Queensland school system

Queensland schools provide quality education in a safe and supportive environment—providing the skills, values and knowledge students need for lifelong learning, employment and to participate in society.

You can choose to enrol your child in:

• Queensland state (public) schools (international programs are delivered through Education Queensland International)
• Independent schools 
• Catholic schools.

Structure

Schooling in Queensland starts with a preparatory or Prep Year followed by 12 years of primary and secondary school.

Over the 13 years of schooling, students' studies are focused on the following learning areas:

• English
• mathematics
• studies of society and the environment
• science
• arts
• technology
• personal development
• health and physical education
• languages other than English (ESL).

Many Queensland schools also offer English language support to international students.

Contact your school to find out what kind of English language support is available.

Prep Year

The Prep Year is a 1 year (full-time) program available to children in the year before they start primary school.

Students are encouraged to engage all 5 senses to form a solid foundation in social, motor, literacy and numeracy skills.

Find out about enrolment age requirements for the Queensland Prep Year. 

Primary school

Students form foundational skills and knowledge based on the Curriculum.

Students are educated from Year 1 to 7.

Find out more about the Curriculum and how it relates to student learning. 

Secondary school

Secondary or high school is the final period of compulsory education for Queensland students.

Students are educated from Year 8 to 12.

The senior years of education (Year 10–12) are very important for students wishing to progress to university or further study.

Find out more about the senior years of education in Queensland schools. 

Qualifications

Students who have completed all 12 years of compulsory education from Year 1 to 12 will be eligible to qualify for the Queensland Certificate of Education. 

An Overall Position or OP is also awarded to eligible students and contributes to a student’s university eligibility.

Find out more about student OPs and tertiary entrance. 

Assessment

Students are assessed on their performance through tasks including:

• written assignments
• oral presentations
• practical exercises and demonstrations
• texts and examinations
• subject specific tasks.