Member for Cook Jason O'Brien has urged local state high schools to consider lodging an expression of interest to pilot Year 7 before the statewide move in 2015.

The Bligh Government has announced that up to 20 state secondary schools will pilot Year 7 before 2015 to ensure a smooth transition across Queensland.

Mr O'Brien said many local state high schools have indicated they wish to make the move earlier than 2015.

“The opening of the expression-of-interest process will allow these schools to formally register their interest in hosting Year 7 before 2015,” Mr O'Brien said.

“There will be two stages to the EOI process, with stage one now open to all state secondary schools."

State high schools, in consultation with the feeder primary schools and Parents and Citizens Associations, can register their interest with their Regional Director by August 22, 2011. From there, schools will be assessed on their suitability at a regional level.

Schools which proceed to stage two will then be required to make a submission based on a set of selection criteria including individual school model, transition plan, support for students, and plans to share their experiences throughout the pilot.

“Successful pilot schools will be announced before the end of the 2011 school year and it is expected that most pilot schools will choose to take Year 7 from 2013,” Mr O'Brien said.

The State Government had allocated $328.2 million to provide capital funding to state schools over four years to help build and refurbish classrooms as part of the Year 7 transition.

“Being in high school will also give Year 7 students access to the same learning opportunities as their interstate counterparts through specialist teachers and facilities such as science labs,” Education Minister Cameron Dick said.

State schools can find out more about the Year 7 pilot EOI process by contacting their Regional Director or at www.deta.qld.gov.au.