Marsden State High named as ‘top school’ finalist

A STATE school south of Brisbane is one of only two finalists in the running to be named Queensland’s top school.

Marsden State High School could be soon named Queensland’s top state school. Picture: Adam Armstrong

• Look inside school's $6m sports facility

A STATE school in Logan is in the running to be named as Queensland’s top school.

Marsden State High is one of only two finalists in the Government’s 2018 Showcase Awards for State School of the Year.

“To be singled out as a state finalist with Woree State School in Cairns is something that we’re exceptionally proud of,” Principal Andrew Peach said.

“It’s great recognition for the work that a lot of people have done over a long period of time.”

The school has come a long way in its 30 years.

School principal Andrew Peach.

Marsden State High is now the fifth largest state high school in Queensland and placed in one of the fastest growing catchment areas.

With 2250 students on his watch, Mr Peach sees the school’s size as its strength.

“Because of our size we’re able to run a range of programs where the kids are really able to find their niche and strive for excellence,” he said.

This shows, in the school’s phenomenal record of producing elite sporting talent.

Cameron Smith is Marsden State High alumni.

NRL legend Cameron Smith, along with Broncos players Jaydn Su’A and Patrick Mago attended Marsden State High.

As did Titans’ Brenko Lee, Wallaby Caleb Timu, dual international Israel Folau and Melbourne Victory star Angela Beard.

But the school also nourishes other skill sets.

This September, hospitality students will fly to Italy and France for work experience while the school’s academics travel to NASA’s space school in Texas.

Marsden will also be the only state high school from across Australia to send a vocalist group to Melbourne later this year for a performing arts national final.

As the largest school in Logan, Mr Peach said the school has a big responsibility to Logan. “We’ve got the next generation of residents here at Marsden so if we’re doing an excellent job we’re really supporting and helping the Logan community to continue to grow,” he said.

The Showcase Award winners will be announced on October 26.