Cairns Schools and Educational Institutions

There are a number of great local public and private primary and secondary schools dotted around the suburb of Cairns. The Queensland school system begins at  Prep and runs until year 12. There are 4 Terms to a year with school holidays in between so the kids can get outside and soak up the beautiful weather.

At the end of year 12, school leavers are faced with the choice to go off into the work place, study at university or sign up for a TAFE or other higher learning institution. James Cook University has a campus in Cairns which is one of the most renowned marine science institutions in the world. 

Find a local Cairns private or state school, university or college by browsing through the list below.

Cairns State Primary Schools and High Schools

The majority of children in Cairns attend State Primary and High Schools. These schools offer accessible public education which is high in quality with a broad range of subjects across the curriculum. Click through to see a comprehensive list of State Primary and State High Schools in Cairns.

Cairns Private & Catholic Schools

There are a variety of private schools in Cairns that offer education to students. We have compiled a list of private schools in and around Cairns, including independent schools, Christian schools and more. There are primary-level private schools, secondary schools and colleges that take studetns from K - 12.

Cairns Universities & Tertiary Education Colleges

University and Tertiary Education is open to both school leavers and mature aged students. Cairns is a great place to go away and study with smaller campuses, relaxed vibe and some great rainforest and ocean when it's time to leave the books. Find out more about available universities and tertiary education providers.

Cairns Independent Colleges

Cairns is a hub for international tourists wanting to explore Far North Queensland. For this reason it has also become a hub for international students wanting to study English. Cairns is the perfect place for international students wanting to get involved in the tourism industry and by studying English here they can learn the language and the tourism ropes.

Queensland School Term Dates

School Term Dates for 2013

Term 1 - Tues 29 January 2013 - Thur 28 March 2013
Term 2 - Mon 15 April 2013 - Fri 21 June 2013
Term 3 - Mon 8 July 2013 - Fri 20 September 2013
Term 4 - Tues 8 October 2013 - Fri 13 December 2013

Student free days for 2013

Thursday 24 January 2013
Friday 25 January 2013
Monday 10 June 2013
Monday 7 October 2013
Monday 21 October 2013

School Term Dates for 2014

Term 1 - Tues 28 January 2014 - Fri 4 April 2014
Term 2 - Tues 22 April 2014 - Fri 27 June 2014
Term 3 - Mon 14 July 2014 - Fri 19 September 2014
Term 4 - Tues 7 October 2014 - Fri 12 December 2014

Student free dates for 2014

Thursday 23 January 2014
Friday 24 January 2014
Monday 20 October 2014