Please note: the information in this sheet applies to state schools only.  If you are attending a private school, the school will have its own processes for enrolments and you should ask for a copy of these. 

What are the reasons 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 Principals 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.