Governing bodies are responsible for operating non-state (or non-government) schools, ensuring they demonstrate good governance and comply with legislative requirements and accreditation criteria.
Under the
Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2017 (the Act) a governing body must be a corporation.
The Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) regulates non-state schools through a risk-based approach, prioritising student safety and ensuring the delivery of quality educational programs supported by good governance.
About governing bodies
To operate a non-state school and receive Queensland or Australian government funding, an entity must first apply to NSSAB for accreditation. Read more about
operating a new school and
government funding eligibility.
We assess whether a governing body is suitable to operate a school based on several factors. Find out more about the
suitability of governing bodies.
Once accredited to operate a non-state school, governing bodies may need to submit
other types of applications or
notify us of certain changes and circumstances to ensure proper governance and compliance with the law.
Types of governing bodies
There are 2 main types of governing bodies:
- Companies under Commonwealth legislation (Corporations Act 2001) eligible to receive government funding for a non-state school must be set up as a company limited by guarantee.
- Entities incorporated under other legislation—those incorporated under laws other than the
Corporations Act can still qualify for government funding.
For a governing body to be eligible for government funding, it must not be operated for profit.
Directors of governing bodies
Members of a school's governing body are known as directors.
Blue card requirements
The blue card system—Queensland's working with children check—is essential for creating safe environments for children by screening and monitoring people who work or volunteer in child-related roles, including in schools. Find out more about
blue card requirements for schools.
Under the Act every governing body director must hold a valid blue card or a valid exemption card if they are also a registered teacher or police officer (see section 26). This includes declared directors, executive members and members of a management entity.
NSSAB monitors the validity of directors' blue and exemption cards. If a director’s card is not valid, NSSAB must determine that the governing body is unsuitable to operate or continue operating a school. Read more about
blue cards for non-state schools—directors of governing bodies and authorised persons.
For some accreditation applications, governing bodies must provide copies of blue cards or exemption cards for all directors. Read more about
accreditation criteria.
Renewals and changes
Governing bodies must have processes to track and manage blue card expiry dates of directors, staff and the relevant school community (for example, parents, volunteers and business operators on school grounds). Visit the
Blue Card Services website for more information on renewing or replacing a card.
Report any changes to directors' blue cards or exemption cards to us as soon as possible by logging on to
NSSAB online services.