Wavell State High School is an academically intensive government secondary in Brisbane's north, with a distinctive focus on instrumental music and strong sports programs.
NAPLAN in line with national year-level averages; the result is a B- overall.
Wavell State High School is an academically intensive government secondary in Brisbane's north, with a distinctive focus on instrumental music and strong sports programs. The school's Programs of Excellence offer selective entry for musically-gifted students, supported by Wavell Excellence in Learning Scholarships. Vocational pathways sit alongside academic study, creating genuine diversity in senior options. Families drawn here typically value musical development and community connection; the tight-knit culture suits students who thrive in engaged, purposeful environments.
Wavell State High School is also known as WSHS, Wavell State HS and WSHS Wavell Heights.
Wavell State High School draws students from the Wavell SHS (and 1 more zone).
Wavell State High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 47.6/100, rated "Slightly below 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 1008 (50th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Wavell State High School, Year 7 students averaged 531 across the tested NAPLAN domains, in line with the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 557, below 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.
Wavell State High School is a large government secondary school with approximately 1,522 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.
Wavell 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.
Wavell State High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.6:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 31% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 85%, which is below average.
Wavell State High School's official QCE results: Awarded the QCE (2025), 99.5%; Earned a VET qualification (2025), 69%; Studied a university subject (2025), 3 students; School-based apprenticeship (2025), 33 students. They cover 236 students who completed Year 12. The Year 12 completion rate is 85%. 70% of students received a university offer.
Wavell State High School is located in Wavell Heights, QLD, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1008 (50th 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.