Queensland students have returned to school in what is a milestone year for the State’s Department of Education, with a record 865,000 students enrolled.
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said eight new State schools had been opened.
“This is the highest number of new Queensland State schools to open on one day in more than 30 years, and forms part of the Government’s $1.46 billion investment in school infrastructure,” Ms Grace said.
“More than 578,000 of the students are enrolled in our 1,249 State schools, with the remaining 278,000 enrolled at Catholic or Independent schools.”
Ms Grace said the first day back at school was a good time to acknowledge the contribution of teachers, teacher aides, principals and other school support staff.
“As well as being a special day for students, their parents and carers, the first day of the new school year is also a day to celebrate our educators and support staff who do a tremendous job educating our next generation,” she said.
“Of the 53,000 teachers back in front of the classrooms, more than 1,000 are new teachers recruited for 2020.”
She said another key milestone for 2020 was in senior education, with Year 12 students set to become the first to complete their senior schooling in the new Queensland Certificate of Education system.
“For these students, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank will replace the Overall Position as the standard pathway to tertiary study,” Ms Grace said.
