James SFree preview
Would recommend
Would you recommend it?
Yes, I would recommend Brisbane State High School. It offers a lot of opportunities, both academically and through extracurricular activities like sport, music, and clubs. The school has a strong reputation, great facilities, and a diverse student community. It can be competitive and fast-paced, but if you’re motivated, it’s a great environment to grow in.
What had the biggest impact
One of the biggest positives was the range of opportunities available — especially in sport and academics. Being part of interschool competitions really helped build my confidence and teamwork skills. I also had a couple of teachers who were genuinely passionate and supportive, which made a big difference in subjects I found challenging. On the downside, the school could feel a bit overwhelming at times because of its size and competitiveness, but overall the experience pushed me to grow.
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Preparing for entry
I got into Brisbane State High School through the local catchment area, so the main requirement was proving my residential address. There weren’t any tests or interviews involved for me. I just had to complete the standard enrolment paperwork and pay the associated enrolment fees. It was a fairly straightforward process since I met the residential criteria.
Year 12 subject choices
In Year 12, I studied English, General Maths, Biology, Modern History, Legal Studies, and Health. I chose these because I enjoyed writing and was interested in social issues, plus they worked well with my goal of getting into uni. I was also heavily involved in sport outside of class, which played a big role in my school life and helped with time management and discipline. I sometimes wish I’d picked Psychology instead of Biology, since I found it more relatable and easier to keep up with.
Getting extra help
Teachers were generally approachable and willing to help if you reached out. There were also lunchtime tutorials and study sessions for subjects like Maths and English, which made a big difference. Some teachers went out of their way to check in or explain things one-on-one, but you did have to take the initiative. Peer support and study groups were pretty common too.
Readiness for life after school
By the time I graduated, I felt academically prepared for university, especially in terms of writing and research skills. The school put a big focus on ATAR and uni pathways, so that side was well covered. However, I think there could’ve been more practical life skills taught — like budgeting, job interviews, or managing stress after school ends. It was a strong academic foundation, but real-world prep was a bit limited.
Subject range and curiosity
Yes, Brisbane State High offered a wide range of subject choices, from sciences and humanities to arts, music, and sport-focused electives. There were also a lot of extracurricular activities like debating, clubs, and representative sport, which helped students explore interests outside the classroom. Some subjects had hands-on projects or excursions, which made learning more engaging and went beyond just preparing for exams.
Bullying and getting to school safely
Bullying wasn’t a major issue for me personally, but like any large school, it did exist in some form. The school had clear policies in place and encouraged students to report issues, though how effective it was could depend on the situation. I generally felt safe getting to and from school — it’s in a busy area with lots of foot traffic and public transport options. That said, there were a few busy roads nearby, so crossing safely was important, and the school often reminded students to be cautious.
School culture
BSHS had a mix of both traditional and modern elements. The culture was competitive and achievement-focused, especially in academics and sport, but also supportive if you were willing to engage. It had fairly strict rules around uniform and behaviour, but the overall environment felt modern, diverse, and energetic. There was a strong school pride, and students were encouraged to aim high.
Something only students would know
One thing only students might know is how intense the battle for lunch spots can get — especially on the oval stairs or under the shade sails. Also, the tuckshop lines are no joke; if you don’t get there early, you’re waiting ages. And somehow, despite the size of the school, you always end up seeing the same few people between classes.
Coaching and chances to compete
The coaches were supportive and knew what they were doing. We played football in Health and PE, which helped build skills early on. If you joined the school team, training was serious and well-structured. There were plenty of chances to compete through GPS and school comps, and good players could trial for district or state levels.
- Played sport: Yes
- Sports played: Football (Soccer)
- Did an arts activity: No
