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Which are the best schools on the Sunshine Coast?

While the Sunshine Coast may not boast the sheer number of schools found in larger cities, this beautiful corner of southeast Queensland offers a fabulous selection of great schools and is home to some of the best schools in Queensland. The best schools on the Sunshine Coast comprise both private and state schools. Private schools combine Sunshine Coast high schools and primary schools in one location. Most also have early learning on-site, making the entire learning journey on one campus. State schools have separate Sunshine Coast high schools and primary schools.

About the Sunshine Coast

The smaller population numbers mean the Sunshine Coast doesn’t have the capacity to support single-sex schools or have hyper-focused options such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). However, the best Sunshine Coast schools excel in delivering a well-rounded education and preparing students for the future via a diverse range of pathways.

Here is a list of the best schools on the Sunshine Coast, in alphabetical order.

Best schools Sunshine Coast

Caloundra City Private School

Students at Caloundra City Private School
Students at Caloundra City Private School

Location: Pelican Waters

Years: Prep to Year 12, plus early learning centre on-site

Sector: Private, non-denominational

Sunshine Coast’s Caloundra City Private School ignites a spark in every student. Here, a world-class education empowers them to become confident, self-directed individuals.  Through innovative programs and a focus on character development, Caloundra City cultivates future global citizens prepared to make a positive impact, both in their communities and on the world stage.

Good Samaritan Catholic College

Students at Good Samaritan Catholic College, Bli Bli
Students at Good Samaritan Catholic College, Sunshine Coast

Location: Bli Bli

Years: Prep to Year 12

Sector: Private, Catholic

Good Samaritan Catholic College is a new Sunshine Coast school and a place where each day they put their motto into place: Journey with Compassion. 

Immanuel Lutheran College

Students at Immanuel Lutheran College Sunshine Coast
Student and teacher at Immanuel Lutheran College, Sunshine Coast1

Location: Buderim

Years: Prep to Year 12, plus early learning centre on-site

Sector: Private, Lutheran

Opened in 1979, Immanuel Lutheran College believes in a holistic approach to education, raising well-rounded and cultured adults, not just academic achievers. The College also has a strong focus on environmental science, located in a sizable natural rainforest and with a two-storey environmental centre with laboratories that access the rainforest. 

Matthew Flinders Anglican College

Students at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Sunshine Coast
Principal of Matthew Flinders Anglican College with students

Location: Buderim

Years: Prep to Year 12, plus early learning centre on-site

Sector: Private, Anglican

Matthew Flinders Anglican College is consistently regarded as one of the best schools on the Sunshine Coast. It was recognised nationally as ‘Primary School of the Year (Non-Government)’ in the 2023 Australian Education Awards. As well as achieving impressive ATAR results, the college aims to deliver a nurtiring, vibrant and caring learning environment where every student is supported to reach their academic potential and develop their character and skills for improved health and wellbeing.

Pacific Lutheran College

Students at Pacific Lutheran College, Sunshine Coast
Primary students creating with LEGO at Pacific Lutheran College

Location: Meridan Plains

Sector: Private, Lutheran

Pacific Lutheran College is a Christ-centered community that fosters curiosity and a deep understanding of the world, nurturing each child’s unique talents. This Sunshine Coast school goes beyond academics, offering exceptional programs in sport, culture, pastoral care, personal development, and the outdoors.

St Andrew’s Anglican College

Students at St Andrew's Anglican College
Students at St Andrew’s Anglican College

Location: Peregian Springs

Years: Prep to Year 12, plus early learning centre on-site

Sector: Private, Anglican

St Andrew’s Anglican College is a forward-thinking, modern school that consistently ranks among the top achieving schools in Queensland. The school’s passion is to delivera learning journey that is both personalised and intrinsically rewarding, built on the basis of strong relationships between students, teachers and home. 

Suncoast Christian College

students at Suncoast Christian College, Sunshine Coast
Students at Suncoast Christian College

Location: Woombye

Years: Prep to Year 12, plus early learning centre on-site

Sector: Private, Christian

Suncoast Christian College is a future-focused Christian school with a focus on community and high-quality pastoral care. Cultivating a culture of compassion where empathy comes first, this school empowers each student to become a lifelong learner and problem-solver. Here, individuals discover their potential to make a positive impact, building a better world today and for tomorrow.

Sunshine Beach State High School

Students at Sunshine Beach State High School, regarded as one of the best Sunshine Coast high schools.

Location: Sunshine Beach

Years: Year 7 – 12

Sector: Public, non-denominational

Sunshine Beach State High School is a modern and internationally accredited state high school Sunshine Coast. Just 5 km from Noosa Main Beach, the school has a strong academic focus, and multiple pathways for students, teaching, learning and innovation.

Sunshine Beach State School

Students at Sunshine Beach State School
Students at Sunshine Beach State School

Location: Sunshine Beach

Years: Prep – Year 6

Sector: Public, non-denominational

A fully accredited ‘Glasser Quality School’, Sunshine Beach State Primary School is regarded as one of the best state schools on the Sunshine Coast. Located in the beautiful Noosa rainforest, the school offers a quality curriculum and nurturing environment, raising competent learners who care about the world.

Sunshine Coast Grammar School

Students at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, regarded as one of the best schools Sunshine Coast.
Kindy students in the outdoor kitchen students at Sunshine Coast Grammar School

Location: Forest Glen

Years: Prep to 12, plus early learning centre on-site

Sector: Private, Anglican

Nestled amidst 100 acres of Sunshine Coast rainforest, this co-educational private school ignites a passion for learning. Offering a robust academic curriculum alongside enriching cultural and sporting programs, they nurture well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in the ever-evolving world. Sunshine Coast Grammar School is highly regarded as one of the best school Sunshine Coast.

Choosing the best schools Sunshine Coast for you

At the end of the day, choosing the best Sunshine Coast school is an incredibly personal choice. Some people have had a bad experience, and some have had a good experience. So, choosing the best school Sunshine Coast is all about choosing the right school for you.

Want to see all the best schools Sunshine Coast in one day? Come to the Sunshine Coast Education Fair 2024! Entry is free, and there will be plenty of free hands-on activities for kids to explore the diverse programs that Sunshine Coast schools have to offer.

When: Saturday 13th July, 9 am – 3 pm

Where: Clippers Basketball Stadium, Buderim

See the latest floorplan here.

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