Parents 'devastated' after Gold Coast high school axes surfing program

Parents 'devastated' after Gold Coast high school axes surfing program Mon 20 Jul 2026 at 7:00am For almost a decade, students at Elanora State High have been able to start their school day chasing waves at sunrise before swapping their surfboards for textbooks. The unique pathway is facing its final chapter, with the school deciding to phase out its acclaimed Cooee GC surfing program. The decision has left parents and students devastated. Parent Sharyn Johnstone, whose child is enrolled in the program, said she was "deeply shocked" by the decision. "I couldn't believe that this program was going to be shut down knowing everything and how well rooted it is within the community,"Ms Johnstone said. She said families with younger children who had been hoping to join the program in the future were blindsided. "[They're] obviously sad that this isn't going to be a pathway for their girl or boy," Ms Johnstone said. "Why would you shut down something that was doing so well and that had so much success?" Since launching in 2017, Cooee GC has provided Year 11 and 12 students with an alternative approach to education, combining 6am surf sessions with classroom learning and career pathways. Students work towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) while also having the opportunity to complete traineeships, apprenticeships and certificate III qualifications in fields of their choice. They are also encouraged to give back to their community through opportunities such as volunteering at their local surf lifesaving club. Despite receiving accolades from the Queensland government for its innovative approach, families were informed by email on May 27 that Cooee GC would no longer accept new students. Alle Davidson said the decision has been particularly difficult. She had planned to enrol her year nine son in Cooee GC. She said the program provided an alternative for students who struggled in a traditional school environment. "He is devastated as it's something he's been working towards for a very long time," Ms Davidson said. "We all now know that the traditional model of schooling is simply not for all, so here was an existing opportunity to offer varied learning pathways that meant more students had more safety nets available to them and a higher chance of finding their way after finishing school." Ms Davidson said she wished the school board had consulted with the wider school community before axing the program. "The accolades for Cooee kids already exist far and wide but, beyond that, they have always done the important quiet work amongst the community — flood clean-up, mental health awareness, charity work, environmental advocacy, and celebrating First Nations culture, as well as all that exists beyond the classroom," she said. "This program and what the Cooee kids have done over many years creates ripples of good and this should only grow." Naomi Carter said she enrolled her child at Elanora State High School specifically because of Cooee GC, despite living outside the catchment area. She said the program offered students much more than a chance to surf, helping them build confidence, independence and practical skills for life after school. "I feel a bit saddened that future students will miss out," Ms Carter said. "There's so many benefits to it and I really hope they rethink this decision or at least have another option available for these students." Questions put to the school about its reasons for ending the program were referred to Queensland's education department. "Based on the evolving needs of students and the broader school community, the school is developing a new alternative pathways program which aligns with the school's broader curriculum, industry partnerships and subject offerings as well as students' strengths, aspirations and goals," a spokesperson for the education department said. "The program will continue in its current format until participating students graduate at the end of 2027." When the final cohort graduates in 2027, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School and Miami State High School will be the only Gold Coast public high schools continuing to offer surfing programs.