Townsville Schools 2024: Top Public & Private PicksUpdated

Townsville's school landscape has improved significantly over the past decade, with both the government and private sectors investing in facilities and programmes that have lifted the city's educational outcomes. For families relocating from southern cities, Townsville's school options are generally considered adequate to strong, with the private sector particularly well developed for a regional city of its size.

Government schools — Kirwan State High School is Townsville's largest government secondary school and has developed strong academic and vocational pathways. Cleveland District State High School (Belgian Gardens) is the government school most sought by families in the inner northern suburbs. Townsville State High School (North Ward) is adjacent to Castle Hill and serves the inner-city catchment. The Queensland government's ATAR-focused academic extension programmes are available at several Townsville high schools for high-achieving students.

Independent schools — Townsville Grammar School is Townsville's most prominent independent school, offering co-educational K-12 education with a strong academic and boarding tradition. It attracts students from across North Queensland and has a boarding house for rural and remote students. Fees range from $12,000 to $22,000 per year depending on year level.

Catholic schools — Ignatius Park College (Aitkenvale) is Townsville's primary Catholic boys' school. St Patrick's College (Sheil St) provides Catholic girls' education. Cathedral School (North Ward) provides a pre-Prep to Year 12 Catholic co-educational option in the inner suburbs.

Boarding considerations — Townsville Grammar's boarding house is the primary boarding option in the city. Families in rural North Queensland (Cloncurry, Mount Isa, the Gulf) frequently choose Townsville Grammar boarding in preference to the distance required to access Brisbane or the Gold Coast private schools.

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