The question of a “central” school for the area to the east of Gympie became a subject of much discussion in the early 1960s. At a public meeting held at the Cedar Pocket Hall in 1961 the Regional Director was asked by the Education Department to make a recommendation concerning a site for a central school if a majority of parents supported such a move. Parents of Neusa Vale State School, Beenam Range State School, Cedar Pocket State School and Cootharaba State School voted in favour of establishing a central school in the area.
A suitable site was chosen and negotiations with the land owner, Mrs F. M. Sorensen, were entered into. An area of approximately seven acres (2.8 hectares) was purchased. On the 16th of April 1964 Executive Council approved the expenditure of 25 547 Pounds for the erection of a two storied classroom block with four classrooms, one library, one storeroom and one staff room on the upper level and one storeroom, one services room and recreation area on the ground level. A toilet block, situated away from the main building, was also built.
Gympie East State School opened its doors on the 25th of January 1965 with 61 girls and 80 boys enrolled. On the 9th of October the same year the Hon. H. J. A. Pizzey M. L. A. performed the official opening.