Brisbane Education & Schools

Brisbane has a wide range of educational and training facilities for all ages, to be expected for a modern Australian city.

Most Queensland children start Prep in the year in which they reach the age of five before June. Prep was introduced in 2007 to replace preschool and is available in all Queensland state schools and most non-state schools offering a primary program.

Children can either study at state (government funded) or private schools. They can also choose to study by distance education or home schooling. Many of the independent schools are run by religious organisations, however there are some that are non denominational.

High school ends for Queensland students at the age of 17 or 18 and finish off their year by receiving an Overall Position (OP) which is an entrance rank for selection into tertiary education.

There are several universities in Brisbane and other tertiary education facilities like TAFE colleges and private training institutions. Many of the Brisbane universities have on campus living and Colleges making them very popular with international students. Tertiary programs are not just open for school leavers but also adults choosing to return to education.

For those who simply want to attend a course for fun or interest there are a variety of short courses available at colleges and community centres. You’re never too old to go back to school! As the motto goes “Queensland: The Smart State”.

Schools in Brisbane

School Holiday Dates 2012

Queensland's school holiday dates are set by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts. Private schools base their holidays around the state school dates but often start earlier and end later.

School holiday dates for 2012

Autumn Holidays - Sat 31 March 2012 - Sun 15 April 2012
Winter Holidays - Sat 23 June 2012 - Sun 8 July 2012
Spring Holidays - Sat 22 September 2012 - Sun 7 October 2012
Summer Holidays - Sat 15 December 2012 - Mon 28 January 2013

Student free dates for 2012

Thursday 19 January 2012
Friday 20 January 2012
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Monday 9 July 2012
Monday 22 October 2012