In 1980, the technical college relocated, thus the site became solely a high school.

In May 2014, Block A of Cairns State High School - the Cairns Technical College and High School Building - was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

This building was designed by Nigel Laman Thomas of the Department of Housing and Public Works in 1938,[6] and built in 1939 though 1941.

[8] The school also performs dance, drama, and music productions, hosts study tours and student exchanges, and operates programmes for high-achieving students in STEM, sports, and the arts.

[9] As of 2021, Cairns State High School no longer offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program which was introduced in 2011.