Queensland’s biggest classroom, which will deliver lessons from specialist teachers to more than 4,000 students in regional and rural areas, has launched.
The Queensland Virtual Academy (QVA) is an innovative virtual education program to expand opportunities for regional and rural students.
It will livestream specialist subjects to children in 365 state schools.
An investment of more than $12 million from the Queensland Government enables teachers to beam into classrooms at the click of a button.
The program removes the boundaries faced by regional and rural students whose schools do not offer the specialist subjects needed for them to pursue their chosen career.
Programs on offer through the academy include specialist mathematics, senior physics, Japanese and senior psychology.
STEM enrichment programs are also on offer for students across years five to nine with an aptitude for STEM, building on a key Crisafulli Government election commitment.
Mr John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education, said the former Labor Government neglected regional students and failed to harness the power of virtual education.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to deliver the virtual academy to give all students a world-class education, no matter where they live,” he said in a media statement on 29 May 2025.
“I’ve spoken to students who were disheartened their school doesn’t offer the subjects needed for them to pursue careers like medicine and physiotherapy – we’re making sure this is no longer a problem.
“We have some of the best teachers in Australia and this academy allows us to use technology to our advantage to benefit kids right across the state.
“Not only will this help children to pursue their passions, but it helps to create a pipeline of skilled and talented graduates in regional communities.”
Mr Mark Breckenridge, Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association president, said the program had enormous potential to scale up offerings and broaden learning opportunities for students.
“Secondary schools have been actively involved in piloting this much needed initiative,” he said. “The QVA is a model that provides limitless virtual opportunities, while reinforcing the importance of students being enrolled in their local state school.”
