Finigan School of Distance Education
Connected through learning
About the school
Finigan School of Distance Education is a purpose-built K–12 distance education provider located in Queanbeyan. It offers high-quality, individualised learning programs tailored for students who, due to various circumstances such as remote location, medical issues, or extraordinary circumstances, cannot attend a conventional school. The school is named after Walter Finigan, an Australian pioneer in distance education.
Learning Environment
The school supports a diverse student body, including those requiring single-course curriculum access and students with complex needs. Teachers employ explicit, evidence-informed practices to make online learning engaging and accessible. The school has invested in technology, featuring 20 web-lesson studios that facilitate live lessons and real-time feedback, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.
Commitment to Inclusion
Finigan School is dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students, including Aboriginal, multicultural, and EAL/D learners. The commitment to inclusivity is evident through strong partnerships and targeted programs designed to protect students from bullying and to enhance their educational experience.
Curriculum and Resources
The curriculum spans all K–12 subjects, including arts, languages, science, and technology, supported by various programs such as Life Ready and senior subject selection. FSDE offers robust resources for practical subjects like science and arts through its purpose-built facilities, ensuring distance learning does not limit students' educational opportunities.
With a focus on flexibility and personalised learning, Finigan School empowers students to work at their own pace, maintaining strong connections with their teachers while accessing a wide range of resources to support their educational journeys.
Mission
Finigan School of Distance Education is a public school committed to working together to deliver innovative, high-quality learning.
Location & Catchment Area
- Finigan School of Distance Education
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Queanbeyan High School 126 m
- B Queanbeyan West Public School 813 m
- C Karabar High School 1.3 km
- D Queanbeyan Public School 1.4 km
- E Queanbeyan South Public School 1.4 km
- F Tirriwirri School 1.4 km
- G Queanbeyan East Public School 2.4 km
- H Jerrabomberra Public School 4.1 km
- I Jerrabomberra High School 4.6 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 84 (47 girls, 37 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 82.9
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1067 (percentile 74)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 16% / 24% / 26% / 34%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 66
- Indigenous students
- 10%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 19%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 67.7
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 13.4
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 2 | 1 |
| Year 3 | 2 |
| Year 4 | 1 |
| Year 5 | 1 |
| Year 6 | 3 |
| Year 7 | 4 |
| Year 8 | 7 |
| Year 9 | 12 |
| Year 10 | 19 |
| Year 11 | 18 |
| Year 12 | 16 |
| Total | 84 |
Year by year
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 84 | 47 | 37 | 1067 | 67.7 |
| 2024 | 158 | 83 | 75 | 1058 | 86.5 |
| 2023 | 267 | 143 | 124 | 1046 | 93.1 |
| 2022 | 312 | 164 | 148 | 1043 | 95 |
| 2021 | 267 | 149 | 118 | 1031 | 91.1 |
| 2020 | 308 | 163 | 145 | 1034 | 97.9 |
| 2019 | 366 | 199 | 167 | 1031 | 97.8 |