The Cathedral School has undergone many changes throughout its long history, but there is one thing that has remained the same - it has always provided a nurturing and challenging environment where students can learn, develop and grow in a caring Christian community.

The School was established in 1917 as St Anne's Church of England Girls’ School operated by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. Sixty years later, the Sisters departed and the school came under the control of the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland. The first lay principal was appointed in 1978, and the school soon became co-educational and assumed its new name – The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James.

The original school operated in the Synod Hall adjacent to St James Cathedral, but soon moved to its own premises on the site which is now occupied by the Townsville City Council. During the war years, staff and students were evacuated to the safety of inland Ravenswood, and in 1958 the school moved to its current site in suburban Mundingburra, where students enjoy the unique natural environment created by the massive rain trees and fresh water lagoon in the school's grounds.

Today, The Cathedral School is a modern, independent Anglican School providing a comprehensive education and an exceptional level of care to children from 6 weeks of age to Year 12. In addition to the modern air-conditioned classrooms and dormitories, education at The Cathedral School is facilitated by two well-stocked libraries, state of the art science facilities, dedicated music, drama, and art spaces, plus an extensive computer network with interactive whiteboards and high-speed broadband.

Facilities also include a 25 metre swimming pool, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and a 150-seat lecture theatre. An ongoing program of building and development ensures that students have the best possible facilities to enhance their educational experience.

The single campus is centrally located and easily accessible from all suburbs of Townsville. Dedicated bus services, Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Programs cater to the needs of busy families, while the Student Health Centre and School Counsellor monitor the health and welfare of students and staff.

Life contains much more than just work and study, so it is important that every student’s school years provide the foundations for a rich and diverse life experience. At The Cathedral School, the extracurricular program gives students from Early Childhood to Year 12 countless opportunities to explore and broaden their experiences, while developing skills and attitudes that will lead to life-long participation in healthy and fulfilling recreational and cultural activities.

The Cathedral School is home to approximately 150 boarding students from many different backgrounds, including those from rural families, coastal and island communities and overseas. A happy and safe environment, modern facilities and delicious meals make it the ideal home away from home.

Boys and girls from Years 7 to 12 are accommodated in separate dormitories, where they are cared for by live-in house parents and dormitory supervisors. Staff take care to establish a friendly and supportive environment based on co-operation, trust and mutual respect.

Caring for the individual is a central aspect of all activities at The Cathedral School, and this is achieved through the Christian focus and Pastoral Care Philosophy, which contribute to the close community spirit at the School. Pastoral care is the responsibility of all staff, who take a close personal interest in every student in their care, providing guidance, support and encouragement to assist their personal development.

The Cathedral School is proud to offer a variety of scholarships to promising students entering Year 4, Year 7 or Year 10 in 2021. All scholarships provide partial remission of tuition fees for a 3 year period. Please see our website for more details.