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Private Schools in Cairns 2026, Complete Guide

Find the best private, Catholic and independent schools in Cairns. Compare fees, enrolment process, and school options for Far North Queensland families.

By Cairns Daily · Published 20 July 2026

How we reported this

This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Cairns is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Schools in Cairns 2026

Cairns has a solid school market for its size across government, Catholic and independent sectors. The city's multicultural population creates demand for diverse educational environments. education.qld.gov.au

QLD Government Schools in Cairns

Queensland government schools in Cairns are free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. Cairns State High School has specialist programs and is the main government secondary school for the Cairns area.

Catholic Schools in Cairns

Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns operates Catholic schools across Far North Queensland. Fees are moderate. Key Catholic secondary schools include Trinity Anglican School, St Augustine's College and Merici College.

Independent Private Schools in Cairns

Cairns' independent schools include Trinity Anglican School, Cairns State High School (specialist streams), James Cook University affiliated programs and others. Fees range from $5,000-$18,000+/year. Private schooling in Cairns is generally more affordable than in major capitals, making private education accessible to a broader range of Cairns families.

How to Compare Schools in Cairns

Use myschool.edu.au for NAPLAN data and school profiles across Cairns schools.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.

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