High schools (sometimes called secondary schools) offer education in Years 8 to 12 (sometimes called Grades 8 to 12).
Find a high school
The Education Department has a school directory. Search for a Queensland state high school or non-state school (including independent, private or religious high schools).
Or use the search tools on the Independent Schools Queensland website to find a high school.
School holidays
Years 10, 11 and 12 will finish the final term of the year earlier than other grades. Check with the school for dates, or check the Education Queensland holidays and term dates information.
Senior high school
All Year 10 students have the opportunity to develop Senior Education and Training (SET) plans and register with the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA).
One option is to finish Year 12 and get a student education profile. This profile includes:
- A senior certificate (showing results from subjects)
- The QCS (Queensland Core Skills) test result
- A Tertiary Entrance Statement, including an OP (Overall Position) and FP (Field Position)
An OP is needed for entry to university or other tertiary study. You can get more information about how an OP is calculated and answers to other frequently asked questions about OPs from the Queensland Studies Authority website.
If a student doesn’t want an OP, they can study VET subjects (vocational educational and training subjects). They also have the option of doing a school based apprenticeship or traineeship.
Confused about all the options and terms? The Education Queensland FAQs about senior schooling may help.
Leaving school
As of 2006, the school leaving age is 16 or when a student completes Year 10 (whichever comes first). They then must take part in some form of education or training for two years after they have completed Year 10, or be working in paid employment for at least 25 hours a week. For more information check out the Education Queensland’s information on the senior phase of learning.
Schools of Excellence
Some state high schools offer Schools of Excellence. These give students the chance to study a skill (for example, dance, aviation or sport) to a professional level as well as studying their regular subjects.
Other types of schools
Albert Park Flexi School - offers a new way of finishing high school. It provides academic, social, emotional and physical support to young people who are unable to attend a mainstream high school.
To attend the Flexi School, you will need to be:
- aged between 14 years, 9 months and 19 years, and
- have difficulty attending a mainstream high school
There are many reasons why you may not be able to attend a mainstream high school. Examples include: exclusion, school/family difficulties, substance abuse, absense from school for a long time because of illness, pregnancy, moving, or you may have special needs.
Flexi School students can achieve a Year 10 Certificate or Senior Certificate and Overall Position (OP).
For girls who are pregnant during high school, there is the support provided by the young parents group at the Brisbane School of Distance Education.
If you’re an adult and want to improve or continue with your education, TAFE and Adult and Community Education (ACE) courses could be just what you’re looking for.
