Cairns Adventist College
- Primary School
- Primary - Year 12 School
- Single School Location
- Primary Campus
- P-12 Campus
- Independent
- Christian
- Seventh-Day Adventist
(Prep–Year 12 by 2031)
Fee assistance available upon application.
Co-ed
- Academic Achievement
- Community
- Creative Arts
- Culture / Tradition
- Digital Technologies
- Discipline
- Educational Support
- Faith / Religion
- Food Technology
- Languages
- Media & Film Studies
- Music
- Numeracy / Literacy
- Pastoral Care / Guidance
- Personal Values
- Science/Technology
- Social & Emotional Learning
- Sport
- Visual Art
- Welfare
- Auslan (sign language)
Cairns Adventist College
A welcoming community for all
Welcome to Cairns Adventist College, a Christian college with over 70 years’ experience educating students in the Cairns region. We are a co-educational school currently offering a comprehensive academic, spiritual and physical program from Prep to Year 7, with a full Prep to Year 12 pathway planned by 2031. With small class sizes, competitive fees and an idyllic location, there is much to love about Cairns Adventist College.
Cairns Adventist College is a learning community committed to providing high-quality education designed to meet the needs of students in today’s world. Our dedicated staff partner closely with families to nurture each child’s growth, wellbeing and character within a supportive, values-based environment.
Learning at Cairns Adventist College is underpinned by Christian values and delivered through a holistic approach to education. From the time of enrolment, each student’s whole family is embraced and welcomed into our community. Cairns Adventist College warmly welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds.
Christ-centred Values
Nurture for Today
At Cairns Adventist College, we believe that for children to reach their full potential, they must feel secure, valued, and supported. A strong foundation of self-worth and confidence empowers students to embrace challenges, develop resilience, and strive for excellence.
We are committed to creating an encouraging, safe, and collaborative learning environment—one where hard work and self-discipline are recognized as stepping stones to success. We understand that ridicule and bullying can undermine a child’s willingness to take risks and explore their potential, which is why we actively promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and cooperation.
At Cairns Adventist College, we foster a community of learners where students are inspired to ‘have a go,’ support one another, and pursue excellence in all they do.
Learning for Tomorrow
Education extends far beyond the classroom—it is a lifelong journey that prepares children to navigate a future filled with challenges, opportunities, and uncertainties. At Cairns Adventist College, we believe that true education empowers students to think critically, make informed decisions, and uphold strong values as they embrace new possibilities and discern between what is beneficial and what is not.
A strong education must provide more than just knowledge; it must equip students with essential skills and a mindset for continuous learning in an ever-evolving world. At Cairns Adventist College, we foster an environment where students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and sound judgment—key attributes that will serve them throughout their lives. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate independent thought, ensuring that students are not only well-informed but also guided by principles that help them make wise and ethical decisions.
While we place great emphasis on higher-level thinking and analytical skills, we also prioritize a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. Dedicated time is allocated to ensure that students master these fundamental skills, and our college-wide assessment practices enable us to identify and address any learning challenges early on. This commitment to academic excellence ensures that every child at Cairns Adventist College is well-prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Character for Eternity
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make, shaping not only their education but also their values, character, and future. While talents and abilities contribute to success, they must be guided by honesty, integrity, and respect for others to create a truly meaningful and fulfilling life.
At Cairns Adventist College, we believe that character development is just as vital as academic achievement. Our approach to education goes beyond textbooks and tests—we are committed to nurturing compassionate, respectful, and responsible individuals who will positively impact their communities and the world around them.
The learning and practice of values, respect, and courtesy are intentionally woven into our school culture. We actively encourage students to grow into caring, service- minded citizens, not only within our school community but also on a broader scale. At Cairns Adventist College, we are dedicated to shaping strong, principled individuals who carry their character beyond the classroom—into their future, their relationships, and eternity.
The CAC Way:
At Cairns Adventist College our values are embedded in the school curriculum and guide the way we work, through the CAC Way. Each week students are acknowledged for showing or demonstrating our values, The CAC Way, which are:- Honour God
- Speak Respectfully
- Learn Enthusiastically
- Serve Generously
- Live Truthfully
- Welcome Challenge
- Act Responsibly
- Encourage Cheerfully
Learning Approach
Excellence in Christ-Centered Education
At Cairns Adventist College, we are committed to providing high-quality teaching and learning with a strong Christ-centered foundation. Our teaching practices are guided by current educational research, ensuring that students receive an education that is not only academically rigorous but also values driven. Our dedicated Christian teachers and support staff go beyond traditional education—they serve as mentors and role models, nurturing the next generation of caring and compassionate leaders.
Our fully accredited primary school curriculum is dynamic, balanced, and intellectually stimulating. Students engage in structured learning across core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, all taught with a foundation of Seventh- Day Adventist Christian values. In addition, students participate in Music, Sport, Library, and Technology, fostering a well-rounded education. We maintain strong partnerships with Independent Schools Queensland and other educational institutions, ensuring our teaching methods remain aligned with best practices and evolving educational advancements. Our commitment to technology integration allows students to engage with modern learning tools while being taught how to safely navigate a connected world.
Pastoral Care
Our Pastoral Care program, through chaplaincy, ensures support for the students’ emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. We as a school value the health and wellbeing of each student, developing character values and shaping holistic teaching and learning.
Pastoral care is evident in the classroom, in the playground, in the chaplaincy office, in Bible study groups, on the sporting field, on school camps and other co-curricular activities.
Our Chaplain does classroom visitations on a weekly basis and can also be found interacting and engaging with our students during lunch times, building a personal relationship with all of our students. Our Chaplain is also available to assist with individual student welfare concerns and to guide the students spiritually.
Chaplaincy program
The Chaplaincy program at Cairns Adventist College enhances the spiritual emphasis that forms the basis for all education. Our Chaplain’s ministry includes involvement on the following, where possible:
- weekly chapel programs
- student support
- individual and group bible studies
- community service projects
- school trips and visits to churches
- annual spiritual emphasis programs
- connecting with families to provide support and encouragement.
- building positive relationships with parents and teachers
- strengthen social and friendship skills
- seeking answers to spiritual and relational concerns
- finding support in times of crisis or need
- making links to additional support services within the community
Our History
Providing Quality Christian Education Since 1950
Cairns Adventist College is an independent Christian school and a proud member of the global Seventh-day Adventist education system. Established in 1950 as a primary school, CAC holds the distinction of being the oldest Christian school in the Cairns region.
Originally operating from two smaller sites within Cairns, the College relocated to its current home in Gordonvale, just 20 minutes south of Cairns. Nestled on a peaceful 26-acre campus, surrounded by mountains and cane fields, the site offers an inspiring learning environment with ample room for future development. Construction began shortly after the move, and the new campus officially opened on October 27, 2014.
For decades, Cairns Adventist College has provided high-quality, values-based education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and faiths. Our broad catchment area extends from Redlynch in the north, Gordonvale in the south, and Yarrabah in the east. To support families across the region, we operate a fleet of three school buses, offering reliable door-to-door transport services.
Cairns Adventist College is recognised by both the Queensland Government and the Seventh-day Adventist Education System. Certificates of Registration and Accreditation are proudly displayed in our Administration Reception area.
What We Offer
Buses/Student Transport
Cairns Adventist College offers a unique door-to-door school run bus service, providing families across Cairns and surrounding suburbs with safe, convenient transport directly between home and school. Unlike traditional school buses where students wait at roadside stops or walk to and from drop-off points, our service collects each child from their residence in the morning and returns them safely home in the afternoon. This personalised approach gives parents peace of mind while removing the need for daily drop-offs and pick-ups.
Our tailored bus service supports families from Cairns through to Gordonvale, ensuring students can access a quality Christian education regardless of where they live. Routes are thoughtfully planned to provide efficient travel times while maintaining the individualised care that reflects our close-knit school community.
Student safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. Our experienced and trusted drivers are familiar, friendly faces who build positive relationships with students and families. Clear procedures, supervision and communication ensure every child travels securely and comfortably each day. For younger students especially, being collected and returned directly from home provides an added level of reassurance for parents.
Beyond convenience, the bus journey becomes part of the Cairns Adventist College community experience. Students travel alongside peers from different year levels, building friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging before the school day even begins. Many families value the consistency and reliability of knowing their child’s transport is managed by the school.
The Cairns Adventist College door-to-door bus service reflects our commitment to accessibility, care and family support, making our nurturing Christian education available to more families across the Cairns region.
Prep
Prep at Cairns Adventist College is a time to celebrate what children already know and to further develop their love of learning. When children love to learn and are keen to discover new things, school becomes a fun and exciting place to be. At Cairns Adventist College children are encouraged to develop as a whole person through academic, creative, physical, social and spiritual activities.
Although our academic program has a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy we believe that it should always be mixed with loads of fun. Our small class sizes and dedicated staff mean that students are given the best opportunity to develop to their full potential.
While learning continues for a lifetime, a good start can make the rest of life much easier.
N.B. Students looking to enrol in Cairns Adventist College for Prep, must be five years of age by 30th June, as per Education Queensland’s policy on the commencement of school.
Primary
Cairns Adventist College is dedicated to its students achieving their full academic potential.
The College’s curriculum is based on the Australian Curriculum V9 Prep to Year 6. Key Learning Areas (KLA’s) offered are:
- Biblical Studies (Encounter)
- English
- Mathematics
- HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences – History/Geography/Civics & Citizenship, Economics and Business)
- Technologies
- Health & Physical Education
- The Arts (Music, Visual Art, Drama, Media Art, Dance)
- LOTE (Auslan)
- Science
We have a qualified, dedicated and innovative teaching staff. Assignments and tasks are designed to provide opportunity for different learning styles and this enables each child to be able to reach their full potential in their own time.
Technology
Technology is integrated within the curriculum areas of the Prep and Primary Years. All students have access to computers in their classrooms. P-3 have a computer bench with laptops for use within the classroom and Yrs 4-6 have access to 1to1 laptops that are located in their classrooms.
In the early years of school, students build their familiarity with login, drill and practice, extending reading and problem solving through programs such as MathSeeds®, Study Ladder and Reading Eggs®.
As students move through the Primary years, they use technology to enrich their literacy, numeracy, problem solving, typing and research skills. Furthermore, they develop an understanding of Microsoft Office suite and are assisted in the learning to use other applications and web tools.
Interactive Promethean boards are in all Primary classrooms and this allows whole class interactive learning in subject areas such as literacy and numeracy, whilst building a familiarity with technology.
In addition, a bank of iPads are available with applications for Prep to Year 6 students. We have a range of digital equipment this is used throughout the Primary school such as Bee Bots, Makey Makeys and other digital software coding programs such as Scratch.
High School
Our high school represents an exciting new chapter for Cairns Adventist College—a continuation of our commitment to offering quality Christian education from Prep through to Year 12. We look forward to walking this journey together with our families, staff, and community as we build a thriving high school where students can grow, learn, and lead.
Our high school program has been thoughtfully designed to provide a broad and balanced education, developing students academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. As we grow, our vision remains the same—to inspire young people to achieve their personal best and live with purpose, service, and integrity.
Our curriculum provides a strong foundation across core and specialist subjects, fostering curiosity, creativity, and practical skills.
Subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Bible Studies
- Humanities (Geography, History, Civics and Citizenship, Economics and Business)
- The Arts (Visual Art, Drama, Media Arts)
- Health and Physical Education (HPE)
- Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
- Design and Technologies (Woodwork and Home Economics)
- Digital Technologies
Path to Enrolment / Application Enquiry
Start your journey with us — a school where every child is known, valued, and supported.
Our goal is to make the enrolment journey clear, friendly, and stress-free. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. If you have any questions along the way, please contact our Enrolment Officer — we’re here to help every step of the way.
1. Submit an Application Enquiry Form here - APPLICATION ENQUIRY FORM
Begin your enrolment journey by completing our Application Enquiry Form. Once we receive your form, our Enrolments Officer will contact you to guide you through the next steps, which include:
- Scheduling a meet and greet with our Principal, Mr Adam Coe — a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our school.
- Taking a guided tour of our calm, welcoming campus.
- Receiving your Enrolment Pack, which contains everything you’ll need to complete your child’s application.
2. Complete and Return Enrolment Documents
When you’re ready to proceed, return your completed Enrolment Contract and all accompanying documents along with the $50 non-refundable application fee.
Please include the following supporting documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Immunisation Records
- Copy of Centrelink Concession Card (if applicable)
- Two most recent school reports
- Kindy Transition Statement (if applicable)
- Any relevant medical information
- Any behavioural or learning plans from previous schools
3. Enrolment Review
Once your application is complete, it is submitted to our School Enrolment Committee for consideration. We carefully review each application to ensure that every student will thrive in our learning environment and community.
4. Acceptance and Confirmation
Successful applicants will receive a formal Letter of Offer confirming their enrolment.
For High School enrolments, a $100 deposit is required upon acceptance to secure your child’s place. This deposit will be credited toward your first term’s fees.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance at any point during the process, our friendly Enrolment Officer will be happy to help — from completing forms to booking your visit.
- Phone: 07 4056 6144
- Email: secretary@cas.qld.edu.au
- Address: 42 Crossland Rd, Gordonvale
Cairns Adventist College
A welcoming community for all
Welcome to Cairns Adventist College, a Christian college with 75 years’ experience educating students in the Cairns region. We are a co-educational school currently offering a comprehensive academic, spiritual and physical program from Prep to Year 7. Our college continues to grow, with Year 8 commencing next year and a full Prep to Year 12 pathway planned by 2031. With small class sizes, competitive fees and an idyllic location, there is much to love about Cairns Adventist College.
Cairns Adventist College is a learning community committed to providing high-quality education designed to meet the needs of students in today’s world. Our dedicated staff partner closely with families to nurture each child’s academic growth, character development and wellbeing in a supportive, values-based environment.
Learning at Cairns Adventist College is underpinned by Christian values and delivered through a holistic approach to education. From the time of enrolment, each student’s whole family is embraced and welcomed into our community. Cairns Adventist College warmly welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds.
Sports Program
In addition to the scheduled sessions of physical activity during class time, students of Cairns Adventist College also participate in scheduled blocks of
sport each week.
- Term 1: All students from Prep-Year 6 participate in Swimming lessons at Gordonvale swimming pool.
- Term 2: Students in Prep – Year 6 have athletics training and also practice for participate in the ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ competition.
- Term 3: Students in Prep-Year 3 travel off-site to South Cairns Gymnastics centre in Bentley Park for gymnastics whilst the Yr 4-6 participate in Team Sports at school.
- Term 4: All students from Prep-Year 6 participate Swimming lessons at Gordonvale swimming pool.
Sports Carnivals
There are 3 main sport carnivals throughout the year, Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country. Students are able to compete against each other in all the different skill areas. There is also opportunity for students to progress further and compete against other school in ‘Peninsula Sports’.
Cairns Adventist College offers a unique door-to-door school run bus service, providing families across Cairns and surrounding suburbs with safe, convenient transport directly between home and school. Unlike traditional school buses where students wait at roadside stops or walk to and from drop-off points, our service collects each child from their residence in the morning and returns them safely home in the afternoon. This personalised approach gives parents peace of mind while removing the need for daily drop-offs and pick-ups.
Our tailored bus service supports families from Cairns through to Gordonvale, ensuring students can access a quality Christian education regardless of where they live. Routes are thoughtfully planned to provide efficient travel times while maintaining the individualised care that reflects our close-knit school community.
Student safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. Our experienced and trusted drivers are familiar, friendly faces who build positive relationships with students and families. Clear procedures, supervision and communication ensure every child travels securely and comfortably each day. For younger students especially, being collected and returned directly from home provides an added level of reassurance for parents.
Beyond convenience, the bus journey becomes part of the Cairns Adventist College community experience. Students travel alongside peers from different year levels, building friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging before the school day even begins. Many families value the consistency and reliability of knowing their child’s transport is managed by the school.
The Cairns Adventist College door-to-door bus service reflects our commitment to accessibility, care and family support, making our nurturing Christian education available to more families across the Cairns region.
Welcome to Cairns Adventist College.
Since joining the College in 2018, it has been a privilege to lead a Christ-centred school community that is passionate about nurturing young minds and hearts. At Cairns Adventist College, we believe education is about far more than academic achievement—it’s about helping each student discover their God-given potential in a caring and supportive environment.
Our mission is to provide a holistic education that supports not only intellectual growth but also emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. We see each child as a unique individual, and we are deeply committed to walking alongside our students and their families—encouraging them, praying for them, and supporting them in every aspect of life.
Our faith in God guides everything we do. Through daily worship, meaningful relationships, service opportunities, and Bible-based learning, we aim to inspire students to grow in character, compassion, and a love for God and others.
In addition to our strong spiritual emphasis, we also offer a rigorous academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond. Our dedicated teachers challenge and support our students as they strive for academic excellence and personal growth. We are a personal community, which caters to the individual needs of each student and helps them reach their full potential.
I invite you to explore our website and learn more about the unique opportunities available at Cairns Adventist College. Whether you are a prospective student, parent, or community member, we welcome you to join us on this journey of faith, learning, and service. Thank you for considering our school—we look forward to partnering with you in the education of your child.
Mr Adam Coe – Principal
Cairns Adventist College
Gordonvale,
Queensland
