Queanbeyan High School started in 1959 and was officially opened in 1960. It has continuously provided secondary education for the Queanbeyan area since then.

The school has been regularly updated and expanded. During the 1970s the library and auditorium were added and in 1991 the school community funded and opened the school gymnasium. In 1994 and 2000 the Special Education facilities were upgraded. A lift was installed in 2007.

A Trade School was added in 2008 to support training in metal and engineering and to give students the option of completing a school-based apprenticeship in this trade.

The school is built on 17 acres and is equipped to offer a full range of courses. Programs are run in conjunction with others educational providers such as CIT. ANU, UC and Tafe.

In 2009 QHS celebrates its 50th year as a high school on its current site.

On the 10th March a birthday cake celebrating 50 years since the foundation stone was laid was shared by staff and students.