On 17 April 2005, as part of the Smart State Strategy, the Premier, the Hon. Peter Beattie MLA, announced the creation of the Queensland Academies as an innovative alternative educational program for high achieving high school students.
The Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology at Toowong and the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries at Kelvin Grove opened in January 2007 for Year 10 and Year 11 students.
The Queensland Academy for Health Sciences opened on the Gold Coast in January 2008 for students in Years 10 and 11.
In July 2008, the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries officially opened its new purpose-built seven-story facility in the heart of the Creative Industries' precinct at Kelvin Grove.
The two Brisbane based Academies now have students in Years 10 to 12. In 2009, the Health Sciences Academy will expand to include Year 12.
