.
“While BCE has responded to growth in large greenfield areas like Yarrabilba, Aura, and Coomera with the construction of new schools, our focus will also remain on meeting the needs of our growing regions in our already established and thriving schools.”
St Williams Primary School Principal Nick Fogarty said the school, in the north-western Brisbane locality of Grovely, underwent significant renovations in 2024 to cater for the growing student population, adding new learning spaces and student facilities.
“We are very fortunate to have a large campus, which allowed us to remodel several classrooms during the recent school holidays and add a Ninja Course for students to play on during their breaks.”
Next year, he said, St Williams would also see a major redevelopment of the Prep and Year 1 playground and the Year 2 to 4 playground.
Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School Principal Christine Ioannides said the Springfield Lakes school would expand both their Prep and Year 5 classrooms in 2025.
Ms Ioannides said since 2023 the school had implemented gradual, meaningful changes, enhancing the learning experience for every student.
“Some of these changes include the introduction of specialist teachers in the areas of Health and Physical Education, Music, Digital Technologies, and Japanese, which has enriched the curriculum, allowing students to explore more diverse learning pathways.”
She said the school was ready to accommodate the growing population with the construction of new school facilities
“We currently have new playgrounds being built that are bigger and will provide our learners with a greater range of activities to play with during their break times,” she said.
“Our school is currently planning additional facilities, including classrooms, library and learning support spaces.”
St Mary’s School Beaudesert will also expand beyond Prep, with extra capacity in its Year 3 classrooms next year.
Principal Renay Condon said to accommodate its expanding student population, they had embarked on a masterplan to expand to three streams across the school.
“This exciting development is already underway, with both Prep and Year 3 set to move to three classes in 2025,” she said.
“As we continue to grow, our masterplan ensures we can provide the necessary facilities to support our students.”
St Finbarr’s School Principal Catherine Connors said positive parent testimonials were driving an increase in enrolment numbers at the school in the Brisbane suburb of Ashgrove.
“Parents love hearing about schools from other parents,” she said.
“We have a fabulous parent community that proactively shares the great things happening at our school.”
