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Curriculum Australian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Japanese
Typical class size 13
Strengths STEM, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Benowa State High School is a public secondary school on an 18‑hectare campus, with over 2,000 students in Years 7–12. Opened in 1980, it serves a diverse community drawn from 50 nationalities. The school delivers the Australian Curriculum with a bespoke framework, featuring Junior Secondary pathways and Senior Secondary program. Excellence Programs span Academic, Sport and Arts, including Academic STEM Excellence, Academic French Immersion Program (FIP), French Excellence, Dance Excellence, Drama Excellence, Music Excellence, Sports Excellence, Visual Art Excellence and Steiner Excellence; dual programs are available from 2026. Vocational Education offers certificates such as Barista and Hospitality, plus Visual Arts-Photography and Dance certificates. The campus includes a 21st‑century library and sport facilities; sport is coordinated with Gold Coast Sport Central and district events. Around 40 clubs operate across academic, cultural and wellbeing areas, with collaboration spaces to support study. The school emphasises international programs and partnerships to provide diverse pathways.
Benowa State High School has 2,129 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English, French.
Location
The school is located on Mediterranean Drive, Benowa Qld 4217, on the Gold Coast. It sits in a residential suburb with access to local amenities and major transport routes. Public transport serves the area, and Kinetic buses operate services to and from the school with published timetables.
Stages
Year 7 to Year 12. Junior secondary covers Years 7–9; Senior secondary covers Years 10–12.
Type
Public secondary school
Additional learning support
Guidance officers, a psychologist and a social worker are available through the Student Support Hub. A GP is on campus on Fridays, and a school nurse provides health support. Personal counselling and career counselling are available, and there is a Peer Support program.
School day structure
The school day runs Monday to Friday from 8:45 am to 2:45 pm. Class times include House Group 8:45–8:55, Period 1 8:55–10:05, Morning Tea 11:15–11:55, Period 3 11:55–1:05, Lunch 1:05–1:35 and Period 4 1:35–2:45. Administration hours are 8:00 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays.
Bus service
Bus transport is provided via Kinetic buses. The school publishes Kinetic bus timetables for students. Bus-related information is available on the school site's parent resources section.
Fees
Annual tuition at Benowa State High School ranges from AUD 380 to AUD 640 for 2026/27.
Application fees
- Out‑of‑catchment application (non‑refundable): AUD 200. - Academic Excellence entrance test (ACER, Year 7): AUD 110.
- Student Resource Scheme (SRS) participation fee (annual): - Years 7–9: AUD 380 per year — equivalent to AUD 95 per term (annual ÷ 4; per‑term amount is calculated from the published annual fee). - Years 10–12: AUD 460 per year — equivalent to AUD 115 per term (annual ÷ 4; per‑term amount is calculated from the published annual fee).
- Extra‑curricular / subject levies and program charges (examples, annual unless otherwise noted): - Instrumental Music — participation: AUD 120. Instrument hire: AUD 120. - Aquatic Practices (two‑year subject, Years 11–12): AUD 550. Marine Studies (Year 12): AUD 150. - Excellence and selective program fees (examples): Year 7 Excellence program fees (French, STEM, Steiner, Sport, Arts): AUD 150; Academic/French/ STEM/Arts/ Sport excellence program fees vary (typical range AUD 75–AUD 200 depending on program and year). Selective program and excellence fees are non‑refundable. - Vocational Education & Training (VET) course fees (indicative / course dependent): examples include Certificate II course fees from around AUD 180–AUD 1,045, Certificate III/Diploma course fees up to several thousand (e.g., Diploma of Business and Diploma of Sport listed at AUD 2,799 and AUD 2,200 respectively). VET fees are indicative and may be invoiced directly by external RTO providers; some VET courses may attract VETIS funding which can reduce or remove the student cost. Fees for VET courses are payable on enrolment to the course.
Tuition (International students via EQI)
- EQI tuition (High School program) — published 2026 figures (AUD): - Junior High School (Years 7–10) — per year: AUD 16,612. Per term (standard 4‑term year): AUD 4,153 (annual ÷ 4; per‑term amount shown here is a calculation from the published annual fee). Study‑abroad and short‑term options are also priced per term as published. - Senior High School (Years 11–12) — per year: AUD 18,776. Per term (standard 4‑term year): AUD 4,694 (annual ÷ 4). Study‑abroad / single‑term pricing is published separately for shorter duration enrolments. - International non‑tuition items (examples): homestay placement fee, homestay weekly fees, OSHC, administration fees. Homestay placement and weekly homestay fees are invoiced as non‑tuition items; administration and homestay placement fees are non‑refundable as published by EQI. - School‑level charges for international students: international students may also be charged school subject levies, instrument/music fees, VET fees or SRS participation elements as the school publishes.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing model and instalments: - The school issues invoices for SRS participation and other charges. Parents can pay in a single annual payment or by instalments; individual payment plans may be negotiated with the school. Where instalments are used, the school publishes a payment schedule (instalment dates and amounts). Example instalment structure used in prior published SRS materials: three instalments across the year with amounts split to total the annual SRS fee (instalment dates vary by year). Instalment amounts and dates are provided on the school's SRS Fee Payment Information. - Payment obligations and debt management: - Payment of the participation fee is required to participate in the SRS. Non‑payment by the school's designated payment dates may result in debt recovery action and the school may exclude a student from optional/non‑curricular activities until outstanding fees are cleared. Pro‑rata charges or refunds apply for students who start or leave mid‑year according to the SRS terms.
Boarding / accommodation fees
- Boarding: Not applicable — Benowa State High School is a day school and does not operate a boarding facility. Homestay arrangements are used for international students where required; homestay placement fees and weekly homestay fees apply as non‑tuition charges managed through EQI. Example EQI 2026 amounts: homestay placement fee and homestay weekly charges are published by EQI (amounts vary; see EQI non‑tuition fees).
Other costs and fees (examples parents should expect)
- Uniforms: Uniforms are purchased via the school P&C Uniform Shop. Payment methods accepted at the uniform shop include cash, EFTPOS, and credit card (AMEX not accepted); online ordering is available via Flexischools and a Uniform Shop price list is published. - Excursions, camps, non‑curriculum activities and optional events: charged separately and not included in the SRS. These costs vary by activity and are invoiced as required. - Instrumental music hire, subject levies, VET course fees and selective program fees: charged as listed in the school's Schedule of Fees and SRS inclusions; amounts vary by subject and program.
Refund information
- Student Resource Scheme (SRS): where a student leaves during the year, the school determines eligibility for a pro‑rata refund of any paid SRS participation fee (a pro‑rata calculation is applied and any outstanding debts for damaged or unreturned items are offset against the refund). Parents joining mid‑year may be charged a pro‑rata participation fee. - Excellence/selective program fees: excellence and selective entry program fees are identified as non‑refundable due to selective entry. - International / EQI refunds and withdrawal rules: EQI publishes specific refund and withdrawal conditions for tuition and non‑tuition items (for example, homestay placement fees and administration fees are non‑refundable; there are minimum notice periods for program/homestay withdrawal). Refunds for international tuition and non‑tuition items are governed by EQI refund conditions and the enrolment agreement.
Fee payment options (methods accepted)
- BPOINT (online credit/debit card payments via the invoice link or by phone). Telephone BPOINT payments available via 1300 631 073. - Internet banking (school bank details published for reference on invoices): Account name: Benowa SHS General Account; BSB and account number published on invoices for electronic transfer. Use the student ID & invoice reference when making transfers. - EFTPOS and cash payments at the school cashier (cashier hours and contact numbers are published). The school accepts EFTPOS for campus payments and the uniform shop accepts EFTPOS and credit card (AMEX not accepted). Online uniform orders can be placed via Flexischools. - Centrepay (for eligible Centrelink customers) and negotiated payment plans for families experiencing financial hardship — payment options and concessions may be arranged with the school finance office.
Practical notes for parents (factual summary)
- Domestic students: there is no tuition charge in Queensland state schools, but participation in the SRS is an optional, school‑run scheme that bundles commonly required resources for a single annual fee (Years 7–9: AUD 380; Years 10–12: AUD 460). Subject levies, program fees, instrument hire and VET charges are additional where applicable. SRS participation and other charges are invoiced by the school. - International students: tuition charges for international students are set and invoiced through Education Queensland International (EQI) with published annual and term rates for Junior and Senior high programs and additional non‑tuition charges (homestay, OSHC, admin fees). Some international students will also incur school‑level subject levies and SRS inclusions.
Academics
Benowa State High School teaches Australian Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum.
Curriculum
Year 7 to Year 12 structure with Junior Secondary (Years 7–9) and Senior Secondary (Years 10–12). The curriculum provides Junior Secondary pathways and a Senior Secondary program offering a wide range of study options. Excellence Programs span Academic, Sport and The Arts, and Vocational Education pathways expand learning options beyond the mainstream. Excellence Programs include Academic STEM Excellence, Academic French Immersion Program (FIP), French Excellence, Dance Excellence, Drama Excellence, Music Excellence, Sports Excellence, Steiner Excellence Program and Visual Art Excellence, with dual programs available from 2026. Vocational Education offers certificates including Barista, Certificate II in Hospitality, Certificate II in Visual Arts-Photography, Certificate III in Visual Arts-Photography and Certificate III in Dance. The school emphasises diverse pathways through international programs and partnerships.
Exam Results
In 2024, 100% of graduates earned the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Seventy-eight percent completed one or more Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, and 30% earned a diploma. Sixty-one percent were ATAR eligible, with 6.8% above 98, 20% above 95 and 31% above 90; the Dux achieved 99.65 ATAR, and three students achieved perfect test scores.
Higher Education Progression
In 2022, 162 graduates received a university offer and 85% received their first course preference, illustrating strong university progression alongside VET pathways.
Gifted and Talented
Benowa State High School offers an Academic Excellence Program and the Benowa Scholar for high‑achieving students. Entry requires sitting the Academic Entrance Exam, and dual excellence programs become available from 2026; arts programs require auditions or portfolios (Dance, Drama, Music) or a Visual Art portfolio.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides a Student Support Hub with Guidance Officers, Chaplain, Psychologist and Social Worker, and a GP on Fridays. Personal Counselling is available through Guidance Officers, Psychologist, Chaplain and Social Worker for issues such as grief, anger management, mental health, relationships, bullying, absenteeism and stress. The GP at School offers health information, advice and treatment on Fridays with confidentiality, and students can choose to see the GP alone. Career counselling helps students explore future pathways and entry routes, including university and TAFE options. A student-led Peer Support Program (iCARE) promotes mental, social and emotional wellbeing through buddy systems, a “care class” program and peer tutoring.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The learning support centre provides literacy and numeracy assistance with one-on-one tutoring for Years 7–12. Programs are tailored to individual needs, with volunteer tutors helping with literacy, spelling, grammar and math skills to raise self-esteem and confidence.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school's student support team includes English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) staff, including Inclusion Teachers, English as an Additional Language/Dialect specialists, Education Assistants, a Guidance Officer, a Speech Language Pathologist and a School Wellbeing Educator.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through personal counselling, access to a School Based Youth Nurse for health and wellbeing information, and a student-led peer support program focused on mental and social wellbeing.
Safeguarding
A multidisciplinary Student Support Services Team supports at‑risk students, comprising Guidance Officers, Year Coordinators, Heads of Wellbeing and Engagement, HOSES and Deputy Principals. The Student Code of Conduct uses restorative practices to manage behaviour and safeguard the school community, with clear escalation paths and referrals to external agencies when needed.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Determine catchment eligibility using EdMap. Enter the full address and check the Secondary Catchment to see if the home is in the school's local catchment. If within catchment, visit the Enrolments page to complete the online enrolment application. The enrolment process will require original documents to verify local residence.
2. If within catchment, complete the online enrolment application on the Enrolments page. The school will ask to see a number of original documents with the enrolment application to confirm local residence.
3. If out of catchment, there are avenues for Out of Catchment enrolments through Excellence Programs.
4. Excellence Programs include Academic Excellence Programs (French Excellence, STEM, Steiner, Benowa Scholar), The Arts Excellence Programs (Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Art), and Sports Excellence. Academic Excellence Programs require all applicants to sit the Academic Exam; The Arts Programs require an audition or portfolio; Sports requires sport trials.
5. Applicants seeking enrolment within an Excellence Program must have school reports that reflect continued excellence in academia, behaviour and effort.
6. For further information, read the Enrolment Management Plan gazetted by the Department of Education, which the school references.
7. General enrolment links are available for 2025 and 2026 enrolment applications.
8. Transferring from another school: If your child is enrolling from a non-state school to a state school (or vice versa) in Queensland, the new school can request a transfer note from the previous school; there is no need for parents to complete additional forms. If moving from interstate, the new school can request consent to obtain information from the previous school; a transfer note is not required for transfers within Queensland.
9. When transferring, consider the timing of the move and involve your children; gather documentation outlining student achievement and education history; consider subject choices, transport, and other needs.
10. If there are further questions, fill out the Enquiry form and the Enrolment Officer will respond with answers.
11. The school publishes online enrolment applications for 2025 and 2026 to begin the process.
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are made available from time to time in the French Immersion program; students are encouraged to apply; Benowa SHS French Immersion students have previously gained scholarships to study in New Caledonia, Quebec and Switzerland. Scholarships are also mentioned as part of the Aerospace Gateway Schools program.
FAQs
What year levels does Benowa State High School serve?
Benowa SHS is a co-educational public high school serving Year 7 to Year 12 on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Junior secondary covers Years 7-9 and senior secondary covers Years 10-12.
What makes Benowa unique among Gold Coast schools?
Benowa is the only accredited French bilingual high school in Australia, offering the Academic French Immersion Program. It also has Excellence Programs in STEM, Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art, and Sport.
What are the school fees?
As a state school, Benowa charges a Student Resource Scheme fee of AUD 380-460 per year for domestic students. International students pay AUD 12,488-14,508 per year. An out-of-catchment application fee of AUD 200 applies.
What are the school's academic results?
In 2024, 100% of graduates earned the QCE, 61% were ATAR eligible, and 31% achieved ATAR above 90. The median ATAR was 79.90, with 6.8% scoring above 98.
How does the French Immersion Program work?
Core subjects including science, mathematics, history, and geography are taught in French, while elective subjects are taught in English. The program aims for high proficiency in bilingual French-English communication.
What Excellence Programs are offered?
Benowa offers Academic Excellence, STEM Excellence, French Immersion, and Arts Excellence programs in Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art, and Sport. Entry is by exam, audition, or portfolio depending on the program.
Is there learning support available?
The Learning Support Centre provides literacy and numeracy assistance with one-on-one tutoring for Years 7-12. Volunteer tutors help with spelling, grammar, and maths to build confidence and self-esteem.
What wellbeing support is provided?
The Student Support Hub includes Guidance Officers, a psychologist, social worker, chaplain, and school nurse. A GP is available on campus on Fridays. Peer Support and personal counselling services are also offered.
How do I apply if I live outside the catchment?
Check your catchment eligibility using EdMap. Out-of-catchment families pay a AUD 200 application fee. Entry to Excellence Programs requires testing, and the Academic Excellence entrance test costs AUD 110.
What sports are available?
Sports include volleyball, touch football, AFL, flag football, and rugby. The school participates in Gold Coast Sport Central cluster days and offers a merit-based Sports Excellence Program.
Does the school have a house system?
Yes, there are eight houses: Faith Bandler, Howard Florey, Hinkler, Hollows, Laver, Murdoch, Wake, and Wright. Each house has a mascot and participates in inter-house activities and competitions.
What university partnerships does the school have?
Benowa has strong partnerships with the University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, Griffith University, and Bond University, enabling parallel study options and university preparation pathways.
