Logan Reserve’s new $144 million special school will open in Term 1, 2027 without secondary students, with higher year levels to be introduced gradually over the next three to four years.
The Department of Education confirmed the staged rollout after opening expressions of interest restricted to children from Prep to Year 6, despite the school being promoted as a Prep-to-Year 12 campus.
A department spokesperson said the campus would be built with capacity for 192 students across the first two stages, with any further expansion dependent on enrolment growth.
“The new special school in Logan Reserve is set to open in Term 1, 2027 and will be built with capacity for 192 students across Stages 1 and 2,” the spokesperson said.
“Any further expansion of the school will be subject to enrolment growth.”
The department acknowledged that its website simultaneously described the opening intake as P–6 and the completed school as P–12.
“The Department of Education’s website states that the school will initially cater for Prep to Year 6 students before progressively expanding, while also identifying the school as Prep to Year 12 on the website’s Fast Facts,” the spokesperson said.
“This is because secondary year levels will gradually be introduced over the next three to four years, allowing the management of high early-years enrolments and scaling workforce capability.”
Foundation principal Abby Kilfoy said the staged transition would give the school time to establish partnerships supporting work experience, community participation and transition-to-adulthood programs.
“The staged transition of secondary students provides the leadership team with valuable time to establish strong community partnerships before students commence enrolment,” Ms Kilfoy said.
“These connections are essential in creating meaningful opportunities for students, including work experience, community participation and transition-to-adulthood programs.
“By building these relationships early, the school will be better positioned to support successful post-school pathways and strengthen students’ engagement within the broader community.”
Ms Kilfoy previously confirmed the opening-year restriction.
“While the school will ultimately cater for students from Prep to Year 12, enrolments will commence with primary-aged students in 2027,” she said.
Another state-school webpage, reviewed on 14 August, stated: “A new state special school for Years P-12 will open in Logan Reserve in Term 1, 2027.”
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the State Government waslding nine special schools in rapidly growing parts of Queensland.
“We’re committed to delivering special schools because parents deserve to have a choice about the education setting that best meets their child’s needs to ensure they can thrive and reach their potential.”
The minister’s office said special-school enrolments had increased by more than 47% since 2019.
The special school is being built on Derby Road alongside a separate $301 million standard state high school, which is also due to open in 2027.
It is expected to enrol students in Years 7-8 only in its first year, adding more year levels as the students progress.
Plans include junior and senior learning centres, a resource centre, music and hospitality facilities, a canteen, administration areas and extensive outdoor spaces.
Hutchinson Builders was appointed to construct the campus, which is expected to support an average of 48 jobs over the seven years to 2028–29.
The Department of Education is hosting a community engagement meeting about the new schools from 4.30pm-6pm on Tuesday 15 September at Corymbia State School Hall at Park Ridge.
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