Wavell State High School is a coeducational public secondary school based in Wavell Heights, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The school has a total enrolment of more than 1500 students from years 7–12, with an official count of 1674 students in 2019. Since 2021, the role of Executive Principal of the School has been held by Elizabeth Foster. Some of the school's buildings are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

History

Wavell State High School opened on 27 January 1959 under the leadership of the founding Principal, C.E. Anstey. As the suburb of the school, Wavell Heights, which was named in 1942, Wavell State High School was named after Field Marshal Archibald Percival Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell (5 May 1883 – 24 May 1950), a Commander-in-Chief of British and Dominion Forces in the Middle East from July 1939 to July 1941. Many Australians served under his command during the early period of World War II; mostly in North Africa, Greece, Crete and Syria. In 2018 many of the original buildings received State Government Heritage Listing due to their cultural and historical significance. In early 2021, Jeff Major, the school's 8th and longest serving principal, announced he was going on extended leave to finalise his retirement plans. Replacing him, is MacGregor's Elizabeth Foster.

Sporting houses

Wavell State High School's four sporting houses, Alamein, Burma, Keren and Tobruk, are named in reference to places and battles associated with Earl Wavell:

Notable alumni

The school is known for producing many rugby league footballers that have played in the NRL.

Rugby league

Other sports

Other

Notable staff