STAFF at Aldridge State High School are more than ready to take on the school year as an independent public school according to principal Ross Higgins.

The Maryborough school will take part in the Independent Public School program this year, as part of a state government initiative to give schools more freedom to cater to their local community.

A well devised plan has been put in place for the first year of the IPS program, principal Ross Higgins said.

"As part of the Independent Public School program we will be forming a council with parents and students to help oversee the annual operations report," he said.

"That will be formed in the first few weeks of the school year."

Changes have already begun taking place at the high school Mr Higgins said, with the school receiving a makeover before the school year commences.

"We've painted a lot of the buildings, trimmed the trees and laid down new turf," he said.

"We've also had a new undercover sports area constructed which will be available for use soon.

"The idea behind the facelift is that we believe the kids will respond better to a pleasing environment."

Mr Higgins said the school was more than ready to face the new year on its own.

"We've got a lot of plans in place and targets to reach," he said.

"And we've also contacted an education group oversee things, so we keep everything in check."