In February 1940 Edge Hill State School opened with thirty-one pupils, a single teacher and one classroom. It was built to meet demand in one of the earliest townships established outside the Cairns Central Business District. The area now known as Edge Hill was used for primary industry and Chinese market gardening and as the population grew so too did the need for a school to meet the learning needs of local families. The original school building still stands proudly despite record wet season deluges, cyclones of all sizes and the threat of war during the Pacific conflicts of WWII. Additional buildings have been added over time, as well as play spaces and amenities. Since its' establishment the school has enjoyed progressive growth and expansion. It is now one of the largest public primary schools in Cairns.