The Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) accredits schools with specific attributes for each type of education they provide (primary, secondary or special education).
These attributes include the following (section 19(4) of the Act):
- the school's governing body
- the location of the school site (not including sporting fields or camping grounds)
- other attributes, such as
- the mode of how education is delivered (classroom or distance education)
- the year levels offered
- student type (male, female or co-educational)
- boarding facilities including year levels and student type
- special assistance.
The type of education a school offers (primary, secondary or special education) is not considered an attribute of accreditation. Read more about adding a
new type of education.
Governing bodies can apply to change a school's accreditation attributes (sections 39–45 of the Act). The application process will vary depending on the specific attribute being changed.
Change a school's governing body
To change a school's governing body from one corporation to another, you must submit a
change in governing body application. Read about how to
submit your application.
The new governing body must be a corporation, and all proposed directors must hold a valid blue card or exemption card.
We will assess the application to ensure the new governing body is suitable and meets eligibility criteria if the school is to continue receiving Queensland Government funding.
The application form includes instructions and examples and must include the following:
- details of current governing body and school
- details of proposed governing body
- evidence showing the proposed governing body's suitability
- copies of valid blue cards or exemption cards for all proposed directors
- government funding eligibility details, including evidence, if applicable.
We may ask for additional information or documents if needed. Read more about
processing and deciding applications.
Read more about
governing bodies and directors,
suitability of the governing body and
funding eligibility.
To change a governing body or school's name, use the
name change notification form.
Add a new site or relocate an existing site
To open a new, or relocate an existing, site, the school's governing body must submit a apply for site accreditation form. Read about how to
submit your application.
We will review the application to ensure the proposed site is suitable for delivering the type of education the school is accredited to provide, and that the school will meet accreditation criteria requirements at the new site.
The application must include:
- details of the governing body and school
- the location(s) of the new or relocated site(s)
- the student intake day for each year level (at least 6 months after the application is submitted)
- accreditation attributes for each new or relocated site
- evidence that the school will meet accreditation requirements at the new site.
We may request additional information or documents if needed. Read more about
processing and deciding applications.
Governing bodies must ensure that the proposed site meets legislative requirements for land use, buildings and workplace health and safety. Read more about
land and building requirements.
Temporary special assistance sites
Governing bodies of schools providing special assistance at a temporary site can also use this form to apply for its addition to the school's accreditation. Read more about
using temporary special assistance sites.
Temporary move due to safety concerns
If a school needs to temporarily move to a different site due to safety concerns after a natural disaster, emergency or unforeseen event, the governing body can use this form to apply for site accreditation. Governing bodies are encouraged to
contact us for guidance and support with this process.
New type of education at the new site
If a school wants to offer a new type of education at the new location, the governing body must apply to have it accredited. Find out more about adding a
new type of education.
Add attributes at an existing site
If a non-state school wants to add attributes at one or more of its existing accredited sites, the governing body must submit a
change of attributes application. Read about how to
submit your application.
We will assess the application to ensure the school meets accreditation criteria requirements after the change takes effect.
The application must include:
- details of the governing body and school
- the proposed attribute change(s) for each type of education the school is accredited to provide at each site
- the student intake day for any proposed year levels (at least 6 months after the application is submitted)
- evidence the school will meet the accreditation criteria requirements when the change takes effect.
We may request additional information or documents if needed. Read more about
processing and deciding applications.
Changes made to existing sites to accommodate a new attribute must comply with legislative requirements for land use, building standards and workplace health and safety. Read more about
land and building requirements.
If an attribute is no longer relevant at a school site, the governing body should notify us to remove it from the school's accreditation. Read more about
removing an attribute at an accredited school site.