According to the results of the ACT School Census August 2013 enrolments in ACT Public Schools have increased by 921 students in the last 12 months. Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch explained that this increase equates to a 2.3% increase in enrolments between August 2012 and August 2013. Since August 2009 there are an additional 2678 students, or an increase of 7%.
“With key focuses of our public schools of having the highest quality teachers in classrooms, ensuring all students are at the centre of their learning, and working with parents as partners, it is evident that our public schools remain an important part of our education landscape educating some 41,047 young people.” Ms Burch commented.
Ms Burch broke down the statistics explaining that Public primary school enrolments increased 3.1% from the previous year (up 752 students), high schools 1.8% (175 students) and college enrolments were stable. Ms Burch continued that specialist school enrolments increased 3.3% (14 students) compared with August 2012. ACT public students accessing special education programs at either mainstream or specialist schools represent 5.2% (2147 students) of the total ACT public student population, Ms Burch added that Enrolments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students also increased, up 1.9% (26 students) from the previous year or 17.8% (215 students) since August 2009.