Gold Coast singer Ricki-Lee Coulter’s school photos reveal what kind of student she was

Ahead of school returning for another year, an award-winning pop star has shared photos from her days as a Gold Coast primary school student.

RICKI-LEE Coulter was never going to be a mathematician and a busted knee in high school meant a career in netball was off the table – so the only thing left to do was sing.

As students return today for the start of the school year, the Gold Coast-based singer and Australian Idol alumni reflects on her education and the turning points that helped her to become a pop star.

“I really didn’t love maths, it just never made sense to me,” she said.

“I actually have no idea how I survived school – I was ridiculously busy with extra-curricular stuff like school musicals, choir, drama, dancing, playing multiple instruments in the

school bands.

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Ricki-Lee in primary school proudly wears her netball uniform.

Ricki-Lee at Southport State High School in Year 12.

“I was also really sporty. I played netball for Queensland from Grade 7 all the way through high school until I busted my knee right before the Australian team trials.

“My goals in school were either to play netball for Australia or be a famous singer — I got close to doing both.”

Ms Coulter attended Southport State School and Southport State High School, graduating in 2012.

She shared a school photo of herself in primary school as a netball player with the Gold Coast Bulletin, describing herself as an independent and hardworking student.

“I had very young parents, and when I was in school they were working really hard building their careers and businesses so they weren’t home a lot,” Ms Coulter said.

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Gold Coast-based singer Ricki-Lee Coulter. Photo: Max Doyle

“I had to learn to be independent and to get things done without being told, and I had to keep on top of my homework and assignments and get myself to training.

“I had to be responsible for my time and keep on top of everything, and I think as a teenager that was the greatest gift.”