The Southport School
Christian, Founded 1901
Updated July 2026
Languages
The Southport School is a long-standing Anglican day and boarding school for boys located on the Gold Coast, catering to students from Preschool through to Year 12. It is the city's only boys' school and is known for its 125-year history, commitment to academic excellence, and comprehensive co-curricular offerings.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is an Anglican institution that champions the development of 'good men' through a blend of traditional values and progressive education. It emphasizes emotional intelligence, mutual respect, and the 'whole boy' approach, aiming to help students mature into responsible and compassionate individuals. The school's ethos is rooted in the Anglican principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated.
Programmes
The academic programme spans Preschool to Year 12, with a curriculum focused on English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS). The school offers an Academic Talent Development Program and an Honours Program for high-ability students, as well as specialised instruction in Digital and Design Technologies, including coding, robotics, and 3D printing. Additional offerings include a French language program, a dedicated primary library, and pathways for USA college testing.
Outcomes
The school reports commendable ATAR results and maintains a Primary School that has ranked first on the Gold Coast based on NAPLAN performance. It aims to produce responsible, accomplished, and compassionate young men who are prepared to make a positive impact in the world. Graduates are supported in various pathways, including university entrance and professional opportunities.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a dedicated student wellbeing team, including psychological services and health programs, to support the emotional and developmental needs of the boys. Teachers are trained to understand the specific learning styles of boys, balancing explicit instruction with cooperative problem-solving and individualised support.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- Is The Southport School a day or boarding school?
- The Southport School is a boarding school.
- Is The Southport School co-educational?
- The Southport School is a boys school.
- Where is The Southport School located?
- The Southport School is an international school in Gold Coast, Australia.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school maintains a non-selective enrolment policy and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Prospective families must submit a $250 non-refundable application fee along with academic reports, NAPLAN results, and identification documents; international students may be required to provide AEAS test results. Due to high demand, applications for future cohorts are placed in a wait pool for review, and interviews are arranged only when places become available.
Calendar
The school operates on a four-term academic year. The 2026 school year begins on 28 January, with terms concluding in April, June, September, and November. Orientation days for new students and Year 12 cohorts typically occur in late January.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates across two campuses in Southport, both located near the Nerang River. The Senior Campus (Years 7–12) features a blend of historical and modern architecture, while the Preparatory Campus (Preschool–Year 6) provides open spaces, pristine ovals, and state-of-the-art classrooms. The school also maintains extensive boarding facilities, which have served as a home for students since 1901.
Co-curriculars
The school offers an extensive co-curricular program designed to foster teamwork and personal growth. Activities include a wide range of sports such as basketball, cricket, football, golf, rowing, rugby, sailing, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Additionally, students participate in chess, debating, music, and a structured Army Cadet program that includes outdoor education, survival skills, and leadership training.




Mr Andrew HawkinsExecutive HeadmasterMr Hawkins is the ninth Headmaster of The Southport School and the first Old Boy to hold the position. He is a former TSS boarder who returned to the school in 2004 as a PE teacher and has since held various leadership roles, including Head of Senior School. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies), a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling.
- Mr Jeff SymmsHead of Preparatory School
Mr Symms serves as the Head of the Preparatory School.
- Mr Karel BosHead of Senior School
Mr Bos serves as the Head of the Senior School.
- Mr Mark McFieChief Financial and Operations Officer
Mr McFie was appointed as the Chief Financial and Operations Officer in January 2026. He brings over 30 years of experience in educational settings, having held teaching, leadership, and business management roles, and holds an MBA.
- Mrs Kerrie AquilinaDeputy Head of Preparatory - Learning and Teaching
Mrs Aquilina serves as the Deputy Head of Preparatory - Learning and Teaching.
- Mrs Sandra GippelDeputy Head of Preparatory - Pastoral Care
Mrs Gippel serves as the Deputy Head of Preparatory - Pastoral Care.
- Ms Elizabeth GaberDeputy Head Senior School - Learning and Teaching
Ms Gaber serves as the Deputy Head Senior School - Learning and Teaching.