Education stakeholders met in Springfield to address rising school enrolment demand as the region braces for rapid population and demographic growth.
Background and Context
Education stakeholders met in Springfield Lakes to address rising school enrolment demand as the region braces for rapid population and demographic growth.
Education stakeholders met in Springfield Lakes to address rising school enrolment demand as the region braces for rapid population and demographic growth.
Growth Pressures and Forecasts
A recent event held in Springfield gathered key figures from Queensland’s education and tertiary sectors. The session focused on long-term demand for schooling in the city, drawing on data prepared by Econisis for Springfield City Group in March 2025.
The report forecasts that student enrolment will more than double from 14,392 in 2023 to over 28,771 by 2046, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 3.1 per cent. In 2025 alone, demand is expected to exceed 15,000.
This growth aligns with the broader population projection, which sees the Springfield catchment increasing from approximately 159,000 in 2023 to more than 400,000 by 2046—a rise of 253 per cent. Children aged 14 and under make up 26.1 per cent of the population, well above the Brisbane and Ipswich averages.
Private and Specialist School Opportunities
The strongest pressure will fall on non-government schools. Private enrolments rose 18.5 per cent over five years, with future projections indicating a shortfall of more than 1,700 places by 2036 and over 3,900 by 2046.
There is currently no single-sex private school in Springfield. However, demand for up to 2,000 such places is anticipated by 2046.
Specialist education is also emerging as a priority. An estimated 5.5 per cent of local children are neurodivergent, with projected enrolment needs exceeding 1,400 by 2046. There is additional interest in schools aligned with faith, language, or culture—driven by the area’s high levels of linguistic and religious diversity.
STEM-focused schooling is another emerging opportunity, with technical roles in engineering, science, and ICT expected to nearly quadruple by 2036.
Supporting Factors and Economic Conditions
The growth is backed by solid economic indicators. Household incomes in the region are above national averages, unemployment remains relatively low, and local business registrations have increased by 50 per cent since 2019. The catchment also shows high rates of post-school qualifications, suggesting a workforce geared for advanced education pathways.
Next Steps and Planning Outlook
With enrolment demand set to surpass infrastructure capacity, education providers are expected to plan new school sites and expansions over the next decade. The Springfield City Learning Coalition will continue to coordinate efforts around data sharing, employment readiness, and sustained delivery of quality education.
The region’s development as a learning city remains central to its future, with Springfield Lakes positioned as a key growth node requiring early intervention in school planning.
Published 2-May-2025