About Us

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is a vibrant, faith-filled learning community committed to providing an education you can believe in. With 146 schools across South East Queensland - spanning city, coast, and country - BCE offers a student-centered education from Prep to Year 12, grounded in excellence, compassion and faith.

Operating within the Archdiocese of Brisbane, BCE serves a broad geographical region that includes metropolitan Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Ipswich and the Lockyer and Brisbane valleys, the South Burnett district, and the Fraser Coast. The Archbishop of Brisbane delegates authority for the administration and management of Catholic education in the Archdiocese to the Executive Director of Catholic Education.

As the second-largest non-government employer in Queensland, BCE supports more than 12,500 employees and almost 80,000 students. Our people shape lives, inspire curiosity, and influence future generations through their daily commitment to learning and wellbeing.

Read about the vision and mission of BCE.

At the heart of BCE schools is a holistic, student‑centred approach. We strive to ensure every student feels a deep sense of belonging and is empowered to achieve, grow, and reach their full potential. While each school brings its own unique history, culture, and character, all share a common commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, compassion, and leadership. Our expert teaching staff inspire students to learn with purpose and contribute positively to the world.

Everyone belongs at a BCE school. Our communities offer rich learning opportunities across science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM), as well as sport, cultural programs, and a wide range of co‑curricular activities. BCE is committed to fostering authentic partnerships with students and families to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments.

Find a BCE school in your region.

Our history

Catholic education in Queensland began in 1845, when the first Catholic school opened in the Brisbane CBD with just 56 students. Brisbane Catholic Education, as it is known today, took shape in the 1950s under the leadership of Fr Bernard O’Shea. Over three decades, Fr O’Shea worked tirelessly to secure government funding and community support, paving the way for sustainable growth and expansion of Catholic schools across South East Queensland.

Under his leadership, small parish schools transitioned into a cohesive network supported by government funding and staffed by dedicated religious and lay teachers. Today, BCE continues to grow and evolve to meet the increasing demand for high‑quality Catholic education in the region.

Archdiocese of Brisbane Catholic Education Council

The Catholic Education Council is responsible for providing advice to the Archbishop in the exercise of his leadership, teaching and governance responsibilities in the area of Catholic schools.

The Council discerns, advises, and recommends broad educational policies and strategic priorities, and monitors their implementation. In fulfilling its role, the Council strives to be pastoral, developmental, and actively supportive of educational initiatives across the Archdiocese.

The mission of Catholic education in Queensland

Catholic schools work in partnership with parents and clergy, to educate students to live lives faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

This statement by the Bishops of Queensland (PDF 448.5KB) outlines the mission of Catholic education in Queensland which includes, that our schools are called to be:

• welcoming and inclusive communities
• places of faith and reason
• places of prayer, ritual and liturgy; and
• places of care and attention to the needs of others.

Brisbane Catholic Education upholds this mission as we continue to serve communities across South East Queensland.