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Burnside State High School

Three reasons to choose us

  1. ​Smaller class sizes in a smaller school setting
  2. Smarter senior options leading to outstanding results
  3. Safer, more supportive learning environment​
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Principal's welcome

On behalf of the students, staff and parents of Burnside SHS, welcome to our school community. All aspects of our culture reflect our school motto 'Smaller, Smarter, Safer'. We are an inclusive school embracing and nurturing the Education Queensland International program to help celebrate diversity and international partnerships. We actively promote international friendships and language learning in the real world through our sister schools program in Japan and Indonesia.

Burnside SHS provides a breath of subjects to cater for a wide variety of needs. Our signature programs include the volleyball excellence program and our horizons 1:1 laptop program.

We also offer subjects unique to our location being only 15 minutes from the beach. This includes marine studies and recreational pursuits which includes a beach unit. Burnside SHS is ready for the challenge in providing a quality experience for our international visitors.

School overview

Number of students

Year school established

School website

At Burnside State High School, we are a multi award-winning school located at the base of the Blackall Ranges in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

We are 20 minutes from beautiful beaches and located near major tourist attractions so you can enjoy both the beautiful hinterland environment and some of the best surfing beaches in Australia.

Choose from our diverse and exciting curriculum including technology, the arts, science, sports and recreation.

We nurture a culture of respect, friendliness and passion for life with a strong focus on family and community. Our school warmly welcomes international students.

EQI programs offered

HS
High School
HSA
High School Study Abroad

Special programs

  • Volleyball Excellence program (Years 7–10)
  • Senior recreational studies—surfing, rock climbing and other outdoor activities (Years 11–12)
  • Trade training centre—hospitality (Years 9–12)
  • Instrumental music and music industry programs (Years 7–12)
  • Dance company (Years 7–12)
  • Headstart and Tertiary Preparation programs with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) (Years 11–12)
  • International Students Orientation program
  • International Students Buddy program
  • International Cultural Immersion program
  • Beacon Leadership program (Year 10)
  • 1:1 laptop program for senior students
  • Inter-school sport (Years 7–12)​
  • Certificate III in Aviation Remote Pilot​​

Extracurricular activities

  • Student Representative Council
  • Junior and senior marine studies—snorkelling, boating, Great Barrier Reef excursion
  • Surfing
  • Choir
  • Musical
  • Dance
  • School gym
  • Excursions to K'gari (Fraser Island), Moreton Island, Brisbane and local areas
  • Biology camp
  • Rugby league games
  • Arts expo

School facilities

  • Music recording studio
  • Indoor sports facility
  • Gymnasium including weights
  • Rugby and soccer fields
  • Covered tennis and basketball courts
  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE)/international building
  • State-of-the-art performing arts centre completed 2025

Tertiary pathways

  • University links with University of the Sunshine Coast and TAFE Queensland
  • Links to external registered training organisations for Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications

Languages

  • Japanese and Indonesian
  • Other languages offered by distance education
  • Japanese, Indonesian, French and German speaking staff
  • English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) trained staff​​

Homestay and accommodation

By living with an Australian host family international students become part of the local community and have a fantastic opportunity to practise their English in a safe and caring home environment.

Students have their own bedroom with study facilities, three meals a day, and access to transport to and from school, and to school activities.

Read more about homestay and accommodation options.

Holiday adventure programs

Holiday adventure programs are an exciting and safe way for students to travel and sightsee during school holidays.

All holiday adventures are fully guided and escorted by qualified teachers and staff to ensure student safety.

Find out more about our holiday adventure programs.

Contact details

Disclaimer

The information and data in this webpage is subject to change without notice. Before submitting your application, if you are interested in:

  • a particular subject, sport, program or extracurricular activity offered by an EQI school; or
  • particular school facilities;

please contact EQI or the school directly to confirm it will be offered and/or available in the year you intend to study.
Last updated 16 May 2025