Merrimac State High School is a structured, academically focused government secondary on a spacious 10-hectare campus in Mermaid Waters.
NAPLAN in line with national year-level averages; the result is a B overall.
Merrimac State High School is a structured, academically focused government secondary on a spacious 10-hectare campus in Mermaid Waters. It runs the Summit Excellence program for gifted students alongside mainstream classes, backed by strong instrumental music, sports and arts offerings. The school supports international students and operates a bring-your-own-device learning model. Student wellbeing and disability support services are in place alongside up-to-date tech facilities. It suits families seeking a traditional, intensive academic environment with genuine breadth in music and performance.
Merrimac State High School is also known as MSHS, Merrimac State HS and MSHS Mermaid Waters.
Merrimac State High School draws students from the Merrimac SHS (and 1 more zone).
Merrimac State High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 52.3/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B (Average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1029 (59th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Merrimac State High School, Year 7 students averaged 537 across the tested NAPLAN domains, in line with the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 568, in line with the national average of 569 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.
Merrimac State High School is a medium-sized government secondary school with approximately 930 students. It offers education for years 7-12. 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.
Merrimac State 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 (Average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Merrimac State High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.7:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 34% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 86%, which is below average.
Merrimac State High School's official QCE results: Awarded the QCE (2025), 99%; Earned a VET qualification (2025), 100%; Studied a university subject (2025), 17 students; School-based apprenticeship (2025), 24 students. They cover 117 students who completed Year 12.
Merrimac State High School is located in Mermaid Waters, QLD, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1029 (59th 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.