Australia’s Gold Coast to get new special school as enrolment demand rises

Construction has begun on a new special school in Coomera-Pimpama on Queensland’s northern Gold Coast, as the state government moves to expand specialist education facilities in response to rising demand from rapidly growing communities.

The school, scheduled to open in 2028, will initially accommodate 162 students from Prep to Year 6, providing families with greater access to specialised learning and support closer to home. The project is part of the Queensland Government’s $2.3 billion investment in 22 new schools across the state, including nine special schools. It is expected to ease mounting enrolment pressure on existing institutions while creating more opportunities for students with diverse learning needs.

Located on Old Coach Road at Upper Coomera, adjacent to Coomera Springs State School, the new facility will feature 27 learning spaces in its first stage. Plans also include specialist learning areas, administration facilities, a multipurpose hall, a resource centre, a canteen, outdoor learning and play spaces, student and staff amenities, parking and dedicated bus pick-up and drop-off facilities.

The purpose-built campus is designed to provide an environment that supports students’ individual learning requirements, development and wellbeing while offering parents greater choice in specialist education.

The need for additional capacity is underscored by a 47% increase in demand for places in Queensland special schools since 2019, reflecting the growing pressure on specialist education services across the state. Coomera State Special School Principal Kate Hucker said sustained enrolment growth across the northern Gold Coast had highlighted the urgent need for more specialist schooling options in the region.

“We have seen strong and sustained growth in demand for special schooling in this region, reflecting the rapid growth of local communities and the increasing need for specialist education options close to home,” Hucker said.

She said the new campus would help more families access tailored educational support and inclusive learning opportunities without having to look beyond their local communities.

“A new special school at Coomera-Pimpama will help meet that demand and give more families access to the tailored support, specialised learning environments and inclusive opportunities their children need to thrive,” she added.

ADCO Constructions has commenced early construction work at the site. Queensland State Manager James Prattent said the project would create modern, inclusive learning environments designed to serve students, families and staff for years to come.

“This is an important new special school for the Coomera-Pimpama community,” Prattent said, adding that the facilities would provide a safe, functional and welcoming environment capable of supporting students with diverse needs.

With the northern Gold Coast continuing to expand, the new school is expected to play an important role in strengthening access to specialist education and giving more children the opportunity to learn and develop in an environment designed around their needs.