Special assistance schools save Queensland government hundreds of millions

A report commissioned by Independent Schools Queensland and conducted by McCrindle estimates that graduates from special assistance schools provide a massive economic benefit to Australian governments.

These schools cater to students who have become disengaged from mainstream education. The report suggests that these graduates could save the state and federal governments approximately $416 million over their working lives. The study calculates these savings by comparing tax income against costs for welfare, healthcare, and incarceration.

For instance, the report notes that 69 per cent of Australian prisoners did not complete education beyond year 10. It also found that 19 per cent of people aged 20 to 29 who left school after year 10 suffered from mental health conditions, while only 12 per cent of high school graduates fell into that category. The researchers claim that re-engaging a single at-risk student delivers a benefit of $226,100 to Queensland.

The special assistance sector in Queensland grew sevenfold over the last decade, reaching about 11,000 enrolments in 2025. These schools receive significant government funding, with some campuses receiving almost $39,000 per student in the 2023-24 financial year. While some families choose homeschooling, many lack the capacity to support a student at home.

Experts note that as career requirements become more skilled and competitive, these specialized pathways help students who do not fit into mainstream systems avoid social isolation while obtaining necessary qualifications.