{
  "id": 19432317,
  "title": "Flexible school enrolments soar as families consider classroom alternatives",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/flexible-school-enrolments-soar-as-families-consider-classroom",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T02:16:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-11/alternative-education-flexible-school-enrolments-soar-queensland/107369620"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Families are increasingly opting for independent special assistance schools as an alternative to traditional classrooms. These schools cater to students who have experienced issues like bullying or exclusion in mainstream education, such as Joshua Houston, a 16-year-old with Tourette syndrome. Joshua previously faced bullying and disciplinary problems at his former school but now thrives at Kairos Community College on the Sunshine Coast, where he feels heard and has formed strong friendships.\n\nNew research shows that enrolments at Queensland's independent special assistance schools have surged sevenfold since 2016, with over 11,000 students attending schools in 2025. Principals at these schools report extensive waiting lists, indicating a high demand for the specialized help these institutions provide. Joshua's mother, Alicia Kerkow, noted that her son's Tourette syndrome was often misunderstood in mainstream education, leading to years of difficulty in attending school. She credits the smaller classes, personalized attention, and flexible assessment methods at Kairos for helping Joshua regain confidence and achieve academic success, including an A in mathematics.\n\nThe Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) conducted a study commissioned by the organization, which found that the number of independent special assistance schools grew from 14 in 2016 to 31 in 2025. Similarly, enrolments in the broader special assistance school sector more than doubled between 2022 and 2026. Kairos Community College's state principal, Luke O Sullivan, highlighted the rising demand for enrolments at his school, noting the establishment of a new campus in Nambour to further enhance students' sense of belonging and safety.\n\nIndependent special assistance schools primarily rely on government funding and do not charge tuition fees. ISQ emphasized the importance of continued funding to meet the growing demand. The research, based on surveys of 271 former students and 410 parents of former students, found that three-quarters of parents reported significant improvements in their children's attendance, and 78% said it reduced family pressure. The estimated lifetime fiscal benefits of helping approximately 2,000 students complete year 12 in 2025 could amount to $452 million through increased tax revenue and reduced government expenditure.\n\nJennifer Achari, an Edith Cowan University education lecturer, emphasized that some students require a different approach to learning, given the standardised nature of mainstream education. She noted that the Queensland boom in alternative education reflects a national trend. Dr. Achari highlighted the importance of hope, which she observed as a prevalent sentiment among teachers and students in alternative schools. Joshua now views his future with optimism, stating, \"If I put my mind to it, I can do whatever I want.\" The Queensland government has been contacted for comment on the matter.",
  "summary": "Enrolments at Queensland's independent special assistance schools have increased sevenfold over the past decade.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}