Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton supports schools through a purposeful and ongoing approach to school improvement that strengthens learning, wellbeing and Catholic identity. This work is guided by a coherent School Improvement Framework used across all diocesan schools.

The framework brings together several complementary, research-informed tools to support improvement, accountability and Catholic identity. These include the School Improvement Tool (SIT), and the Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) and Tell Them From Me (TTFM) surveys for students, staff and parents.

The SIT, developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), provides a nationally recognised evaluation framework that supports schools to reflect on their practice, identify strengths and priorities, and plan strategically for sustained improvement. Every five years, schools engage in an external review that focuses on key aspects of effective schooling, including leadership, teaching and learning, wellbeing, and partnerships with families and communities.

The ECSI survey supports schools to reflect on how their Catholic identity is lived and experienced within the school community. Through structured reflection and dialogue, ECSI helps schools strengthen the integration of faith, learning and culture, ensuring Catholic identity remains central to daily school life.

Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton also values the voices of students, families and staff as an essential part of school improvement. Schools use the TTFM surveys at student, staff and parent/carer levels to gain insight into student wellbeing, engagement, learning culture and relationships. These surveys provide reliable, research-based feedback that supports reflective practice, informs improvement planning and strengthens partnerships between schools and their communities.

Together, these elements contribute to a coherent School Improvement Framework that supports continuous improvement planning across all diocesan schools. The framework also meets the accreditation requirements of Queensland’s Non-State School Accreditation Board (NSSAB). In accordance with the Education (Accreditation of Non-State Schools) Regulation 2017, each school participates in a formal external validation process every five years as part of this ongoing cycle of reflection and growth. Further information about this legislation is available through NSSAB: https://www.nssab.qld.edu.au/. 

Principals and School Boards play a central leadership role in school improvement and are supported by the relevant Assistant to the Director: Schools, ensuring schools are both supported and challenged to offer a high-quality, faith-filled Catholic education for every child and young person entrusted in their care.