Trinity Anglican School

Inspiring the Curious in Far North Queensland

Charting a Bold Path for Education in Regional Queensland, Grounded in Christian Values, Defined by Academic Excellence, and Growing Through Community Partnerships

In the tropical city of Cairns, nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, Trinity Anglican School (TAS) is quietly redefining what it means to deliver a world-class education in regional Australia.

Founded more than four decades ago by a group of interested locals with support from the Anglican Church, TAS was born from a simple but powerful community goal: to provide families in Far North Queensland with access to quality education close to home.

“We’re about developing young men and women of character who will become leaders in our global community,” says Principal Paul Sjogren. “Our focus on Christian values and academic excellence has guided us from the beginning—and continues to shape every decision we make.”

Faith, Excellence, and Character

At its core, TAS blends the strength of its Anglican heritage with a distinctly modern vision for learning. The school’s mission statement underscores three pillars: faith-based values, academic rigor, and character education—a trinity that defines its purpose and culture.

“Character matters,” Sjogren explains. “We want our students to leave here not only with strong results but with the integrity, empathy, and resilience to make a positive impact in the world.”

This philosophy has driven a period of sustained growth and renewal. From a low point in 2017, when enrolments had fallen to around 650, TAS has since nearly doubled in size. Today, the school serves over 1,200 students from Prep to Year 12, along with 160 children in the Early Learning Centre.

From Challenge to Growth

The turnaround began with a comprehensive business plan developed with the help and guidance of former TAS principal Reverend Peter Lawrence OAM, a respected leader in Anglican education.

“Like many regional schools, we faced challenges in the late 2010s,” recalls Sjogren. “But through careful planning and a renewed focus on community needs, we’ve achieved consistent growth even through COVID and beyond.”

That growth has paved the way for a long-term master plan, setting the course for the next three decades of development. “We’re focused on sustainable expansion,” Sjogren emphasizes. “We don’t want to lose the personal, community feel that makes TAS special. Our projections show we’ll be fully enrolled by 2031 at around 1,500 students, which is the right size for who we are.”

Delivering Excellence, Every Step of the Way

Trinity Anglican School has a strong record of achievement in NAPLAN and ATAR results, with outcomes consistently well above state and national averages. But beyond the data, the focus is on growth for every learner—academic, social, and spiritual.

Each sub-school has dedicated learning support specialists, literacy and numeracy programs, and peer tutoring opportunities. The school also continues to advance its digital ecosystem, providing high-spec devices to every student from Year 2 onward, and integrating advanced interactive technology into classrooms.

“We’re on the journey to becoming a Microsoft Showcase School,” notes Sjogren. “But technology should enhance learning, not replace it. We never lose sight of the fundamentals—reading, writing, and arithmetic remain at the core.”

Inspiring the Curious

TAS’s tagline—“Inspiring the Curious”—captures its holistic view of education. As a proud member of Round Square, a global network of over 250 schools, TAS emphasizes experiential learning and the six IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.

“Our outdoor education program is one of the best in the country,” says Sjogren with pride.

“Students explore the bush, reflect, build teamwork, and develop independence. It’s often where they discover who they really are.”

These experiences extend well beyond the classroom. Round Square affiliation opens doors to international exchanges and global partnerships, exposing students to diverse cultures and perspectives. In Cairns—a city already celebrated for its multicultural character—this global engagement feels right at home.

Investing in Infrastructure and Safety

As enrollment has grown, so too has the need for upgraded facilities. Recent years have seen multi-million-dollar investments across both the White Rock and Kewarra Beach campuses.

Projects include major traffic redesigns and “Stop–Drop–Go” zones to improve safety and accessibility for families, plans developed for a new assembly hall at Kewarra Beach, and an expanded multi-purpose hall at White Rock to accommodate physical education and community events during the region’s hot and humid months.

“In Far North Queensland, climate resilience isn’t optional,” says Sjogren. “Our facilities have to be functional, flexible, and ready for anything—from tropical rain to the occasional cyclone.”

The school’s infrastructure efforts are supported by a team of trusted local partners, including town planner Nick Hardy, project managers David Black and Rebecca Gilding, and architects Clarke and Prince and TPG.

Empowering Educators

Behind every successful student is an inspired teacher, and TAS invests significantly in professional development. With limited local options in regional Queensland, the school frequently sends staff to Brisbane—more than 1,800 kilometers away—to access high-quality training.

“It’s a significant investment,” Sjogren admits, “but one we’re happy to make. Great teachers drive great outcomes.”

The school also supports online training and collaboration, building a culture of continuous improvement that ensures TAS remains at the forefront of educational innovation.

Partnerships That Build Strength

Trinity Anglican School’s growth story has been powered by partnerships—each carefully chosen to strengthen its mission.

When the school’s financial outlook was uncertain, Commonwealth Bank of Australia provided critical support. On the operations side, a collaboration with Down Under Tours streamlined transportation across Cairns’s long, coastal geography, ensuring safe, efficient transit for students.

Construction and maintenance projects are handled by local experts such as Brendan Grant Homes, while cultural learning has been enriched through a powerful partnership with Radiant Life College, a highly successful Indigenous school community in Innisfail.

“That connection has been incredibly meaningful,” says Sjogren. “It’s given our students a deeper appreciation of Indigenous culture and what it means to live respectfully in this region.”

Through Education Geographics, TAS also uses demographic mapping to plan future growth, optimize bus routes, and better understand the communities it serves.

Thriving in the Tropics

Running a school in one of Australia’s most remote and beautiful locations comes with unique challenges. Cyclone Jasper in 2023 temporarily closed the region’s only coastal highway, disrupting supply chains and access.

“These moments test your resilience,” Sjogren reflects. “But they also remind us of how strong this community is. Everyone pulls together.”

Looking Ahead

Over the next 12 to 24 months, TAS will continue to implement its master plan, expanding facilities, integrating new digital learning tools, and enhancing student support systems.

The longer-term goal is clear: to be the leading school in regional Queensland—an ambition already within reach.

Last year, TAS was honored among the top schools in the Commonwealth, featured at the Commonwealth at 75 celebration held at Westminster Castle in the UK.

For Sjogren, this recognition validates decades of quiet dedication. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re even more excited for what’s next,” he says. “Trinity Anglican School has always been about faith, excellence, and character—and those values will continue to guide us as we grow.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Trinity Anglican School

What: A leading school resting on key pillars including Christian values and academic excellence in a global community

Where: Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Website: www.tas.qld.edu.au

PREFERRED VENDORS/PARTNERS