2015 is shaping up as a significant year for Queensland schools

By 2031 it's expected that there will be an extra 257,000 school-aged children living in Queensland.

As outlined in the second report of the Queensland Schools Planning Commission, released earlier this month (15 July), as many as 119 new schools will be required to accommodate these extra students in the 30 areas identified to have the projected highest growth in the school-aged population.

Based on projections and school enrolment trends, potentially close to half of the new schools needed to accommodate these extra students will be in the non-state school sector. It is therefore vital that independent schools are supported to help meet this demand, including in the provision of adequate capital funding.

The Queensland Government has provided general capital support for non-state schools, including $51 million in the 2014-15 State Budget. It is also providing $86 million to non-state schools over four years under the Building our Future Schools Fund. It has flagged a further potential $1 billion Future Schools Fund for all schools under the draft Strong Choices Investment Program.

However, independent schools have concerns that this investment might fall short of what is needed to construct the more than 100 schools needed between now and 2031.

The independent school sector will continue to work with the State Government on the future investment required in schooling facilities to ensure the independent sector significantly contributes to meeting the need for new schools and increased places. In particular, a reduction in red tape and streamlined approval processes will be vital in helping establish new non-state schools.

Independent schools are also looking forward to being part of the State Government's Education Accord Summit in September, which aims to lay the foundations for ongoing success of Queensland schools and students and can build upon the important changes that have been implemented.