Kristie de Brenni
Queensland Pathways State College, QLD
Kalkadoon, Bindal, Wulgurukaba, Jarowair, Giabal, Wakka Wakka, Ugarapul, Yuggera, Turrbal, Kabi Kabi
Teaching Fellow
Kristie de Brenni is the founding principal of Queensland Pathways State College; a multi-campus school designed to re-engage vulnerable and disengaged young people aged 15–18. Since establishing the school in 2018, Kristie has built it from a bold concept into a statewide model of inclusive education, with nine campuses supporting over 1,300 graduates to date.
Driven by a deep commitment to equity, Kristie has led the design of a flexible, trauma-informed learning environment that embeds wellbeing, literacy and life skills alongside academic success. With small class sizes, rolling enrolments and on-campus access to clinicians, students are supported to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education and transition successfully to employment, further education or training.
The College’s impact speaks for itself: in 2024 alone, students recorded an average 38% increase in attendance, 71% Queensland Certificate of Education attainment, and 75% post-school pathway success. Under Kristie’s leadership, the school has also extended its reach through QPSC Online, supporting over 2,400 students across 80 schools.
Kristie is a sought-after advisor in alternative education, contributing to the Senate Inquiry on school refusal, leading a statewide review of re-engagement programs, and shaping system-wide initiatives in student support. Through her work, she is helping to reshape how education systems respond to complexity — with compassion, innovation and belief in every young person’s potential.