Complaints – Education

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State Schools

There is a 4-step process to help you and the school reach an outcome that is in the best interests of your child. You must go through each step before progressing to the next.

The 4 steps are:

  1. Discuss your complaint with the class teacher*.
  2. Request an independent review by lodging the complaint with the Queensland Ombudsman.
  3. Contact your regional office.
  4. Discuss your complaint with the principal or their delegate.

*You should speak directly to the principal if your complaint relates to general school matters or school policy.

For more information please click on the link: https://education.qld.gov.au/parents-and-carers/parent-participation

Non-State Schools

Please click on the link for details on how to make a complaint for a independent or catholic school: https://nssab.qld.edu.au/Complaints/index.php

For Complaints relating to:

  • financial viability;
  • statement of philosophy and aims;
  • educational program;
  • students with disability;
  • schools delivering distance education;
  • flexible arrangement approvals;
  • health, safety and conduct of staff and students;
  • staffing;
  • land and buildings;
  • educational facilities and materials; and
  • improvement processes.

A submission may be made to the Non-Sate Schools Accreditation Board. To make a complaint about a non-State school and/or governing body:

For more information go to the website: https://nssab.qld.edu.au/Complaints/index.php

TAFE and Universities

The first step in lodging a complaint regarding a TAFE or University is to contact the organisation directly and give them a chance to resolve the issue. If possible, write to the organisation rather than making a complaint over the telephone to ensure there is a written record of your complaint.

Click here for a complaint letter template (to use as a guide)

If you receive an unsatisfactory response, you should contact the Chief Executive of the organisation to explain why you think a wrong decision has been made and request an internal review.

If the above steps have been exhausted and the organisation has failed to address your complaint, you may submit the complaint to the Queensland Training Ombudsman

There are four ways you can make a complaint.