Hendra State School, the smallest state school in Brisbane, has only 31 students enrolled across two multi-age classes for 2024, reflecting a significant decline in numbers for the 160-year-old institution.
The sharp decrease in enrolment contrasts starkly with the school figures last year, when it had 65 students. Principal Clare Williams describes the school as having a “country in the city” atmosphere, emphasising its strong sense of community despite dwindling numbers.
School’s Unique Character
Despite its small size, Hendra State School maintains a vibrant educational environment. Its structure allows for a more personalised learning experience, with teachers able to offer tailored activities to students based on their individual progress.
Ms Williams notes that the school’s compact nature has transformed the typical sense of community into something more akin to a family. This close-knit environment is reflected in the school’s 2023 opinion survey, where every student agreed they liked their school, felt safe, and were motivated by teachers to learn.
Enrolment Trends and Projections
The decline in student numbers at Hendra is part of a broader trend affecting some Brisbane schools. Projections suggest this number could fall to as low as six by 2028, despite 138 potential students living within the school’s catchment area.
In contrast, some of Brisbane’s largest schools are experiencing significant growth. Kelvin Grove State College, the city’s biggest school, has 3706 students and added 138 in just two years. Indooroopilly State High School saw a 13 per cent increase in enrolments since 2021, while Stretton State College grew by more than 6 per cent.
Department of Education Response
A spokesperson for the Department of Education stated that catchment sizes are regularly reviewed to manage changing student numbers. These reviews consider factors such as in-catchment student numbers and trends, distance to the nearest school, transport availability, and potential for future enrolment growth.
While some regional and remote schools have closed recently due to lack of students, the last school closures in Brisbane occurred in 2013. At that time, three schools with low enrolments were shut down.
Despite its small size, Hendra State School continues offering various programs and facilities. The school provides Japanese language classes and coding and robotics instruction from Prep to Grade 6. It also strongly emphasizes community engagement, with events such as a six-week horse riding program in Term 4 and regular family fun afternoons.
The school continues to welcome new students, hoping to maintain its unique character despite changing enrolment patterns across Brisbane.
Published 15-July-2024
