While private primary schools dominate the top rankings, there are several state schools that consistently rank amongst the top schools on the Gold Coast, and a few that have pushed their way into the top this year. The best-performing school on the Gold Coast for the third consecutive year is The Southport School (TSS), an all-boys private school located in Southport.
We unveil the top 20 Gold Coast primary schools, categorized by region, including state schools and private schools.
Schools are listed by Gold Coast region from South to North and results are based on the 2023 published NAPLAN results. We've included the top 20 best performing primary schools, out of a total of 85 primary schools that participated in NAPLAN.
Best primary schools Southern Gold Coast
(from Coolangatta to Tallebudgera)
1. Tallebudgera State School, Tallebudgera (6 of 20)
A consistent top performer in the area, Tallebudgera State School is an Independent QLD government school set in the beautiful natural surroundings of Tallebudgera. The school only takes students living within the Tallebudgera catchment area and has a maximum enrolment capacity of 805 students, from Prep to Year 6.
2. St Andrews Lutheran College, Tallebudgera (12 of 20)
Nestled in the picturesque bushland of Tallebudgera, St. Andrews is a private co-educational Lutheran school that boasts a stunning setting and state-of-the-art facilities. Accommodating students from Prep to Year 12, the school also features an Early Learning Centre for Kindergarten and Pre-Prep. With an enrollment of 1374 students, St. Andrews is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment.
3. Palm Beach State School (17 of 20)
Palm Beach State School services families in the Palm Beach catchment area. Located in the heart of the suburb, they have approx. 805 students from Prep to Year 6.
4. Elanora State School, Elanora (18 of 20)
Elanora State School is a Prep to Year 6 co-educational Independent public primary school serving families living in the Elanora catchment area. The school currently has 935 students enrolled.
5. Currumbin Valley State School, Elanora (20 of 20)
Currumbin Valley State School is a coeducational public school, located within beautiful Currumbin Valley on the Gold Coast. This tiny community school has approx 144 students across Prep to Year 6.
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Best primary schools Central Gold Coast
(from Burleigh to Southport)
1. The Southport School (TSS), Southport (1 of 20)
For the third consecutive year, The Southport School (TSS) has claimed the top spot. TSS, an Independent Anglican school dedicated to the education of boys from Kindergarten (Early Learning) to Year 12, has consistently demonstrated excellence.
2. St Hilda’s School, Southport (2 of 20)
St Hilda's School stands as a high-achieving Gold Coast institution. The all-girls independent Anglican day and boarding school cater to students from Pre-Prep to Year 12.
3. Somerset College, Mudgeeraba (4 of 20)
Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Somerset College is one of Australia's leading independent Primary and Secondary schools and caters for approximately 1600 students from Pre-Prep to Year 12.
4. Broadbeach State School, Broadbeach (5 of 20)
Broadbeach State School serves families in the Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach and Clear Island Waters catchment area. It is a co-educational, Independent public school, with 1,170 students from Prep to Year 6.
5. All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac (7 of 20)
All Saints Anglican School is a prestigious Christian school on the Gold Coast and welcomes all students irrespective of ethnic or religious origins. All Saints offers a Junior School, Middle School and Senior School catering to students from Pre-Prep to Year 12.
6. Benowa State School, Benowa (9 of 20)
Benowa State School caters to families living in the Benowa catchment. The school has a diverse student population representing over 70 nationalities and cultures, and has approx. 880 students from Prep to Year 6.
7. Hillcrest Christian College, Reedy Creek (10 of 20)
Hillcrest Christian College is an independent Christian school located in Reedy Creek. The co-educational Christian school caters to kids from Pre-Prep (Early Learning) to Year 12 and has approx. 1,780 student enrolments.
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8. Varsity College, Varsity Lakes (11 of 20)
Varsity College is an Independent public primary & high school, one of the few state schools that are combined, serving children from Prep to Year 12. The school has approx. 3,370 students across the two campuses.
9. Bellevue Park State School, Ashmore (13 of 20)
Bellevue Park is another Queensland government co-educational state school kicking academic goals. Serving children from the Ashmore / Southport area from Prep to Year 6, Bellevue Park State School only accepts students living within the catchment area and has an enrolment of approx. 700 students.
10. Emmanuel College, Carrara (14 of 20)
Emmanuel College is an independent, co-educational, multi-denominational Christian school. The College caters to students from Prep through to Year 12 and there is also an affiliated on-campus Early Leaning Centre.
11. St Kevin's School, Benowa (15 of 20)
Situated in Benowa, St Kevin's School is a vibrant coeducational Catholic primary school. With an approximate enrollment of 350 students spanning from Prep to Year 6, the school also features an Early Learning Centre.
12. Robina State School (16 of 20)
Pushing into the top 20 primary schools, Robina State School is a Queensland government co-educational state school with a student population of approx. 770 students from Prep to Year 6.
13. Marymount Catholic Primary School, Burleigh Waters (20 of 20)
Marymount is a co-educational Catholic Primary School providing education for students from Prep to Year 6, the school has approx 1,020 students.
Best primary schools Northern Gold Coast
(north of Southport)
1. AB Paterson College, Arundel (3 of 20)
A.B. Paterson College is a leading co-educational, non-denominational private school located in the suburb of Arundel. They offer Pre-Prep, Primary and Secondary education, with a total of approx 1,600 students.
2. Saint Stephen’s College, Coomera (8 of 20)
Saint Stephen's College is a co-educational, Preparatory to Year 12 independent school centered on Christian principles. They have a school population of approx 1,300 students
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Source & disclaimer: Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority 2023 NAPLAN results, ranked by combining the score for Y3 & Y5. We have in preparing this information used our best endeavours to ensure that the information contained herein is true and accurate but accept no responsibility and disclaim all liability in respect of any errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements that may occur
