Vertical schools emerge as space-saving solution for Brisbane's crowded inner-city education

Brisbane has built two high-rise secondary schools to ease enrollment pressure in the city centre, and experts say the model could be replicated elsewhere.

In response to limited inner-city land and rising demand for high-school places, Brisbane introduced two vertical secondary schools: Fortitude Valley State Secondary College in 2020 and Brisbane South State Secondary College in 2021. Both institutions were built to reduce enrolment strain at Kelvin Grove State College and Brisbane State High School, respectively, while using compact footprints. Studies led by QUT education professor Jill Willis show that students experience heightened social cohesion and a sense of "transcendence" within the high-rise environment, aided by community-based curricula and frequent off-site activities.

Principals Chrissie Coogan and her counterparts stress that managing student flow across multiple floors requires clear routines, yet the schools deliver greater independence and innovative learning spaces. The model is being watched as Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics and a housing crunch, though officials caution that vertical designs must suit local needs and include adequate outdoor and play areas.