Choosing the right high school is a massive decision for families, whether you're a local or planning to relocate to the Gold Coast and looking for the best schools for your children. The 2024 NAPLAN results are in, and we've rounded up the best-performing and lowest-ranked schools on the Gold Coast to help you make informed decisions.
The 5 Best High Schools on the Gold Coast (Based on 2024 NAPLAN Results)
These schools have once again delivered outstanding academic performances, cementing their reputations as some of the best high schools on the Gold Coast.
1. Somerset College, Mudgeeraba - Central GC
For the sixth consecutive year, Somerset College holds its leading position, proving year after year that its commitment to academic excellence pays off. With state-of-the-art facilities, strong extracurricular programs, and a focus on innovation, it’s no wonder Somerset continues to shine.
Private school | Co-ed | Secular | Fees: $18,000 - $21,000 per year
2. All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac - Central GC
A consistent high-performer, All Saints Anglican School blends strong academics with a well-rounded approach to education. The school excels in music, drama, and sports, making it a top pick for families wanting a balanced education for their kids.
Private school | Co-ed | Christian | Fees: $12,000 - $16,000 per year
3. A.B. Paterson College, Arundel - Northern GC
Known for its rigorous academic standards, A.B. Paterson College provides a strong foundation for students aiming for high ATAR results. With modern facilities and a commitment to student development, it remains one of the best schools on the Gold Coast.
Private school | Co-ed | Secular | Fees: $12,600 - $15,500 per year
4. St Hilda’s School, Southport - Central GC
As the highest-ranked girls-only school on the Gold Coast, St Hilda’s continues to set the bar high. Its all-girls environment fosters confidence, leadership, and academic success across all year levels.
Private school | Girls only | Anglican | Fees: $14,000 - $23,500 per year
5. Emmanuel College, Carrara - Central GC
Emmanuel College consistently ranks among the top schools in the region, thanks to its strong academic programs, Christian values, and commitment to excellence in co-education.
Private school | Co-ed | Christian | Fees: $10,000 - $13,000 per year
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The 5 Worst-Performing High Schools on the Gold Coast (Based on 2024 NAPLAN Results)
Not all schools are excelling academically, and these schools struggled the most in this year's NAPLAN rankings.
1. Coombabah State High School, Coombabah - Northern GC
Despite efforts to improve, Coombabah SHS continues to rank among the lowest-performing schools in the region, with struggles in literacy and numeracy scores.
Government school | Co-ed | Tuition: Free for local students
2. Nerang State High School, Nerang - Central GC
With consistently low NAPLAN scores, Nerang SHS continues to face challenges in delivering strong academic outcomes. While there are efforts to improve, results indicate a need for significant changes.
Government school | Co-ed | Tuition: Free for local students
3. Pimpama State Secondary College, Pimpama - Northern GC
Student numbers at Pimpama SSC have gradually declined since 2020 following the opening of Foxwell SHS. Despite this, the school continues to face challenges in academic performance, ranking among the lower-performing schools in the region.
Government school | Co-ed | Tuition: Free for local students
4. Keebra Park State High School, Southport - Central GC
While Keebra Park SHS is well-known for its sporting excellence, particularly in rugby league, its NAPLAN scores indicate ongoing struggles in core academic subjects.
Government school | Co-ed | Tuition: Free for local students
5. Upper Coomera State College, Upper Coomera - Northern GC
Student numbers at Upper Coomera SC have been gradually declining since 2020. In 2024, the school had 1,744 students from Prep to Year 12, making it one of the few combined primary and high schools on the Gold Coast. Despite its size, the school continues to face challenges in improving academic outcomes.
Government school | Co-ed | Tuition: Free for local students
Key Takeaways for Families
Choosing the right school goes beyond rankings - it's about finding the best environment for your child to thrive. While top-performing schools offer strong academic programs, other schools may excel in sports, arts, vocational training, or student support services. Exploring a school’s unique strengths and extracurricular opportunities can be just as important as academic rankings.
For families relocating to the Gold Coast, understanding these rankings can provide a useful starting point in the school selection process. Whether you're considering an elite private school or a well-rounded state school, the Gold Coast offers a diverse range of educational options to suit different needs.
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Source & disclaimer: Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority 2024 NAPLAN results, ranked by combining the average year-level score for Y7 & Y9. We have in preparing this information used our best endeavours to ensure that the information contained herein is true and accurate but accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect of any errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements that may occur
N.B. School tuition fees are offered as a guide only, and are based on 2024 published fees, based on one child and in some cases may exclude special levies.
