Our Story: Celebrating Growth, Achievement, and Community
Tannum Sands State High School proudly opened its doors in 1998 with an inaugural cohort of 287 students in Years 8 and 9. Over the following years, the school steadily expanded to become a full secondary school, with our first group of senior students graduating in 2001. In 2015, we welcomed our first Year 7 cohort, marking another significant milestone in our development.
In 2023, we celebrated our 25th Anniversary—a proud moment that reflected on our journey and the vibrant community we’ve built together. To commemorate this occasion, a mural titled Creating our Futures, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow – "My Story, Your Story, Our Story" was unveiled. This artwork stands as a lasting tribute to the shared experiences, aspirations, and achievements of our students, staff, and families over the past quarter-century.
Despite being a relatively young school, Tannum Sands State High School has established a strong reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Our students consistently perform well in Queensland’s tertiary entrance system, with approximately 15% of our graduates achieving high-range ATAR scores each year. Between 95% and 99% of students who apply for university receive offers annually, and many others successfully transition into apprenticeships or vocational pathways. Our destination data consistently shows that nearly all students move on to further education, training, or employment after graduation.
We are also proud of our pioneering initiatives that extend learning beyond the classroom. One of our standout programs is the Business, Industry and Tourism Skills (BITS) Centre, a unique satellite campus located within the Boyne Island Smelter. Through this program, students gain nationally recognised certificate qualifications in Business, Tourism, and Active Volunteering, while also benefiting from hands-on experience in a real-world industrial setting. The BITS Centre has attracted both national and international attention for its innovative approach to vocational education.
Our commitment to excellence is further exemplified by the BSL Zenith Program, an enrichment initiative sponsored by Boyne Smelters Limited. This program has twice received regional awards for excellence and continues to inspire students to embrace academic challenges, leadership opportunities, and community involvement.
From humble beginnings to a thriving, future-focused learning community, Tannum Sands State High School continues to grow and evolve—guided by the stories of our past, the achievements of today, and the promise of tomorrow.