Spinifex State College is an 8-12 high school, located in Mount Isa, in north west Queensland, Australia. It first opened in 2003. Prior to 2003 Mount Isa was serviced by two state secondary schools. Mount Isa State High School and Kalkadoon State High School had served the community well. Following community consultation it was determined that to continue to provide the best possible education to students in Mount Isa that it was timely to merge the two schools. At the same time it was decided to open a residential campus to provide opportunities to students from outlying communities who do not have a secondary school. Spinifex State College – Mount Isa opened in 2003. It is a three-campus co-educational school, with a Junior, Senior and Residential campus. Spinifex State College offers and educational program for years 8-12. The Junior Campus provides education for students in years 8-10. The school is based on a ‘school within a school’ concept with a Deputy and Head of Department assigned to, and managing each year level. In addition to this there is also a Pathways Program that caters for students who are not achieving success in the mainstream program.