Redcliffe school wins state honour

Redcliffe Special School has won a prestigious Queensland education award for helping students with disability build the skills and confidence to move into employment, training and community life.

The school received the QTU Bevan Brennan Every Child Needs a Champion award at the 2026 Queensland Department of Education Showcase Awards, recognising its approach to preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

It was one of nine state schools honoured at Parliament House on World Teachers' Day and the only winner from metropolitan North Brisbane.

Central to the school's success is a transition program that begins in Year 7 and continues through to Year 12, helping students and their families plan for life after school. A dedicated team works with families to identify individual pathways, develop independence and connect students with opportunities in employment, training and community participation.

The school has also built strong relationships with Redcliffe businesses, helping students develop practical workplace skills while giving local employers a better understanding of the capabilities of people with disability.

In 2025, it hosted a Redcliffe Chamber of Commerce event where local schools showcased their workplace programs to business leaders.

Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley said the school's connection with the business community was a highlight.

“What stands out to me is how deeply this school has connected with our local business community,” Ms Dooley said.

“We have hosted three students at my electorate office for work experience since being elected and the school brings groups of students through for an insight into how a busy functioning office works”.

The school also works with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and disability organisations to help families navigate post-school planning and access support as students move towards adulthood.

“Anyone who has supported a young person through this stage knows how complex it can feel,” Ms Dooley said. “Having their school beside them makes a real difference for Redcliffe families.”

Redcliffe Special School is one of nine award-winning schools sharing in a $120,000 bursary pool to help expand their successful programs and share their approaches with other Queensland schools.