Supporting student wellbeing remains a core strength

Student wellbeing remained generally stable throughout 2025, with results from the EPOCH wellbeing measure showing consistent outcomes across the year.

While around 18–20% of students were identified as experiencing low wellbeing at different points in the year, these students were supported through targeted interventions, including on-site caseworkers and counselling support.

Importantly, most students reported positive wellbeing outcomes overall, with scores above the midpoint across all EPOCH domains including engagement, perseverance, optimism, connectedness, and happiness.

A key insight from this year’s data was that wellbeing outcomes remained steady over time, reinforcing the safe and supportive environment created across Y Schools Queensland.

However, belonging and connectedness showed a slight decline compared to previous cycles, highlighting an ongoing focus area for strengthening peer and staff relationships in 2026.

Strong gains in employment and vocational pathways

One of the most encouraging findings from 2025 was the continued growth in student employment and vocational outcomes.

• Student employment increased from 18% in February to 26% in October
• Year 12 employment rose significantly to 40% by the end of the year
• Job search skills improved by 4% over the year
• 298 certificates were completed, an increase of 70 from 2024
• School-based apprenticeships and traineeships increased from 19 to 34 students

These results reflect the growing impact of Y Schools Queensland’s pathways programs in helping students build real-world skills, confidence, and post-school opportunities.

While career confidence and long-term aspirations remained steady, the data highlights the importance of further strengthening students’ sense of optimism about their future particularly for younger year levels.

Academic progress shows clear strengths and opportunities

Academic outcomes in 2025 demonstrated positive growth in key learning areas, particularly in numeracy.

• Maths growth was stronger than reading overall
• 78–81% of students met expected growth in Maths
• 64–67% met expected growth in Reading
• PAT results showed modest but steady improvement in both areas

While students made progress across both literacy and numeracy, the findings suggest a growing gap between Maths and Reading achievement.

Literacy has therefore emerged as a key priority area for 2026, alongside continued focus on numeracy support and targeted academic interventions.

The report also highlighted that attendance remains an important factor in maintaining satisfactory academic outcomes, particularly in English and Maths.

A milestone year for Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

Another significant achievement in 2025 was the continued increase in Queensland Certificate of Education attainment.

37 Year 12 students achieved their QCE in 2025 which represents 21.4% of the cohort up from 13.5% in 2024 and 10.7% in 2023.

This ongoing upward trend reflects the strong support systems in place across Y Schools Queensland to help students overcome barriers and successfully complete their senior schooling journey.

Looking ahead

The 2025 Outcomes Report reinforces the impact of a whole-of-student approach at Y Schools Queensland, one that balances wellbeing, academic achievement and pathways into the future.

While outcomes remain largely stable year-on-year, the data continues to show that targeted interventions, strong relationships, and real-world learning opportunities are making a genuine difference in student lives.

As we move into 2026, the focus remains clear: helping every young person build a future they can feel confident about. This will be achieved through the implementation of the revised Y School Wellbeing Model, Thrive 2.0 which has been co-designed with our students. 

Learn more about Y Schools Queensland here.