The Mary McConnel School provides an alternative educational program for students who, due to a high-support learning need, have difficulties accessing conventional education programs.

The school is named in honour of Mary McConnel who founded the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane in 1878.

Students in Preparatory to Year Nine focus on literacy and numeracy for their individual programs, whilst programs for students in Senior Schooling (Years Ten to Twelve) take on a vocational education focus.

At the end of Year 12, students are able to undertake a 12-month habilitation program, to provide them with the life skills needed to live independently in society.

Mary McConnel School's sporting program is centred on the host College's membership of The Associated Schools (TAS) for students in Years 8–12, and Junior TAS Competition (JTAS) for students in Years 4–7.