Rockingham and Kwinana independent school list grows

Rockingham and Kwinana primary schools are opting for the independent alternative with a further seven schools gaining autonomy.

As of next year 31 schools will be operating as Independent Public Schools in the area, including two new schools set to open - Golden Bay and Smirk Road primary schools - representing seven per cent of all IPS across WA.

Endeavour Schools primary and education support centre, Bungaree, Cooloongup, Secret Harbour, Medina primary schools and Leda and Koorana primary schools and ESC will be the latest schools added to the list under the State Government initiative.

Endeavour primary school principal Alan Hansen and ESC principal Jayne Gorbould said their cluster school now had greater opportunity to decide how to meet the needs and aspirations of the Endeavour community.

"School autonomy is giving each school the authority to make important decisions about what will work for education in its community - like who staff will be, how the resources will be used and what policies will make most sense," Mr Hansen said.

"It's about ensuring every child in every school achieves their potential."

Leda Primary School principal Brian Davies said he was excited about letting the community know about the change and further building upon the strong relationships with the community.

"We are looking forward to the positive changes that being IPS brings," he said.

"Including more flexibility with our resources in decision making, forming a school board and working with the board to make our already fantastic school even better."

Education Minister Peter Collier said the IPS initiative was creating strong foundations for empowered school communities, innovation in schools, and improvement in student achievement.