Gold Coast Schools Guide: Public, Catholic and Independent

Schools on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast's rapid population growth has been matched by school expansion. The city has a strong mix of government schools, a well-regarded Catholic network, and some of Queensland's most reputable independent schools. Many families moving from interstate or overseas are impressed by the quality of Gold Coast school options.

Government Schools

Queensland Department of Education runs government schools across the Gold Coast. State high schools on the Gold Coast include Southport State High School (one of QLD's oldest), Miami State High School, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, and Robina State High School. Varsity College (Upper Coomera) is a large co-educational P-12 school with strong co-curricular programs.

Catholic Schools

Gold Coast Catholic Education (Diocese of Lismore and Brisbane) runs schools including St Joseph's College (Toowoomba, not GC), John Paul College (Daisy Hill — near GC boundary), and a number of parish primary schools. More Gold Coast-specific Catholic schools include St Hilda's School (Southport, girls K-12, Anglican but competes in Catholic networks) and Padua College (Mooloolaba — near northern GC).

Independent Schools

Notable Gold Coast independent schools include The Southport School (Main Beach, Anglican, boys Years 7-12), St Hilda's School (Southport, Anglican, girls K-12), All Saints Anglican School (Merrimac, co-ed P-12), Kings Christian College (Reedy Creek, co-ed), Hillcrest Christian College (Reedy Creek), and Emmanuel College (Carrara, Catholic, co-ed).

Finding and Enrolling

Government school enrolments are through the Queensland Department of Education (qed.qld.gov.au). Contact schools directly for enrolment in Catholic and independent schools. Open days are typically held in Terms 1 and 2.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.