Yeronga State High School recorded a dramatic drop in suspensions, a turnaround the school and officials credit to placing student voice at the centre of school life.
Between 2022 and 2024, suspensions at the school fell by 45 per cent, despite enrolments rising by more than 150 students over the same period. According to the Education Department, the combined rate of long and short suspensions peaked in 2022 at about 30 per cent. Two years later, it had fallen to 11 per cent – well below the Brisbane state high school average.
The shift is linked to the school’s “student voice” program. Each year begins with an exercise that asks students what needs to change. Their responses are channelled into summits where young people raise concerns, explore solutions, and propose reforms.
Outcomes from these summits have varied. Some led to adjustments in school policies, such as more flexible uniform rules, while others introduced new initiatives to support student wellbeing. Teachers and external experts are also brought in to help address complex issues raised during discussions.
School leaders say the program helps ensure emerging problems are addressed constructively before they escalate. By giving students ownership in shaping solutions, the school reports suspensions have become less necessary; students also report feeling more involved.
The student voice approach has also been recognised by the State. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the program has instilled pride in students by involving them directly in decision-making.
One of the most notable initiatives to emerge is the Horizons Women’s Hub. Now in its third year, the hub provides a safe space for girls to discuss identity, family expectations, and friendships, and to connect with alumni who have gone on to pursue their goals after graduation. The program’s impact was acknowledged nationally when it won an Australian Education Award just recently.
The hub also invites guest speakers to address challenging topics such as assertive communication and understanding coercive control. The women’s group asked the school to create a similar program for boys.
Plans are now under way to launch a male students’ group, with input from community advocate Michael Jeh. The initiative will emphasise peer leadership, encouraging older students to act as role models for younger ones.
Yeronga State High says these efforts are part of a wider commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful school community. In a statement, the school noted: “We work with our young people to listen and respond to student voice with empathy to ensure we all feel safe, respected and valued members of our learning community.”
Read: Yeronga State High School Takes Action to #endcyberbullying
Student survey results indicate the school’s student-voice work is reflected in how students say they are treated. Around 62 per cent of Yeronga students report feeling that their opinions are taken seriously by teachers and staff, higher than the Brisbane state high school average of 57 per cent.
School staff and students say these changes have strengthened students’ sense of being valued and empowered.
Published 24-September-2025
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