These meetings have been very beneficial as the feedback enables us to keep developing and reviewing the Independent Public Schools initiative.

This is especially important as the next round of expressions of interest have just closed. I am delighted that 141 schools – one quarter of eligible schools – across the State expressed interest in having a greater say about their directions and operations.

Once again schools of all types and sizes have put up their hands to be considered: 94 primary schools, 25 senior high schools, one senior college, 11 education support centres, six district high schools, two high schools and two agricultural colleges.

I am pleased to see that the first four schools in the Kimberley have expressed interest as a cluster. They join schools from all other regions: six in the Goldfields, two in the Midwest, six in the Pilbara, seven in the Wheatbelt, 22 in the Southwest, 43 in North Metropolitan and 51 South Metropolitan.

Since the start of this exciting initiative, 389 schools have expressed interest to become Independent Public Schools – that is, half of all our schools.

The initiative allows schools to make choices: to choose when they are ready for more autonomy; to choose the level of autonomy they want to pursue; and to choose the flexibilities they believe will help them better meet the learning needs of their students.

It is now time for the independent selection panel to assess expressions of interest and make its recommendations to me in July. Schools selected will begin their journey with comprehensive transition and training opportunities during Semester 2.

The significant and growing interest in this initiative builds on the successes to date. We currently have 207 Independent Public Schools – 27 per cent of all our schools – representing about 40 per cent of all students and teachers.

Sharyn O'Neill