As South-East Queensland continues to experience rapid population growth, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is witnessing an increase in enrolment applications across its schools. In response to this heightened demand, BCE will expand its Prep intake across 16 schools in 2025, aligning with the demographic shifts and rising student numbers across the region.
Growth areas for BCE schools include inner-city Brisbane, Beaudesert, Gold Coast, and Springfield Lakes.
St Francis Xavier School at Runaway Bay has experienced such growth over the past few years and is introducing an extra Prep stream in 2025.
St Francis Xavier School Principal Ronan O’Mahony said "Families are choosing St Francis because we offer a strong sense of community and belonging, which aligns with their values and beliefs.”
“Our focus on social justice and inclusive education resonates deeply with parents looking for a school that nurtures not just academic growth but the whole child,” he said.
"Our reputation for great teaching, values-based education, and strong academic results continues to draw families.
“Additionally, with the residential growth in the area and our proximity to home, more families are seeing St Francis Xavier as the ideal choice for their child's education.
"We're proud to offer Catholic education that is accessible, welcoming, and reflective of the community's needs."
BCE Executive Director Dr. Sally Towns said, “BCE proactively responds and adapts to the needs and demands of our communities across our 146 schools across Sout-East Queensland.”
"While BCE has responded to growth in large greenfield areas like Yarrabilba, Aura, and Coomera, our focus will also remain on improving facilities at our existing schools, meeting the needs of our growing region,” she said.
“BCE is dedicated to fostering thriving, faith-filled learning communities that align with the needs of our expanding communities, creating a better future for all.”
Ronan adds that St Francis “is committed to being responsive to community needs”.
"We're excited about the opportunity to expand our learning environments. This allows us to better support the diverse learning needs of our future students,” he said.
For more information about St Francis Xavier Runaway Bay or to enrol click here.