1. Programs of Excellence (POE) – Year 7 2027
Our Programs of Excellence provide talented and motivated students with opportunities to extend their skills in a supportive, high-performance environment.
Programs include:
2027 POE Applications
Applications, auditions and trials for Year 7 2027 have now been completed.
Selection into a Program of Excellence does not automatically guarantee enrolment and remains subject to eligibility requirements and school capacity.
Applications for future Year 7 intakes generally open in Term 1 and close in Term 2 of the year prior to commencement.
2. In-Catchment Enrolments (Years 7–12)
Students who live within the Cairns State High School catchment are entitled to enrol at the school, subject to providing satisfactory proof of residency.
Applications Welcome
2026 enrolments: Applications are welcome at any time.
2027 Year 7 in-catchment enrolments: Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
2027 Years 8–12 in-catchment enrolments: Applications will open from Term 3, 2026 and will be reviewed regularly.
How to Apply
Please complete and submit the following:
Step 1 – Complete the Enrolment Application
Step 2 – Provide Supporting Documentation
Three proofs of residential address certified by a Justice of the Peace
Certified copy of:
Most recent electricity bill or Ergon welcome email
Local Area Statutory Declaration
Birth Certificate
Australian Citizenship Certificate (if applicable)
Visa Grant Notices and passports for student and parent (if applicable)
Most recent school report
NAPLAN report (Year 7 applicants only)
Medical, learning support or disability documentation (if applicable)
Court Orders (if applicable)
Step 3 – Submit Your Application
Submit documents:
Important Information
Applications cannot be processed until families have relocated and are residing at the address provided.
All required supporting documentation must be submitted before an application can be assessed.
The Executive Principal must be satisfied that the address provided is the student’s principal place of residence and is likely to remain so.
There is no application fee.
Sibling Enrolments
Siblings of students enrolled through Programs of Excellence are not automatically entitled to enrolment.
Similarly, siblings of existing students who no longer reside within the school catchment are not guaranteed enrolment.
All sibling applications are assessed in accordance with the school’s enrolment policy and current school capacity. Priority is always given to students whose principal place of residence is within catchment.
3. Out-of-Catchment Applications (Years 7–12)
Students who live outside the Cairns State High School catchment are not automatically eligible for enrolment.
Current Availability
We are currently unable to accept out-of-catchment enrolments for 2026 due to limited capacity and the need to prioritise in-catchment families.
Should places become available, applications will be considered in order of receipt.
How to Apply
Step 1 – Complete the Enrolment Application
Step 2 – Provide Supporting Documentation
Birth Certificate
Australian Citizenship Certificate (if applicable)
Visa Grant Notices and passports for student and parent (if applicable)
Most recent school report
NAPLAN report (Year 7 applicants only)
Medical, learning support or disability documentation (if applicable)
Court Orders (if applicable)
Step 3 – Student Statement
Provide a handwritten student statement (maximum 200 words) outlining:
Step 4 – Submit Your Application
Submit documents:
Important Information
Applications cannot be assessed until families have relocated and are residing at the address provided.
Only complete applications with all required documentation can be processed.
There is no application fee.
Families may also submit additional supporting information for consideration by the Executive Principal.
Notification of Outcome
Successful Applications
Parent/Carer 1 will be contacted to arrange an enrolment interview with a Deputy Principal.
Before the interview:
Complete the Parent Survey
Student completes the Welcome & Onboarding Survey
Review the New Enrolment information page
Please note: For interstate and non-state school enrolments, the Principal may request transfer notes and additional documentation from the student’s current or previous school in accordance with the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (Qld).
Unsuccessful Applications
Parent/Carer 1 will be notified via email if the application is unsuccessful.
Please check your Junk or Spam folder regularly, as school correspondence may occasionally be redirected there.