Specialist programs, friend networks drive enrolment wait lists for hundreds of state schools

Pictures of parents camped out to enrol their children in Brisbane’s tops schools have triggered questions as to why some schools are in such high demand, with one expert putting it down to one key element rather than the quality of the education.

Pictures of parents camped out to enrol their children in Brisbane’s top schools have sparked debate about the desperation for out-of-catchment-enrolments and quality classrooms.

But data from the Department of Educations shows Sherwood and Graceville state schools, where families pitched camping chairs last Tuesday, are among hundreds of Queensland schools on the brink of capacity and forced to restrict out-of-catchment enrolments.

News of parents queuing for 24 hours attracted criticism from some readers, with one commenting that hype was often based on hearsay from other parents who had little idea when it came to academic benchmarks.

Others speculated that the hysteria came about from the discrepancy between the facilities and education provided at different public schools.

But the chief executive of P&Cs Queensland Scott Wiseman believes the demand for out-of-catchment enrolments is largely driven by specialist programs offered by certain schools rather than the general quality of the education.

“There is a growing focus on some schools offering specialist programs in sports, academics, arts and other areas,” Mr Wiseman said.

“Out of catchment enrolments can allow students with particular passion in these areas to flourish.”

Parents on Tuesday told The Courier-Mail they were happy to pitch camp chairs to join a schools waitlist based on recommendations from friends, academic achievements and friend groups.

Parents queue outside Sherwood State School on Tuesday, April 19. Picture: Kayla Mclean

Mr Wiseman said it was important that parents considered the full offerings of a school rather than focusing on specific programs at the school.

“Additional considerations are their students needs and well being, existing friend networks, travel, overall school performance and feedback from existing parents of the school via social media or contacting the schools P&C,” he said.

Mr Wiseman said an active school community was also a positive indicator for a school’s success given the support that P&Cs provided.

The Department of Education lists almost 600 schools with an School Enrolment Management Plan which have exceeded 80 per cent of their enrolment capacity or those which are new and likely to attract a large cohort from outside the catchment.

Principals of these schools are required to restrict the enrolment of students from outside the area in order to ensure sufficient facilities are available for students who live nearby.

Out-of-catchment students applying for enrolment at a state school are placed on a waiting list and assessed in order of receipt.

A sign outside Sherwood State School

Data released by the Department of Education in 2021 revealed Corinda State High School had the highest number of out-catchment-enrolments in Queensland at 1624 students, or 78 per cent.

Brisbane State High School and Kelvin Grove State College were close behind.

Tent Hill Lower State School near Gatton and Woongarra State School near Bundaberg also had a high percentage of out-of-catchment enrolments, with Mr Wiseman saying there weren’t obvious localities with an increased demand.

A spokesman from the Department of Education said the latest data for out-of-catchment enrolments in 2022 was expected to be released within the next few weeks.