State school enrolment cancelled

What are the rules around state school enrolment cancellations?

What are the reasons that my enrolment can be cancelled?

You can only have your enrolment cancelled if:

  • You are over 16 or you have completed year 10 AND
  • You refuse to participate in the school’s education program (participation means more than just turning up at school).

Who decides to cancel my enrolment if I am over 16 and refuse to participate in school?

If the principal decides to cancel your enrolment, the school must give you a written notice telling you:

  • your enrolment at the school is cancelled
  • you cannot apply to re-enrol for a certain period (less than 12 months from the date of the notice)
  • you can write to the Head of Education Queensland (Chief Executive) saying why your enrolment should not be cancelled.

How do I change the decision?

You can write to the Chief Executive and ask them to review the Principal’s decision. There is no time limit on when you can ask for a review.

You must clearly set out the reasons why you say the decision is wrong and any other information that supports your side of the story. For example, you need to be able to point out to the Chief Executive where the Principal made a mistake, was biased against you or did not properly consider relevant information in making their decision.

You can also make an application to the Supreme Court for Judicial Review but you should talk to a lawyer if you are considering this.

What can the Chief Executive do?

The Chief Executive can:

  • agree with the original decision to cancel your enrolment; or
  • vary the original decision; or
  • make a new decision in place of the original decision.

This sheet is intended to provide general legal information about the law in Queensland. This information is not legal advice. If you have a particular legal problem you should contact a solicitor for legal advice. Below is a list of agencies that might be able to assist you, including legal agencies.

This sheet was last reviewed and updated in July 2025.  The Youth Advocacy Centre does not accept responsibility for any action or outcome because of anyone relying on the information provided.

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