FOUR new special schools are taking shape across Ipswich and Logan, providing more places for students with disability and easing enrolment pressure on existing schools when they open next year.
Leichhardt, Woogaroo Creek, Ridgeview and Berrinba special schools are scheduled to welcome their first students in Term 1, 2027, with enrolments now open and foundation principals preparing their school communities.
The local projects form part of a broader Queensland Government program to deliver nine new special schools, with further facilities planned for Beenleigh, Moreton Bay South, Coomera-Pimpama and Wynnum-Manly from 2028 onwards. A new special school is also planned for Townsville.
In the Springfield-Redbank corridor, construction of Woogaroo Creek Special School reached the halfway mark in September.
Adjoining Woogaroo Creek State School, the new facility will initially accommodate 120 students and is intended to relieve pressure on Goodna Special School.
Its first stage will include five two-storey buildings with 20 learning spaces, lifts, multipurpose areas, playgrounds and green spaces for outdoor learning.
A second stage, subject to enrolments, is planned for Term 1, 2028, providing space for another 80 students.
Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the school would allow local students to access facilities designed for their needs closer to home.
The Government says Queensland special school enrolments have increased by more than 47 per cent since 2019, driving demand for additional places.
Across Ipswich, Leichhardt Special School is being built alongside Leichhardt State School to ease enrolment pressure at Ipswich West Special School.
The first stage of the new primary special school is due to open in Term 1, 2027, with Hutchinson Builders delivering the project. Renae Somerville has been appointed foundation principal.
Logan families will also have two new special schools available next year.
Ridgeview Special School, on Derby Road at Logan Reserve, will adjoin the new Corymbia Reserve State High School. The $144 million special school is expected to initially cater for students from Prep to Year 6 before progressively expanding.
Foundation principal Abby Kilfoy said the school represented an important step for local families.
“This is an exciting step towards expanding educational opportunities for students with disability in the Logan area,” Ms Kilfoy said.
Berrinba Special School in Logan Central will also open in 2027, led by foundation principal Rob McDowall.
The four schools received their official names in September following consultation.
