In their words

Which schools suit what your child loves?

Search for a sport, instrument, subject or worry to see which Brisbane schools people mention it at, and what they said. Tick up to three schools to compare them.

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22 schools where people talk about “music” and academic pressure and results.

Also counting related words: band, orchestra, choir, instrumental, ensemble. Schools where “music” itself comes up are listed first.

Order:Best matchMost talked aboutLowest feesA to Z

How we work these numbers out
  • Order. “Best match” puts schools where your exact word comes up first. “Most talked about” uses the share of reviews that mention it. Neither is a ranking of how good a school is.
  • Comes up in X% of reviews is the share of the school's reviews that mention your search. The Brisbane average is the same share across all Brisbane schools.
  • Speak well, mixed or raise concerns is worked out by software, using only the sentences about your search. It's right most of the time but not always, so read what people said.
  • What students did comes from the sports and activities former students ticked in their review. We show it when at least 3 answered.
  • Evidence is strong when 5 or more of at least 10 reviews mention it, some when 2 or more people do, and thin when only one person does.
  • Facts such as fees, ATAR and enrolments come from each school's own documents. Fees cover different year levels at different schools, so compare carefully.
  • Open Day Reflections come from our visits to 2026 open days. They're useful, but they reflect the school's own voice.
  1. St Joseph’s College (Gregory Terrace)

    Boys · Catholic · Spring Hill

    • Fees $26,439 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
    • Sport GPS
    • Median ATAR 93.35 (2024)source
    • Students 1,959

    Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 17% of 18 reviews · 2.7× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 17% Brisbane 6%

    Of 4 comments: 2 speak well of it

    5 of 9 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Former student: “History Economics Accounting General Maths Music English I didn’t like maths so i did general, english and…”
    • Review Former student: “…to delve into subjects like Study of Religion, Music, Visual Arts, and even Physical Education. This allowed…”

    4 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  2. St Peters Lutheran College

    Co-ed · Independent · Indooroopilly

    • Fees $26,786 a year (2026, Years 10-12 day students)
    • Sport QGSSSA (girls), AIC (boys)
    • Median ATAR 90.5 (2025)source
    • Students 2,302
    • Boarding

    Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 16% of 19 reviews · 2.5× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 16% Brisbane 6%

    Of 4 comments: 1 speaks well of it

    9 of 10 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Open Day Reflection Boarder: “…Peters because they're hard on swimming, they're hard on music, and they offered me a lot in terms of academics and the…”
    • Review Former student: “…where it would take me. I knew i loved astronomy and music, and also the fact that I am a maths-science oriented…”

    3 more review mentions and 1 more Open Day Reflection. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  3. Brisbane State High School

    Co-ed · State, competitive entry · South Brisbane

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Sport GPS (boys), QGSSSA (girls)
    • Median ATAR 94.4 (2025)source
    • Students 3,569

    Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 11% of 36 reviews · 1.8× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 11% Brisbane 6%

    8 of 14 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    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.… Read all

    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.

    1 more from Brisbane State High School

    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 Parent: “totally agree. The school offers a variety of music and soprts activities and encourages students to…”
    • Review Former student: “Physics, Spec, Methods, English, Music. I chose music as I was on scholarship but I would rather have chosen a higher…”

    2 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  4. Northside Christian College

    Co-ed · Independent · Everton Park

    • Fees $14,855 a year (2026, Year 12, first child, all-in)
    • Students 1,258

    Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 20% of 15 reviews · 3.2× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 20% Brisbane 6%

    Of 3 comments: 2 speak well of it

    2 of 9 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Parent: “…to participate in extra curricular either sport or music or art or drama or dance”
    • Review Former student: “general maths, PE, Music, Art, Modern History. I love the humanities focus I had in my senior year, especially…”

    3 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  5. Mansfield State High School

    Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Mansfield

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 3,978

    Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 7% of 28 reviews · about the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 7% Brisbane 6%

    Of 3 comments: 3 speak well of it

    3 of 9 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Former student: “a really big music program at Mansfield. The only thing I don’t like was the pressure to perform. People were…”
    • Review Former student: “definitely provided abilities to engage in music and sporting outside of just academics. As well as tafe…”

    3 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  6. West Moreton Anglican College

    Co-ed · Independent · Karrabin

    • Fees $16,936 a year (2026, Years 11-12 compulsory total, all-inclusive)
    • Sport TAS
    • Students 1,496

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    1 of 2 reviews so far mention it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    Of 2 comments: 2 speak well of it

    • Review Former student: “music department had the greatest impact on me. In grade 12 I was part of 7 music ensembles including the orchestra,…”
    • Review Former student: “school has numerous private music tutors that great support students for AMEB music exams and other qualifications, the…”

    2 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  7. Brisbane Grammar School

    Boys · Independent · Spring Hill

    • Fees $37,960 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
    • Sport GPS
    • Median ATAR 95 (2025)source
    • Students 2,021
    • Boarding (boys only)

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 8% of 12 reviews · about the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 8% Brisbane 6%

    Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it

    3 of 4 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Former student: “…opportunities are countless, including sports and music programs, further extending the different communities…”
    • Review Former student: “…school and downtime. I was able to develop my skills in music to State level in the QLD youth symphony, and took my…”

    2 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  8. San Sisto College

    Girls · Catholic · Carina

    • Fees $7,889 a year (2026, Year 12)
    • Sport CaSSSA
    • Students 810

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 20% of 5 reviews · 3.2× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 20% Brisbane 6%

    Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it

    4 of 4 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Former student: “…was advised not to change subjects. I had wanted to study music, visual arts, drama and Japanese, however because these…”
    • Review Former student: “…and bands to be a great opportunity to study more about music, drama and arts without being able to study it. Of course…”

    2 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  9. Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology

    Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Toowong

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Median ATAR 94.75 (2025)source
    • Students 1,370

    Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 9% of 22 reviews · about the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 9% Brisbane 6%

    Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it

    1 of 4 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    Review School culture

    …graduate with a high score. Although it was competitive, it was more the reason for students to band together and support one another. In a program like IB that's incredibly difficult, it was almost impossible for anyone to get through it alone- at least, that was my experience. I found that people were… Read all

    As mentioned previously, QASMT is highly competitive and academics-focused. Students strive for good grades, and this culture is supported by the school itself in the way that award ceremonies are constantly held and students are praised for their achievements. QASMT prides itself in this, additionally expecting students to maintain a high standard of dress and behaviour both in and out of the school with strict rules. Because of this, most students had the same mindset- do well and graduate with a high score. Although it was competitive, it was more the reason for students to band together and support one another. In a program like IB that's incredibly difficult, it was almost impossible for anyone to get through it alone- at least, that was my experience. I found that people were more than happy to help each other, sharing notes and teaching each other concepts. As the IB does not rely on a bell-curve grading system like the ATAR, this means that one person getting a high score does not make it harder for another person to do well. This is one thing that I appreciated- that we competed with ourselves to be constantly better rather than be in competition with others where people would ultimately be more selfish with resources etc. in order to do good.

    • Review Parent: “…in the senior years. However they do offer sports and music”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  10. Cleveland District State High School

    Co-ed · State · Cleveland

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 2,415

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 11% of 9 reviews · 1.8× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 11% Brisbane 6%

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    0 of 3 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Parent: “…wellbeing classes and sports and other opportunities like music,drama and even a”

    1 more review mention. A free account opens it, and you don't need a card.

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  11. MacGregor State High School

    Co-ed · State · MacGregor

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 1,352

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 25% of 4 reviews · 4.0× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 25% Brisbane 6%

    • Review Parent: “…be excellent as i saw the signage and reviews and the music program but it definitley failed my expectations as all i…”

    1 more review mention. A free account opens it, and you don't need a card.

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  12. Whites Hill State College

    Co-ed · State · Camp Hill

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 895

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 33% of 3 reviews · 5.3× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 33% Brisbane 6%

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    Review Chances to take part in the arts

    I didn't engage in these subjects, but I had friends who did and I was a member of the music club. The opportunities to participate in arts programs were vast and diverse; the school promoted these subjects a lot and hosted many large events to showcase the creative talents of our students, such as expo… Read all

    I didn't engage in these subjects, but I had friends who did and I was a member of the music club. The opportunities to participate in arts programs were vast and diverse; the school promoted these subjects a lot and hosted many large events to showcase the creative talents of our students, such as expo nights and live music and art nights. The music department in particular was amazing; the teacher organised a music club where students could simply come along and play music with all the different instruments. My friends and I, along with the teacher, would often come down and play songs together and engage in our passion and hobby of music, which was a really great way to take a step back from the academic workload.

  13. Cannon Hill Anglican College

    Co-ed · Independent · Cannon Hill

    • Fees $21,456 a year (2026, Years 7-12, all-inclusive single tuition fee)
    • Sport TAS
    • Students 1,364

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 7% of 15 reviews · about the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 7% Brisbane 6%

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    7 of 10 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Parent: “of my kids were involved in music (playing an instrument), and one participated in music technology. If your children…”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  14. Carmel College

    Co-ed · Catholic · Thornlands

    • Fees $7,378 a year (2026, Years 10-12, eldest student)
    • Sport SECA
    • Students 1,241

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    1 of 2 reviews so far mention it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    • Review Parent: “…rate, but Carmel does have a wide range of things like music, dance, their musical performances etc. The facilities…”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  15. St Rita's College

    Girls · Catholic · Clayfield

    • Fees $16,685 a year (2026, Year 12, revised July 2026 schedule)
    • Sport CaSSSA
    • Students 1,222

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 13% of 8 reviews · 2.0× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 13% Brisbane 6%

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    1 of 4 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Former student: “music program definitely helped me get through some challenging subjects in high school. Having the detox from study…”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  16. Canterbury College

    Co-ed · Independent · Waterford

    • Fees $16,544 a year (2026, Year 12)
    • Sport TAS
    • Median ATAR 91.4 (2025)source
    • Students 1,547

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    1 of 2 reviews so far mention it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    • Review Parent: “…of creative arts such as visual arts, photography, and music. Neither of my children participate in any programs…”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  17. Indooroopilly State High School

    Co-ed · State · Indooroopilly

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 2,910

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 4% of 23 reviews · about the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 4% Brisbane 6%

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    2 of 3 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    Review What we like and dislike

    …enrichment options. Diverse cultural environment that teaches respect and global awareness. Good music and sports programs. Modern facilities, especially the science labs and the new performing arts centre Dislikes: The school can feel quite large and sometimes a bit impersonal. Parking and drop-off… Read all

    Likes: Dedicated teachers who go out of their way to support students. Strong academic focus with extension and enrichment options. Diverse cultural environment that teaches respect and global awareness. Good music and sports programs. Modern facilities, especially the science labs and the new performing arts centre Dislikes: The school can feel quite large and sometimes a bit impersonal. Parking and drop-off zones are often congested.

  18. Lourdes Hill College

    Girls · Catholic · Hawthorne

    • Fees $16,000 a year (2026, Year 12)
    • Sport CaSSSA
    • Students 1,209

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 20% of 5 reviews · 3.2× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 20% Brisbane 6%

    2 of 3 former students who listed their arts activities did Choir / Vocal Performance or Orchestra / Instrumental Music

    • Review Former student: “Music, Literature, Bio, Chem, Study of Religion. I chose them because I wanted a range of different subjects that…”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  19. Moreton Bay College

    Girls · Independent · Manly West

    • Fees $23,280 a year (2026, Years 11-12)
    • Sport QGSSSA
    • Median ATAR 87.6 (2025)source
    • Students 1,182

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    1 of 2 reviews so far mention it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    • Review Former student: “did general maths, English, diploma of business, art, music and legal studies. The diploma of business was great as it…”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  20. St Thomas More College

    Co-ed · Catholic · Sunnybank

    • Fees $6,189 a year (2026, Years 11-12 single child)
    • Sport SECA
    • Students 1,171

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    1 of 2 reviews so far mention it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    • Review Former student: “…General English, Diploma of Business, Accounting and Music. I just did subjects I found interest in and I don’t…”

    1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  21. The Gap State High School

    Co-ed · State · The Gap

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Median ATAR 86 (2024)source
    • Students 1,700

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 13% of 8 reviews · 2.0× the Brisbane average (6%)

    This school 13% Brisbane 6%

    • Review Former student: “chemistry, specialist, methods, music extension, literature I am glad I choose those subjects cause I enjoy them…”

    1 more review mention. A free account opens it, and you don't need a card.

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  22. Loreto College Coorparoo

    Girls · Catholic · Coorparoo

    • Fees $17,002 a year (2026, Year 12)
    • Sport CaSSSA
    • Students 1,097

    Thin evidenceNobody here says “music” itself; 1 person mentions related words.

    0 of 1 review so far mention it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    1 more Open Day Reflection. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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Reviews come from parents and former students whose link to the school we've checked. Open Day Reflections come from our recordings at 2026 open days. Words in [brackets] were unclear, and […] marks a skipped part. They reflect the school's own voice, so read them alongside the reviews. How reviews work