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Coolum State High School

Three reasons to choose us

  1. ​​​​​​​​​Situated in an extraordinary bushland environment, close to a surf beach
  2. Students and staff are friendly and caring
  3. We offer a wide range of experiences, with a focus on excellence, student leadership and participation

Principal's welcome

As principal of Coolum State High School (Coolum SHS), I feel incredibly privileged to lead one of the most vibrant and high-achieving schools in Queensland. Our school is renowned for its inclusive culture, academic excellence and strong sense of community. We are proud to welcome all of our international students to Coolum State High School, and we are confident that you will enjoy being part of our dynamic school environment every day.

Our dedicated and passionate teachers form a highly professional team, committed to the success of every student. We foster a culture of unconditional care, respect and excellence, where every learner is supported to thrive both academically and personally.

Relationships and wellbeing

We place a strong emphasis on student wellbeing. At Coolum SHS, we help our students build meaningful relationships that empower them to develop perseverance, resilience and confidence in a supportive and caring environment. Our pastoral care programs and wellbeing initiatives are designed to ensure every student feels safe, valued and connected.

Community

Our students are not just part of the school—they are part of a broader community. We encourage them to think globally and act locally, developing a genuine sense of social responsibility. Whether it's through environmental sustainability projects, cultural exchanges or community service, our students learn the value of empathy, leadership, and making a positive impact.

Learning

Academic achievement is a cornerstone of our success. We believe every student has the potential to achieve their personal best, and we provide the high expectations and high support needed to reach those goals. Our innovative curriculum, dedicated staff and modern facilities create a rich learning environment where students are challenged, inspired and engaged.

Coolum State High School offers a wide range of academic, sporting, cultural and leadership opportunities that empower students to discover their strengths and pursue their passions. We are proud to offer programs that extend beyond the classroom, helping students become well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.

At Coolum State High School, we aim to foster a lifelong love of learning, a drive for continual improvement and a strong sense of personal fulfilment in all our students. We look forward to supporting each student on their journey to success.

School overview

Number of students

Year school established

School website

Coolum State High School is located only 1km from the stunning Coolum Beach, right at the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

Our progressive secondary school offers a wide range of academic and vocational education and training programs with a school culture that values and encourages students to excel.

We encourage our students to excel in academic, vocational, cultural, music, sporting and community endeavours in a supportive educational environment.

You can also join in our range of committees and councils to develop your personal leadership skills.

Our committed, experienced and caring staff focus on care, safety, respect and excellence in every part of school life.

Our International Student Program enables our students to become active global citizens, with a deep knowledge of international issues and an intercultural understanding.

Coolum State High School won the state showcase award for academic excellence in 2024.

EQI programs offered

HS
High School
HSA
High School Study Abroad

Special programs

  • Academy programs
    • Australian Rules Football League (AFL)
    • Basketball
    • Cheerleading
    • Chess
    • Dance
    • Netball
    • Robotics
    • Rugby League
    • Surfing
  • Aquatic practices, snorkelling, boating
  • Aerospace, building and construction, design, hospitality
  • Legal studies, music extension, psychology, tourism, visual art
  • Certificate courses
    • Business
    • Crime and justice
    • Health and nursing
    • Sport and recreation
  • Technology-based teaching and learning
  • Subject-based supervised excursions to facilitate practical learning
  • Vibrant international student program​

Extracurricular activities

  • Debating and public speaking
  • Learn-to-surf program
  • Instrumental music
  • Extensive range of academic competitions
  • School-based work experience
  • Year-level leadership development programs
  • ​Marine research and geography trips
  • ISP excursions to Australia Zoo, K'g​ari (Fraser Island), Moreton Island, Tangalooma and Lady Musgrave Island​

School facilities

  • Smart Futures centre
  • State-of-the-art Gagal Gira Instrumental Centre with music recording studio and soundproof rehearsal spaces
  • Performing arts centre, art gallery and dance studio
  • Computer and science laboratories, innovative design lab, extensive manual arts, graphics, hospitality study facilities and practical art rooms with kiln
  • Multipurpose indoor sports centre with basketball and netball courts, outdoor basketball facility, sports oval, football fields and gymnasium​

Tertiary pathways

  • University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)—headstart program
  • TAFE Queensland
  • University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT)​

Languages

  • ​Japanese (junior and senior)
  • French​​

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 07 November 2025