More SW schools adopt independence

Twenty-five South West schools are among those which began the 2016 school year with independent public school status.

They are some of the 445 schools across WA who have adopted the change in governance style since the concept was rolled out by the State Government in 2010.

Schools in Bunbury, Collie, Harvey, Donnybrook and Capel are among those who have become independent public schools, which the State Government defines as one where "the principal has been given increased flexibility and responsibility to make local decisions across a range of school operations to enhance education outcomes for students".

Independent public schools also have boards which sign a performance agreement with principals and Kingston Primary School principal Alan Kidd previously said he embraced the extra accountability this created.

Education Minister Peter Collier said becoming independent and having a board, which also participated in an external review, "allows school communities, including parents, a greater say and sense of ownership in the way their school is run."

Bunbury Primary School became independent in 2011, during the State's second intake, and principal Shane Doherty said it gave them extra flexibility to meet the needs of students.

"We felt the school and its community were ready to work in a more flexible environment that would hopefully deliver better outcomes for our children," he said.

The State Government has expressions of interest forms for schools to become independent in 2017, with another 50 schools across the State to be accepted.