One third of public schools independent in 2013

• 48 more schools join Independent Public School revolution
• More than 1/3 of public schools part of nation leading education reform

Education Minister Peter Collier today announced the latest intake of State Government schools welcomed into the Independent Public Schools revolution.

Forty-eight more schools have been selected to become Independent Public Schools to start in 2013, bringing the overall total in this nation-leading reform to 255, which represents 33 per cent of Western Australia's public schools.

"WA is leading the way in developing and implementing a groundbreaking way for public schools to operate and I am absolutely delighted to welcome another 48 schools to this major State Government initiative," Mr Collier said.

"We have developed an education revolution that has become a blueprint for other State and Territory programs, and an area of focus for the Federal Government.

"The 255 Independent Public Schools represent about 50 per cent of all public school students and teachers in WA, and the response to date underpins that schools, staff and communities have a strong desire to have more of a say about the way the schools are run and use their finance."

The Minister said to date 389 public schools have expressed interest in becoming Independent Public Schools over four intakes, leaving a further 382 schools yet to apply.

"Each school has identified very specific advantages that more independence will provide its students, staff and community.  For example, the four schools in Broome have worked together and applied as a cluster to maximise the education opportunities for all young people in the town," he said.

"The Liberal-National Government has invested $13.53million between 2010 and 2012 directly in Independent Public Schools through one-off grants of between $20,000 and $40,000 each for transition purposes, and also provided recurrent administrative grants of between $25,000 and $50,000 each."

The first 34 Independent Public Schools are currently being reviewed independently through a process undertaken by the Department of Education Services. They are in the final year of their three-year delivery and performance agreements with the director general of the Department of Education.

An independent evaluation by The University of Melbourne of the implementation, impact and success of the initiative is also under way with a report due mid next year.

"Not only do we give Independent Public Schools increased autonomy, but we are also extending flexibility in key areas to all schools as part of our commitment to this initiative," Mr Collier said.

"From this term, for example, all principals have the authority to fill vacancies as soon as they arise; appoint staff to each vacant position from established recruitment pools; and approve all leave."

Fact File

• 255 independent public schools to date
• About 50% of all public school students and teachers are at independent public schools

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCED JULY 24, 2012

Minister's office  - 6552 6300