Canberra High is a progressive, co-ed government secondary school in Macquarie with a strong vocational and practical focus.
NAPLAN modestly above national year-level averages and solid student growth; the result is a B+ overall.
Canberra High is a progressive, co-ed government secondary school in Macquarie with a strong vocational and practical focus. The school draws students with diverse learning needs and abilities through dedicated disability support and vocational education pathways. Distinctive offerings include an afternoon music program, an athlete development program, and a mountain biking club. The inquiry-led approach suits families looking for hands-on learning that connects to real-world skills and interests.
Canberra High School is also known as Canberra HS and CHS Macquarie.
Canberra High School draws students from the Canberra High School (and 1 more zone).
Canberra High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 62/100, rated "Good". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B+ (Good) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1100 (84th percentile; the national average is 1,000). Notably, student growth grades B+ (Good).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Canberra High School, Year 7 students averaged 546 across the tested NAPLAN domains, in line with the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 595, above the national average of 569 for that year level. Relative to national year-level averages, the school's strongest domain is Reading. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Canberra High School is a medium-sized government secondary school with approximately 898 students. It offers education for years 7-10. As a government school, enrolment is generally available to students living within the school's designated catchment zone. Families outside the zone may apply for out-of-area placement subject to availability.
Canberra High School is a government school, so there are no tuition fees. Families may be asked to contribute to voluntary school fees covering materials, excursions, and activities. The school grades B+ (Good) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Canberra High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.5:1. This is around the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning class sizes are typical for Australian schools. Support staff make up 22% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 89%, which is good.
Canberra High School is located in Macquarie, ACT, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1100 (84th percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.