New research shows Queensland’s independent Special Assistance Schools are transforming the lives of vulnerable young people while delivering significant long-term economic benefits for the state.

The report, The Social and Economic Impact of Independent Special Assistance Schools in Queensland, found that every young person who re-engages with education and completes Year 12 through a Special Assistance School generates an estimated lifetime social and economic benefit of $226,100.

Based on the sector’s 2025 graduating cohort of around 2,000 students, that equates to a total benefit of $452 million.

Conducted by McCrindle and commissioned by Independent Schools Queensland, the research examines the experiences and outcomes of students attending Queensland’s independent Special Assistance Schools, which support young people who have disengaged, or are at risk of disengaging, from mainstream education.

The report comes as enrolments in Queensland’s independent Special Assistance Schools have increased seven-fold since 2016, growing to more than 11,000 students across 31 schools. Demand continues to outstrip supply, with many schools reporting significant waiting lists.

The research also found that Special Assistance Schools deliver wider benefits for families. More than three-quarters of parents (78 per cent) said enrolling their child in a Special Assistance School took pressure off their family, while 75 per cent reported significant improvements in school attendance.

The report concludes that continued investment in Queensland’s independent Special Assistance School sector will be critical to meeting increasing demand and ensuring more vulnerable young people have access to the specialised support they need to successfully re-engage with education.

ISQ Chief Operating Officer Stuart McDowall said the research highlighted the critical role the sector plays in both education and social policy.

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they may face,” Mr McDowall said.

“This research demonstrates that Special Assistance Schools are not simply helping students stay in school. They are changing life trajectories, strengthening families, supporting workforce participation and generating substantial long-term benefits for the wider community.

“We know that without appropriate intervention many of these students would leave education early, with significant personal, social and economic consequences. The findings show that investing in re-engagement is both a social imperative and an economic opportunity for Queensland.”
The research found that nearly nine in ten alumni (87 per cent) are now engaged in meaningful activities: 66% are employed, 32% are engaged in further study, 11% are volunteering, and 10% are providing parenting care to their children.

Y Schools Queensland operates 11 Special Assistance School campuses across Queensland and was a participant in the report. Chief Executive Officer Damian Foley said the report validates what educators and support staff witness every day.

“For many students, a Special Assistance School is the first place where they genuinely feel safe, supported and understood,” Mr Foley said.

“Our schools do much more than provide education. 80% of surveyed students and guardians said that schools like ours help them prioritise their wellbeing. That’s because we work alongside young people to address barriers to learning, including mental health challenges, housing insecurity, family breakdown, disengagement and social isolation.

“The success stories reflected throughout this report are powerful reminders of what can happen when young people are given the right support at the right time. Students who once faced leaving school altogether are now graduating, finding employment, attending university and contributing positively to their communities.”

Key findings

• Enrolments in Queensland independent Special Assistance Schools have grown seven-fold since 2016, with more than 11,000 students now enrolled.
• Every student who re-engages and completes schooling generates an estimated social and economic benefit of $226,100.
• The 2025 graduating cohort is projected to generate a lifetime benefit of $452 million.
• Nearly nine in ten alumni (87%) are engaged in work, study, volunteering or parenting.
• Three in five stakeholders (60%) reported a very or extremely positive impact on wellbeing.

Media Contact

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