Queenslanders speak more than 180 languages and come from more than 220 countries and territories.
The Department of Education's Community language schools (CLS) program is made up of community based not-for-profit organisations which provide classes in a range of languages and cultures that make up Queensland’s multicultural diversity.
Helping our students learn another language and interact across cultures is one of the best gifts we can give them for a bright future in our globalised world. The CLS program plays an important role in helping our students develop language and cultural skills.
Facts about multilingualism
Children who are multilingual learn language differently. The
facts about multilingualism video describes some unique features of multilingual language development.
Maintaining home language
Children who maintain their home language(s) experience many benefits. The maintaining home language video describes the benefits of maintaining home language, as well as ways to support home language.
For translated transcripts, see the
multilingual language develop resources created by the Department of Education.
Program objective
The CLS grants program is intended to:
- expand the number of languages available for Queensland school students to study
- increase the number of students gaining Year 12 certification in a language.
Since 1992, the Queensland Department of Education has supported community language schools through the CLS Grant Program.
Financial support is available for community not-for-profit CLS that are eligible and choose to
apply for a grant annually.
Note: The department’s role is limited to grant provision. For professional learning, curriculum or matters not related to CLS grant provision, please contact
Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland (ESAQ) Inc.