Which schools suit what your child loves?

Review Experience of the sports program

My daughter enjoyed the school sports that she was involved in at school and felt it gave her a sense of community, but many of the team sports at state high were very competitive.

Review 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.

Review 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.

Review 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.

Review 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.

Review Experience of arts activities

My child was part of the orchestra, as well as studying drama for a few years. She really enjoyed the orchestra, but there definitely wasn't such a big focus on arts as there were sports.

Review 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.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

My school’s coaches were dedicated to developing students, both in skill and character. They provided regular training, encouraged personal growth, and focused on teamwork. Students had opportunities to compete in school teams, and for those with exceptional talent, there were pathways to higher-level… Read all

My school’s coaches were dedicated to developing students, both in skill and character. They provided regular training, encouraged personal growth, and focused on teamwork. Students had opportunities to compete in school teams, and for those with exceptional talent, there were pathways to higher-level competitions. The coaches were supportive, pushing athletes to excel while maintaining a balanced approach, ensuring everyone could participate and improve at their own pace. Their guidance helped foster discipline, resilience, and teamwork, making the experience valuable beyond just competition.

Review How the school works with parents

The school engages parents in many activities and listen to their suggestions quite well. Mansfield often uses parent volunteers to run events such as formal, basketball, and touch. They also allow suggestions for improvement through email, showing that the school cares about parent opinions.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

Coaches hired were usually just alumnis, and there were hardly professional coaches. Students were given the chance to train and develop, however, these opportunities were few.

Review Readiness for life after school

I was well prepared for university after high school. In fact, my first year at university felt like a breath of fresh air in comparison to my time at QASMT. For example, at QA, due to the IB, we had to undergo the CAS program. This meant that we were required to have creative hobbies (writing, art… Read all

I was well prepared for university after high school. In fact, my first year at university felt like a breath of fresh air in comparison to my time at QASMT. For example, at QA, due to the IB, we had to undergo the CAS program. This meant that we were required to have creative hobbies (writing, art etc.), do activity (sports) and service (volunteering, charity work etc.) on top of school. This helped to enhance personal and interpersonal development in all areas rather than just academics, which aided in preparation for university. If you're able to make it through QA's rigorous program, you'll be prepared for life after high school!

Review Coaching and chances to compete

The school’s coaches and programs were generally effective at developing students’ skills and offering real competition opportunities, both in-house and at higher levels. Most teams had regular training and participated in inter-school events, with some students even reaching regional competitions. Coaches… Read all

The school’s coaches and programs were generally effective at developing students’ skills and offering real competition opportunities, both in-house and at higher levels. Most teams had regular training and participated in inter-school events, with some students even reaching regional competitions. Coaches were encouraging and focused on teamwork and improvement. However, less popular sports or clubs sometimes lacked resources or opportunities compared to others.

Review How the school works with parents

The school engages parents through: Emails and newsletters Parent-teacher nights, cultural festivals, and sports days.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

Teachers encouraged students to compete and participate in school sporting events all the time. When I did my training for volleyball, our coach was extremely helpful and engaging within our training sessions.

Review Would you recommend it?

I would recommend this school to those particularly interested in volleyball as a significant part of the school budget seems to go purely to improving the volleyball team and facilities with not as much thought to other areas of study.

Review What had the biggest impact

That would be sport, as they were so many different opportunities for sports and they basically encourage u to join. I had a bad knee due to basketball injury and they still let me play post-recovery even though I was really bad, the coach was extra supportive

Review What had the biggest impact

The biggest impact came from the extracurricular opportunities, especially in sports and performing arts. The music and drama programs were well-supported, giving students the chance to develop their talents. Some teachers were incredibly supportive and made a real difference in students’ learning and… Read all

The biggest impact came from the extracurricular opportunities, especially in sports and performing arts. The music and drama programs were well-supported, giving students the chance to develop their talents. Some teachers were incredibly supportive and made a real difference in students’ learning and personal growth. On the negative side, large class sizes sometimes made it difficult to get individual attention.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

Our school is certainly not a sport-first school when compared to other high schools. However, for those who wanted to pursue their sport, they were supported greatly, with some teachers setting up clubs or extra-curricular classes to play. HPE classes were ran very well too, where no student was left behind.

Review Getting extra help

As I said before teachers were super accesable, you could ask them during class to come to throwing and they would almost always be obliging if they didn't have prior plans, again the after school tutoring is completely free. And peer feedback was very plentiful and engaged, we did so in each class essentially in a weekly basis.

Review Support for elite athletes

Bayside put a lot of emphasis on sport scholarships, and would often support students as much as possible, I know that a handful of students ended up going to America on sports scholarships that the school had been coordinating and helping them with

Review Coaching and chances to compete

Brisbane Bayside State College's programs have helped students, myself included, with chances to compete in school teams and at higher levels. Inter-school sports has always been popular, and higher level sports teams have been successful for sports such as Volleyball, Basketball, Oz-Tag and Futsal.… Read all

Brisbane Bayside State College's programs have helped students, myself included, with chances to compete in school teams and at higher levels. Inter-school sports has always been popular, and higher level sports teams have been successful for sports such as Volleyball, Basketball, Oz-Tag and Futsal. For all of the mentioned sports, there has always been ongoing training to enhance the students playing abilities.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

From my understanding, QACI didn’t really partake in sports. I’m not really sure about this topic, as we didn’t have a sports court.

Review Would you recommend it?

I would recommend this school to students more interested in sports and arts rather than academics. There is a lack of attention towards the academic side of teaching, with some teachers teaching in more than one subject, sometimes with the subjects having no correlation to each other (e.g. drama & science).… Read all

I would recommend this school to students more interested in sports and arts rather than academics. There is a lack of attention towards the academic side of teaching, with some teachers teaching in more than one subject, sometimes with the subjects having no correlation to each other (e.g. drama & science). Not saying that the teachers or teaching faculty is bad, it could be better. The school is known for its excellence programs in sports like rugby and netball and in the arts like dance and drama, so go to wavell if that seems more your speed. The overall experience wasn't bad, but myself and my peers did experience bullying, racism, saw violence occur on campus and there was minimal help from administration to resolve these issues, therefore these things remained an issues for years.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

The school's coaches were highly effective in developing students' athletic abilities and providing numerous opportunities to compete. The quality of coaching was excellent, with coaches who were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about helping students improve. They offered tailored training… Read all

The school's coaches were highly effective in developing students' athletic abilities and providing numerous opportunities to compete. The quality of coaching was excellent, with coaches who were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about helping students improve. They offered tailored training sessions that catered to students of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to elite athletes, had the chance to develop their skills. The school participated in various inter-school competitions and regional tournaments, giving students the opportunity to compete at higher levels. Additionally, the coaches emphasized teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth, which made the sports programs inclusive and rewarding for all participants.

Review Would you recommend it?

Yes, I would recommend this school to others. The academic quality is excellent, with a strong curriculum and dedicated teachers who are always willing to help students. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and debate clubs, which provide a well-rounded… Read all

Yes, I would recommend this school to others. The academic quality is excellent, with a strong curriculum and dedicated teachers who are always willing to help students. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and debate clubs, which provide a well-rounded education. My overall experience was very positive, as I felt supported and challenged to grow both academically and personally.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

school had some sport groups but none that i was interested in playing in

Review Year 12 subject choices

I chose, General English, Methods, Biology, Accounting, HPE and Cert 2,3 in sport and rec.

Review Would you recommend it?

I would definitely recommend the school. I was the kind of student to do all kinds of extra curricular activities and the school had provided plenty of opportunities for all kinds of students. Their performance plus program and participation into CGEN competitions is a great creative outlet for arts… Read all

I would definitely recommend the school. I was the kind of student to do all kinds of extra curricular activities and the school had provided plenty of opportunities for all kinds of students. Their performance plus program and participation into CGEN competitions is a great creative outlet for arts students to develop their talents and gain exposure to industry and community. The school is also a regular sporting competitor at the state level, and has a competitive spirit that cannot be ignored across all sports programs. I was part of the basketball team, and have seen students excel in athletics, swimming, rugby, touch football and many more. The school has also welcomed a serious chess program, with mentors, a FIDE master, and chess teachers paving the way for students to get better at the game. Students have also regularly placed in district competitions and are fighting their way through higher level comps. The school has an outstanding debating and public speaking endeavour. I have adjudicated and competed at the national level, and have placed in competitions by the english speaking union and U.N youth.

Review Chances to take part in the arts

The performance plus programs was the avenue for students to foster their talents, and was open to students for auditions and rehearsals. Musicians THRIVE at the school. Filmmakers and backstage crew get great creative opportunities. The dance program is gradually growing. Visual arts are also slowly… Read all

The performance plus programs was the avenue for students to foster their talents, and was open to students for auditions and rehearsals. Musicians THRIVE at the school. Filmmakers and backstage crew get great creative opportunities. The dance program is gradually growing. Visual arts are also slowly getting the centenary name out to the community. There is an even split of resources to each program, and students and staff work together to build up talents and repertoire.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

I do not think the school pushed sport hard enough or provided enough opportunities. They should have encouraged more people to play more sports and signed up for more competitions.

Review What had the biggest impact

Doing the drama class in grades 10-12 was very impactful as I learnt a lot, had a very fun time, and made many friends. Volleyball was also super fun in senior year.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

every wednesday in the afternoon all students are required to participate in some social/sport activity these are either free or cost money. They also have competition individuals can sign up and trial for. I do not do sports so I’m not sure how coaching is.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

They did a good job at getting us to an average level considering a lot of people weren’t trying to get to an elite level in the sports I played but with the sports programs available I heard the training was very good and we have produced several national level athletes in recent history.

Review Would you recommend it?

I would recommend the school to othera if they are into accademics and sport as these are high priorities of the school, and students which take an interest in these areas will benefit from the support and opportunities provided the most at the school.

Review Year 12 subject choices

Physics Digital solutions Media Modern history General maths English I chose them as throughout junior school you go on a rotation of subjects for two years allowing you to experience a little of what they'd be like for senior year. During middle school you get to select your favourites apart… Read all

Physics Digital solutions Media Modern history General maths English I chose them as throughout junior school you go on a rotation of subjects for two years allowing you to experience a little of what they'd be like for senior year. During middle school you get to select your favourites apart from maths and English and science. This gives you freedom to pursue stuff that you're actually interested in. Then for senior school you select subjects again but this time including maths, science and English. I chose subjects I was interested in which also happened to be what I was good at. Personally I would not have chosen differently as throughout this process there was academic coaching helping you decide on subjects and your end goal.

Review Getting extra help

All of my teacher I had were happy to help anyone outside of class whether it be before school, during breaks or after school. If you were struggling in a core subject you could easily talk to the academic coaching team and they could come up with a solution to try and help. There was also rooms at lunch… Read all

All of my teacher I had were happy to help anyone outside of class whether it be before school, during breaks or after school. If you were struggling in a core subject you could easily talk to the academic coaching team and they could come up with a solution to try and help. There was also rooms at lunch time that student could help each other out in especially in year 12. There was a school chaplain on site all week and even a psychiatrist on certain days so support was definitely there.

Review Experience of the sports program

My child’s experience with the schools sports program has been extremely positive. The coaches are extremely friendly and the facilities provided are new and fresh. Overall I would not have any suggestions for improvements.

Review Experience of the sports program

There are lots of options for the students at different skill levels to participate in sports. There is also the selective sports program for talents students.

Review Experience of arts activities

Drama, Music, and Theatre Sports are all electives my son takes. He says he likes them as they allow him to use his skills a lot.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

we were forced to do interschool sports up until year 9 when we could choose what we wanted to do. i remember hating sport so i chose to do media instead. so i don’t actually know a lot about the sport and coaches at my school. i do know we had a school football team or something like that

Review Something only students would know

Our schools mascot was a Viking and would make sneaky appearances at the different sports events held throughout the year.

Review Coaching and chances to compete

Very well, there were always team tryouts and events for people at all levels to compete and play sport

Review Coaching and chances to compete

They did their best. We were not very athletic. I heard the girls had more luck with netball.

Review Would you recommend it?

Yeronga has come a long way from how it was when i started there. They have started new academy's like the trade and athletics acadmey. They have acces to a automotive, wood and metal workshop with great equipment. Teachers are definitely, regardless of anything else, what made this school great for… Read all

Yeronga has come a long way from how it was when i started there. They have started new academy's like the trade and athletics acadmey. They have acces to a automotive, wood and metal workshop with great equipment. Teachers are definitely, regardless of anything else, what made this school great for me. Their dedication to your success as a student is unmatched compared to other schools I have been too.

Review Something only students would know

I would love to share, and I'm sure you would love to read my stories, but for the sake of those involved I would for their own integrity, not wish to speak on it. I wish i could write a book, so the memories never faded. I'll think of one, every swimming carnival we would attempt to push a teacher into the pool😅

Review Would you recommend it?

It depends on the student. For someone who wants to have lots of sporting extracurricular activities, this is the school for them! Arts extracurriculars, not as many but we still have lots. If you're dead set on getting a 99 atar it may not be the school for you, some of the teachers are a bit hit or… Read all

It depends on the student. For someone who wants to have lots of sporting extracurricular activities, this is the school for them! Arts extracurriculars, not as many but we still have lots. If you're dead set on getting a 99 atar it may not be the school for you, some of the teachers are a bit hit or miss, but it's still a wonderful school with plenty of facilities and experiences for all types of students.

Review Getting extra help

If a student was struggling in a core subject, support varied depending on their teacher. some teachers were more available unhappy to help whilst others why not as open and friendly. Although if a student was failing, they would be forced to attend tutorials and would not. We’re not allowed to go home during sports on Wednesdays.

Review The surrounding area and safety

Most recently with the floods, the school was at risk but otherwise things are okay. My son doesn't do any sports or things and I usually drop him off early and pick him up on time so there aren't many issues. I don't recall seeing many suspicious people nearby.