Interest in faith-based schooling is growing across South-East Queensland, with more than 5000 families enrolled to attend Brisbane Catholic Education’s 2026 Open Week.
BCE Head of School Performance Brett Horton said the unprecedented population explosion across SEQ had been reflected in enrolment demand.
Mr Horton said enrolment growth “hotspots” included established Brisbane schools which were undergoing major upgrades, as well as new sites such as St Bonaventure College at Flagstone, and Notre Dame College at Bells Creek.
To meet this demand, BCE is investing more than $300 million in infrastructure upgrades to its schools – these total 146 campuses from Currumbin in the south, to Harvey Bay in the north, and out to the Burnett, Sunshine Coast and Lockyer Valley.
“Catholic education has contributed and continues to contribute to the fabric of our society here in Queensland, and particularly in the Archdiocese of Brisbane,” Mr Horton said.
“A faith and values-based education coupled with high-quality academic outcomes continues to be appealing for parents.
“Catholic education encourages people to see the goodness, see the potential, and see the dignity in every human person.
“It’s a great responsibility and an absolute privilege when parents choose our schools to educate their child.”
He said the proposed development of an inner city Catholic co-educational college at Windsor had generated considerable expressions of interest from parents.
The college would allow BCE to provide a Prep to Year 12 pathway for students in the inner city.
BCE’s response to the demographic shifts and rising student numbers across the region are reflected in the expansion of its Prep intake across 25 schools in 2026, and an additional Prep class for 11 schools.
From 2019 to 2024, the Brisbane Archdiocese has experienced an 11 percent population increase, with a further 10 percent growth expected by 2031.
Mr Horton said BCE was also investing heavily in rural and regional BCE schools to ensure students in those areas experienced the same high-quality, inclusive Catholic education as city schools.
Parents and carers of BCE’s 80,000 student population were asked in 2024 what mattered to them the most when choosing a school.
“These parents overwhelmingly told us they consider a focus on social justice, values, and community to be one of the most influential factors when it comes to school selection,” Mr Horton said.
“Students are at the heart of all of our decision making, ensuring we are dedicated to nurturing the minds and spirits of our students, creating an environment where they can thrive and reach their fullest potential.”
To find out more, BCE will run an Open Week across its campuses from April 27 to May 3.
To visit the nearest campus near you, click here.
