The BUSY School is proud to announce the appointment of Donna Loughran as the Director of The BUSY School Queensland, responsible for overseeing nine campuses and supporting more than 1,700 students and their families across the state.
Donna joins the organisation with extensive experience in education leadership and a strong commitment to the power of alternative schooling models that place student wellbeing at the centre of success. From her first days in the role, Donna has been immersed in the unique culture of The BUSY School, visiting campuses, meeting with educators and engaging with students whose education and career futures are being transformed through a new kind of learning environment.
“There is something extraordinary happening here,” Donna shared. “Every conversation I’ve had with staff has reinforced just how deeply committed this team is, not just to teaching, but to walking alongside students through whatever challenges they face. This is what alternative education should be: built on belief, care and connection.”
At The BUSY School, classrooms are more than just places of learning, they are places of healing and hope. Teachers act as mentors, role models, and advocates, helping young people reconnect with their education and build confidence in their future.
“Academic achievement is important, but long-term success depends on more than grades,” Donna said. “When we support a young person’s overall wellbeing, emotionally, socially and personally – we give them the tools to not only re-engage with education but to believe in themselves and what’s possible for their future.”
This approach is echoed across all campuses. At the Southport Girls+ Campus, staff speak proudly about the transformation they see in their students. “We’ve given them the confidence to say, ‘I can do this,’ and that confidence is everything,” shared Janet, one of the school’s dedicated educators. “When you give a young person hope for their future, you give them everything.”
The BUSY School’s tailored model supports students who have previously disengaged from mainstream education by offering smaller class sizes, flexible learning approaches, and personalised support. Donna believes this model is vital to improving outcomes for young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
“We’re not just changing minds—we’re changing lives,” she said. “And I’m extremely proud to be part of this.”
As The BUSY School enters the second half of the academic year, Donna will focus on supporting school leaders to strengthen consistency and quality across campuses, while preserving the compassionate, student-centred culture that sets the school apart.
“The impact here is profound,” Donna added. “To all of our educators—you are the heart of this work. Thank you for the warmth you’ve shown me and the extraordinary care you give to our students every day. It’s an honour to lead alongside you.”
The BUSY School looks forward to the continued growth and success of its Queensland campuses under Donna Loughran’s leadership and remains committed to changing the lives of young people through education, training, and connection.
New Director appointed to lead The BUSY School across Queensland, Donna Loughran, says of The BUSY Schools, “We’re not just changing minds—we’re changing lives,” she said. “And I’m extremely proud to be part of this.”
