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  • Beyond the classroom
27 Jan 2026
Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is investing over $300 million in the future of Catholic education in the southeast to meet the demand for families seeking a faith-based education in the region.   

This significant infrastructure spend over two years includes upgrades to existing schools and the opening of new schools in some of South-East Queensland’s fastest-growing communities.  

Among those benefiting from the investment are Holy Cross Primary School’s youngest learners at Wooloowin, who will start Prep in a $5 million state of the art early learning precinct to meet the needs of their growing community.   

Principal Simon Mahaffy said the transformation was critical for the future, providing access to cutting edge facilities that enabled students to thrive from Prep through to Year 6.   

“A good beginning is of great importance, and we want our early years precinct to be a welcoming, inviting space that facilitates contemporary learning and meets the needs of our students for generations to come,” Mr Mahaffy said.   

With newly renovated Prep classrooms, a dedicated playground, and a beautifully refurbished library, the new spaces have been designed to inspire curiosity and engagement.   

“Holy Cross is well positioned to offer a seamless educational pathway for Brisbane families, with an early learning centre next door and a proposed BCE secondary college nearby.”   

The investment in infrastructure for BCE schools is a response to population growth and an increased demand for a Catholic education. Between 2019 and 2024, the Brisbane Archdiocese has seen an 11% population increase, with a further 10% growth expected by 2031.  

In addition to significant infrastructure upgrades, BCE expanded its educational offering by opening a new school at Notre Dame College in Bells Creek in 2025. Looking ahead, BCE will welcome a new school community at St Bonaventure’s College in Flagstone in 2026 and is planning a proposed co-educational secondary college in Windsor, located in Brisbane’s inner northern suburbs. 

A record 25 BCE schools will also expand their Prep intake in 2026, aligning with the demographic shifts and rising student numbers across the region, including St Thomas’ Camp Hill.    

St Thomas’ Camp Hill Principal Liam Beatty said more parents were looking for a holistic, nurturing education that supports their child's growth in all aspects of life.   

“I firmly believe that enrolment interest is a direct indicator of community confidence in a school and we are very proud to be able to support more families in 2026,” Mr Beatty said.  

“We are small enough that every child is known, loved and encouraged to reach their full potential, but also big enough to have a range of outstanding experiences and facilities available to our students.”   

“Our staff are dedicated to the vocation of teaching, our parents are actively engaged in their child’s learning, and our students feel a strong sense of belonging to ’Thommies’.”  

BCE Executive Director Sally Towns said Brisbane Catholic Education is committed to providing an exceptional Catholic education for every learner in modern, safe and inspiring environments across our network of 146 schools.   

“It's a great responsibility and an absolute privilege to have a family choose our schools for their child,” Dr Towns said.  

“Everyone belongs at a BCE school, and with a range of opportunities in arts, sports, and STEM, students are encouraged to nurture their gifts and talents to make a difference in the world.”   

“We will continue to invest in the future as an educator of choice to meet the growing demand for a faith-based education in the southeast.”   

From Prep to Year 12, BCE schools provide a supportive, values-based education in communities where every student is welcome and encouraged to thrive.   

While every BCE school is unique, with its own history, culture, and offerings, all share a commitment to nurturing students’ minds, hearts, and spirits. Find a school in your region here.