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 and a median ATAR of 84.5; the result is a C 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 draws students from the Wavell SHS (and 1 more zone).
Wavell State High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 47.6/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, extracurricular programs, and value for money. Academically, the school scores 51/100, indicating moderate performance relative to other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1008, close to the national average of 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 has a value score of 54/100 on SchoolRank, which compares educational outcomes relative to cost, government schools typically score well on this measure.
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 moderate.
Wavell State High School has a median ATAR of 84.5. 25% of students achieved an ATAR above 90. 50% achieved above 80. The Year 12 completion rate is 85%. 70% of students received a university offer.
Wavell State High School is located in Wavell Heights, QLD, classified as a major cities school. With an ICSEA of 1008 (50th 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.