73 more Independent Public Schools for 2017

15/09/2016

• ​Latest intake of Independent Public Schools announced
• 524 Independent Public Schools across the State from next year
• More than 83% of public students in Independent Public Schools in 2017

School communities across Western Australia have again embraced the opportunity to be part of the Liberal National Government's Independent Public Schools initiative.

Education Minister Peter Collier announced today another 73 public schools would gain independent status, following an exhaustive development and selection process.

"Along with six new schools opening for the first time next year, the State Government will have 524 Independent Public Schools in 2017," Mr Collier said.

The Minister said more than 100 school communities had applied to join the initiative, and the standard was so high the initial cap of 50 schools was extended.

"Such a strong field of schools were deemed ready to become Independent Public Schools that we could not deny them this great opportunity," he said.

"Independent Public Schools have stripped away the barriers that used to shackle principals and staff from doing their jobs effectively - that is, providing the very best teaching and learning environments for students.

"Principals say they have never looked back after becoming independent and having the authority at school level to select staff, run budgets and decide how their schools operate."

School staff and council members will be part of a comprehensive transition program next term to prepare them for the transition.

Fact File

• The 73 schools were selected by panels of specially trained principals who assessed the schools' readiness for increased autonomy
• Six new schools opening in 2017 will become Independent Public Schools after community consultation
• For a list of the selected schools, visit http://www.education.wa.edu.au