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.
75 schools where people talk about facilities and campus.
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.
Mansfield State High School
Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Mansfield
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,978
Strong evidence13 separate reviews mention it, out of 28.
Comes up in 46% of 28 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 46% Brisbane 40%
Of 19 comments: 9 speak well of it · 2 raise concerns
Review Something only students would know
One unique thing only students would know about my school is that there was an unspoken rule about the best spots to hang out during breaks. Whether it was a hidden corner of the library, a specific bench with the best breeze, or a quiet hallway, everyone had their favorite spot
18 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inAnglican Church Grammar School
Boys · Independent · East Brisbane
- Fees $36,232 a year (2026, Years 11-12)
- Sport GPS
- Median ATAR 90.85 (2025)source
- Students 1,895
- Boarding (boys only)
Strong evidence6 separate reviews mention it, out of 11.
Comes up in 55% of 11 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 55% Brisbane 40%
Of 12 comments: 5 speak well of it
6 more review mentions and 6 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inIndooroopilly State High School
Co-ed · State · Indooroopilly
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 2,910
Strong evidence10 separate reviews mention it, out of 23.
Comes up in 44% of 23 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 44% Brisbane 40%
Of 16 comments: 13 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns
Review Why we chose this school
We chose Indooroopilly State High School because of its strong academic reputation, diverse student community, and excellent extracurricular offerings, especially in music, STEM and language programs. We live within the catchment, so no major move was needed, but we did consider private options and decided Indooroopilly SHS provided comparable quality without the high tuition fees. We absolutely feel the school is worth it given the quality of teaching, facilities and the wide range of opportunities available to students. It has met and, in many ways, exceeded our expectations.
3 more from Indooroopilly State High School
Review What we like and dislike
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.
Review Experience of the sports program
Indooroopilly State High School offers a diverse range of sports programs, including rugby, netball, and swimming, with both recreational and competitive pathways—general teams like inter-house competitions are open to all, while elite teams (e.g., GPS sports) require trials, which some students find exclusionary. Parents praise the coaching quality but note a lack of options for non-competitive students, suggesting more "social sport" opportunities and clearer communication about trial criteria. The school emphasizes skill development and competitive performance (especially in GPS sports), though inclusivity and team spirit could improve, as some students feel marginalized in competitive environments. Facility investment rates 4/5, with well-maintained ovals, a gym, and a pool, though older equipment needs upgrading and shaded areas for summer sports would help.
Review Something only students would know
A inside secret is that the best place to hang out during lunch is the hidden bench underneath Z block building, it’s quiet, shady, and the perfect spot to relax or chat with friends.
12 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inKelvin Grove State College
Co-ed · State · Kelvin Grove
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,646
Strong evidence10 separate reviews mention it, out of 19.
Comes up in 53% of 19 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 53% Brisbane 40%
Of 15 comments: 8 speak well of it
Review Expectations versus reality
I didn’t really have any expectations for the school considering it was a public school, but I don’t like how nosy the school is. I dropped my daughter to school very early one time and she got a detention for being on her phone at 7:30 in the morning and got it taken away. Quite ridiculous I don’t think… Read all
I didn’t really have any expectations for the school considering it was a public school, but I don’t like how nosy the school is. I dropped my daughter to school very early one time and she got a detention for being on her phone at 7:30 in the morning and got it taken away. Quite ridiculous I don’t think the school should be able to take my children’s belongings like that, especially that early in the morning. She was then told to go to the library and borrow a book to read instead of being on her phone. Mind you the library opens at 8.
14 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inBrisbane 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
Strong evidence12 separate reviews mention it, out of 36.
Comes up in 33% of 36 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 33% Brisbane 40%
Of 14 comments: 3 speak well of it · 3 raise concerns
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… Read all
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.
1 more from Brisbane State High School
Review 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.
12 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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Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Kelvin Grove
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 437
Some evidence8 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 40% of 5 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 40% Brisbane 40%
Of 10 comments: 3 speak well of it
Review Bullying and getting to school safely
Bullying wasn't a big issue because lots of the students wanted to be at QACI everyone had a similar mindset. There is a lot of public transport nearby that were very helpful to get around school. There is not much parking if you want to drive in the later years but most people used public transport.… Read all
Bullying wasn't a big issue because lots of the students wanted to be at QACI everyone had a similar mindset. There is a lot of public transport nearby that were very helpful to get around school. There is not much parking if you want to drive in the later years but most people used public transport. It is right near QUT Kelvin Grove campus so there is a nice atmosphere around the school with other students and great places to eat and study.
2 more from Queensland Academy for Creative Industries
Review Something only students would know
QACI is a big building with seven floors, it was often a joke that there was a secret 8th floor that people would go to.
Review Coaching and chances to compete
We didn't have any sport facilities. We did some sport days but they were mostly for fun. I know they supported students who had sport talents but I don't know how because I was not one.
6 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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Girls · Catholic · Kedron
- Fees $14,164 a year (2026, Year 12)
- Sport CaSSSA
- Median ATAR 90.55 (2025)source
- Students 985
Some evidence7 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
1 of 1 review so far mentions it
Too few reviews to compare with other schools.
Of 7 comments: 4 speak well of it
1 more review mention and 6 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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Co-ed · Independent · Everton Park
- Fees $14,855 a year (2026, Year 12, first child, all-in)
- Students 1,258
Strong evidence10 separate reviews mention it, out of 15.
Comes up in 67% of 15 reviews · 1.7× the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 67% Brisbane 40%
Of 13 comments: 3 speak well of it · 4 raise concerns
13 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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Boys · Catholic · Boondall
- Fees $25,035 a year (2026, Year 12)
- Sport GPS
- Median ATAR 88.6 (2025)source
- Students 1,720
- Boarding (boys only)
Some evidence6 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 0% of 4 reviews · Brisbane average (40%)
This school 0% Brisbane 40%
Of 6 comments: 1 speaks well of it
6 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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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
Strong evidence10 separate reviews mention it, out of 19.
Comes up in 53% of 19 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 53% Brisbane 40%
Of 12 comments: 6 speak well of it
11 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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Girls · Catholic · Hawthorne
- Fees $16,000 a year (2026, Year 12)
- Sport CaSSSA
- Students 1,209
Some evidence5 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 40% of 5 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 40% Brisbane 40%
Of 6 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 1 raises concerns
3 more review mentions and 3 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inQueensland 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
Strong evidence7 separate reviews mention it, out of 22.
Comes up in 32% of 22 reviews · about the Brisbane average (40%)
This school 32% Brisbane 40%
Of 10 comments: 5 speak well of it
Review Inclusion and bullying
QASMT is very diverse with students from multiple backgrounds. Many cultural events were also held, including Harmony Week, where students are encouraged to wear their cultural dress and participate in related activities. Bullying, from what I could tell, wasn't a significant issue. In a school where… Read all
QASMT is very diverse with students from multiple backgrounds. Many cultural events were also held, including Harmony Week, where students are encouraged to wear their cultural dress and participate in related activities. Bullying, from what I could tell, wasn't a significant issue. In a school where academics is the priority, there's a stereotypical correlation between high-achieving students and good behaviour. This is supported by the fact that I never witnessed any bullying, but it should be noted that bullying is pretty much an inevitable issue, albeit less prominent at QA.
9 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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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