Malanda State School is a progressive primary academy (P-6) with a deliberate focus on STEM learning and inquiry-based teaching.
NAPLAN 18 points below national year-level averages; the result is a B- overall.
Malanda State School is a progressive primary academy (P-6) with a deliberate focus on STEM learning and inquiry-based teaching. The school maintains a strong music program and sporting culture, supported by good grounds. Known for a tight-knit community feel, it suits families drawn to hands-on, exploratory learning and looking for a friendly, inclusive rural environment where arts and sport are genuinely valued alongside science and technology.
Malanda State School is also known as MSS Malanda.
Malanda State School draws students from the Malanda SS.
Malanda State School has an overall SchoolRank score of 47.3/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, extracurricular programs, and value for money. Academically, the school scores 48/100, indicating developing performance relative to other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1001, close to the national average of 1,000.
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Malanda State School, Year 3 students averaged 379 across the tested NAPLAN domains, below the national average of 407 for that year level, and Year 5 students averaged 481, in line with the national average of 490 for that year level. 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.
Malanda State School is a small government primary school with approximately 410 students. It offers education for years Prep-6. 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.
Malanda State 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 has a value score of 51/100 on SchoolRank, which compares educational outcomes relative to cost, government schools typically score well on this measure.
Malanda State School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.0:1. This is around the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning class sizes are typical for Australian schools. Support staff make up 34% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 90%, which is moderate.
Malanda State School is located in Malanda, QLD, classified as a outer regional school. With an ICSEA of 1001 (47th percentile), the school community's socio-educational advantage is around the national average. ICSEA measures the educational advantage of a school's community, not the school's quality, a lower ICSEA school with strong academic scores may indicate particularly effective teaching.