Crisafulli Government Publishes Independent Report into Year 12 Ancient History Exam Error
In a decisive move to strengthen Queensland’s education integrity, the Crisafulli Government has released the Investigation into the 2025 Teaching of Incorrect Ancient History Topic in Nine Queensland High Schools Panel Report. The independent review, led by Dr Grant Webb, examined how a curriculum error affected Year 12 Ancient History students across seven state and two non-state schools.
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek confirmed the findings and directed the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), the Non-State School Accreditation Board (NSSAB), the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC), and the Department of Education to act on the report’s recommendations.
The incident impacted approximately 140 students who were unknowingly taught incorrect syllabus content. Despite the disruption, every affected student achieved a passing grade (C or above), with more than 40 percent earning an A—thanks to prompt departmental intervention and additional academic support. All results were reviewed through an expert committee, including independent statisticians, ensuring fairness and consistency.
Dr Webb’s panel identified two key contributing factors behind the teaching error:
- Gaps in local school communication and handover procedures.
- Limitations in QCAA’s messaging and absence of a validation process for syllabus updates.
While no single point of failure was found, the combination of these issues increased the risk of confusion across the affected schools.
Minister Langbroek described the incident as “completely unacceptable,” adding that it had caused undue stress for students, teachers, and parents. “We promised Queenslanders swift accountability, and we have delivered that through an immediate overhaul of the QCAA Board, which now includes stronger expertise in governance and communication,” he said.
The Crisafulli Government has implemented structural changes to ensure such errors are not repeated, including improved risk mitigation protocols ahead of the 2026 external examinations. The government also commended the exceptional support provided to both staff and students during the resolution process, which the panel described as “second to none.”
Dr Webb’s investigation involved 27 consultation sessions with educators, parents, and sector representatives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of how Queensland’s curriculum oversight can be improved.
The full report is available via the Department of Education’s website here.
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