Catholic schools welcome students for 2026

School communities across Queensland are welcoming students back for the start of the 2026 academic year. 

More than 164,000 students will stream through the gates of Queensland’s Catholic schools this week as Term 1 gets underway. Among them are 11,900 excited Preps beginning their schooling journey. Across the state, 22,000 staff will support students throughout the year. 

Queensland’s 313 Catholic schools include the state’s newest college, St Bonaventure’s College, a Brisbane Catholic Education Prep to Year 12 college in Flagstone, Logan. The college welcomes its foundation students in Prep to Year 3 and Year 7. 

Catholic Education Queensland CEO Allan Blagaich said Catholic School Authorities across Queensland were ready to support every student through another year of learning and growth. 

“There’s always something special about the energy and anticipation that comes with a new school year,” he said. “From the youngest Prep students taking their first steps in formal education to the 11,800 Year 12 students preparing for their final year and future pathways, Catholic schools are committed to supporting each student’s journey.” 

Image caption: BCE Executive Director Dr Sally Towns with St Bonaventure’s College, Flagstone Principal Anthony Elmore with Foundation Prep students. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Bonaventure’s College (2026).