Governing bodies are required to provide information to the Non-State School Accreditation Board (NSSAB) at various times.
These reports help ensure that schools comply with legislative requirements and manage risks effectively.
If a reporting process identifies that a governing body has failed to meet its legislative responsibilities, we will take appropriate action to enforce compliance, focusing on areas with the highest risks and most significant potential impacts.
Read more about
enforcement action.
Commencement confirmation
It is an offence for governing bodies to operate an accredited school before its student-intake day—section 75 of the
Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Act 2017.
NSSAB contacts governing bodies at least 90 days before an approved student-intake day to confirm that operations will commence as approved in their application. Read more about the
student intake day.
If approval is granted less than 90 days before the student-intake day, confirmation may occur closer to the start date.
For new schools or sites, or changes to a current site, governing bodies must also confirm that land use and building approvals are in place and provide copies of relevant approval documents not already submitted. Read more about
land and building approvals.
If an unexpected issue prevents a school from commencing on an approved student-intake day, the governing body must apply to change the date. Read more about
changing a student intake day.
School survey data (census)
Governing bodies must submit annual school survey data (also known as the census) to NSSAB by the last Friday in February, as required by law.
The census collects information such as:
- principal and school contact details
- total student numbers (full-time, part-time and overseas students)
- additional details, for example students who live in isolated areas, need English as a Second Language (ESL) support, identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or are enrolled in classroom or distance education
- boarding fees and concessions for financial hardship.
The Queensland Government uses this data to allocate funding. Schools are notified in early February with instructions on how to complete the census on time.
Enrolment verification program
After the census, NSSAB verifies data accuracy by auditing selected schools. Authorised persons review and report on the reliability of:
- enrolment and attendance records
- admission procedures
- documentation for prolonged absences.
Schools are selected based on risk assessments with at least 15% of schools audited annually.
Governing body update program
Each August and September, NSSAB asks governing bodies to review and update their key information, including contact details and blue card/exemption card status of the chairperson and all directors. Governing bodies must promptly report changes outside these times via
NSSAB online services to support good governance.
Working with children authority (blue card) program
NSSAB monitors the blue cards of governing body directors. Governing bodies must track card expiry dates and ensure all directors hold valid blue or exemption cards. While we will follow up on expired cards as a courtesy, we will issue a compliance notice to maintain child safety if disregarded. Read more about
directors, governing bodies and blue cards.
Compliance review program
Every 5 years, governing bodies must demonstrate compliance with legislative responsibilities through a review. This involves:
- Submitting a NSSAB-approved review plan.
- Completing the review with an external validator. Download and fill in the
external validator—declaration of conflict of interest and management plan explanatory notes form to confirm the external validator is independent and impartial.
- Submitting a summary report confirming compliance with accreditation and funding criteria.
We will assess the review to ensure all requirements are met.
Read the
compliance review program guidelines, the
review plan checklist and
review report checklist.
Other reporting
The Queensland Government provides non-state schools with recurrent and capital grants in support of a parent's right to choose the school they believe is best for their child or is consistent with their personal values or faith. Governing bodies and principals must report to the Department of Education on:
- allowance acquittals
- financial data collection
- annual school reporting
- school safety.
Learn more about
grants and
reporting requirements.