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.
45 schools where people talk about “coding” and subjects and senior pathways.
Also counting related words: programming, robotics, digital technolog, computer science. Schools where “coding” 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.
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
Strong evidence14 separate reviews mention it, out of 22.
Comes up in 64% of 22 reviews · 3.5× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 64% Brisbane 18%
Of 27 comments: 17 speak well of it · 2 mixed
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 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!
4 more from Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
Review Would you recommend it?
QASMT is a school where the experience greatly depends on your character. It is fast-paced, competitive and highly academic-focused. If you thrive in these environments and are disciplined and self-motivated, I would highly recommend QA to you. Not only are you surrounded by like-minded students whose focus is all on achieving good grades, which in turn motivates you to work harder, but the school provides an abundance of academic-based opportunities such as clubs and events to increase your knowledge. On the other hand, if you tend to procrastinate or are not very disciplined, QASMT will likely be more harmful than good. It is incredibly easy to fall behind on studies due to the difficult nature of the IB program, and I, along with many others, were burnt out and sleep-deprived, particularly in the senior years. The IB program demands much more than the ATAR system- we have to write an extended essay, do philosophy (TOK) and undergo the CAS (creativity, activity, service) program on top of the six regular subjects. Additionally, the subjects offered at QA are much more restricting than other schools. Ultimately, whether I recommend QASMT depends on the person. If you work well under high pressure and can stay on top of your studies, then I would recommend it as it provides an environment where you can shine. On the other hand, it is incredibly demanding and stressful, so if you struggle with procrastination or do not care much for academics, then QASMT is not for you (and that's okay!).
Review What had the biggest impact
The school environment and constantly being surrounded by people that are also so hard-working and motivated definitely had the largest positive impact on me in terms of encouraging me to achieve my best. IB is an extremely academically demanding program, and as a result, my last final 2 years really tested my ability to time manage, balance my extracurriculars and work efficiently. These skills I feel have allowed me to find strengths and weaknesses in studying which was useful in university. Furthermore, as a result of school's emphasis on STEM, students at SMT often get the opportunity to join many university based programs, listen to specialists and attend seminars, all of which I know has inspired many students to pursue a career in STEM> Overall, my interactions with my teachers, and their willingness to always help, as well as their genuine passion for teaching has left a lasting impact on my view on ability to communicate my problems and seek help. I know the teachers at SMT has not only inspired but also challenged the students to always keep learning.
Review Something only students would know
Some things unique to the school is that doing QA/IB is a lot different from ATAR curriculum, in that there is a lot of independent learning that needs to be done. Therefore, I would not recommend the school for students who struggles to understand concepts or work off/ search for their own online resources. Furthermore, diversity is really big in QA, so there is a huge emphasise on sharing cultures and celebrating differences, which I really enjoyed. Extracurricular activities such as robotics are also very popular in QA, and students often spend their lunch times either attending the clubs for these activities, or involving themselves in clubs for service, or even beekeeping. The SMT community is also very small and everyone basically knows eachother. Students are also very willing to help others.
Review School culture
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.
22 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 · Wavell Heights
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 1,527
Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 60% of 5 reviews · 3.3× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 60% Brisbane 18%
Of 3 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 1 mixed
Review Getting extra help
For a student struggling in a core subject, teachers were generally accessible and willing to help. Many offered extra lessons after school or during free periods, and they encouraged students to ask questions whenever they needed clarity. Some subjects also had peer tutoring programs or study groups… Read all
For a student struggling in a core subject, teachers were generally accessible and willing to help. Many offered extra lessons after school or during free periods, and they encouraged students to ask questions whenever they needed clarity. Some subjects also had peer tutoring programs or study groups where students could support one another.
1 more from Wavell State High School
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.
1 more review mention. A free account opens it, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inBrisbane Girls Grammar School
Girls · Independent · Spring Hill
- Fees $34,088 a year (2026, Years 7-12, all-inclusive)
- Sport QGSSSA
- Median ATAR 96.45 (2025)source
- Students 1,792
Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 13% of 15 reviews · about the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 13% Brisbane 18%
Of 3 comments: 3 speak well of it
2 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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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 evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 6% of 36 reviews · below the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 6% Brisbane 18%
Of 2 comments: 1 raises concerns
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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Co-ed · State · Aspley
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 1,248
Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.
Comes up in 33% of 3 reviews · 1.8× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 33% Brisbane 18%
Review Subject range and curiosity
There were a fair few of subjects i think. I know we did not offer all of them, as i know people in uni who did engineering and study of religion and philosophy which were not offered. But yeah it's not like they didn't offer subject electives. Just mainly the basic ones like food studies and coding.
Genesis Christian College
Co-ed · Independent · Bray Park
- Fees $11,390 a year (2026, Year 12 first student)
- Students 1,614
Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.
Comes up in 14% of 7 reviews · about the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 14% Brisbane 18%
1 more review mention. 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
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 8 people mention related words.
Comes up in 35% of 23 reviews · 1.9× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 35% Brisbane 18%
Of 12 comments: 7 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns
Review Balancing academics and wellbeing
Indooroopilly State High School effectively balances academic rigor with student well-being and character development. The school offers programs like **Peer Support** and **Respectful Relationships** to foster qualities such as empathy and integrity. For example, annual community service initiatives… Read all
Indooroopilly State High School effectively balances academic rigor with student well-being and character development. The school offers programs like **Peer Support** and **Respectful Relationships** to foster qualities such as empathy and integrity. For example, annual community service initiatives (e.g., fundraising for local charities) encourage generosity. Teachers often integrate "life lessons" into subjects, such as discussing ethical dilemmas in Humanities. However, some students report stress during exam periods, suggesting room for enhanced mental health support
2 more from Indooroopilly State High School
Review Expectations versus reality
The school generally meets or exceeds academic expectations, particularly in STEM and arts. For instance, the **Enhanced Learning Program (ELP)** challenges high-achievers with advanced coursework, while vocational education (VET) provides practical pathways. Some students note uneven teaching quality… Read all
The school generally meets or exceeds academic expectations, particularly in STEM and arts. For instance, the **Enhanced Learning Program (ELP)** challenges high-achievers with advanced coursework, while vocational education (VET) provides practical pathways. Some students note uneven teaching quality in elective subjects, but overall, the school’s strong NAPLAN and ATAR results reflect its academic commitment.
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… Read all
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.
9 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
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Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Mansfield
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,978
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 8 people mention related words.
Comes up in 29% of 28 reviews · 1.6× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 29% Brisbane 18%
Of 10 comments: 5 speak well of it · 1 mixed · 1 raises concerns
10 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 · 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 evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 6 people mention related words.
Comes up in 32% of 19 reviews · 1.7× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 32% Brisbane 18%
Of 12 comments: 10 speak well of it
12 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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Co-ed · State · Corinda
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 2,123
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 5 people mention related words.
Comes up in 39% of 13 reviews · 2.1× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 39% Brisbane 18%
Of 6 comments: 2 speak well of it · 2 raise concerns
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Create free accountSign inCraigslea State High School
Co-ed · State · Chermside West
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 1,241
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 3 people mention related words.
Comes up in 30% of 10 reviews · 1.6× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 30% Brisbane 18%
Of 4 comments: 3 speak well of it
Review Year 12 subject choices
…information technology, law, business and carpentry. Well I picked them because I want to pursue in computer science, at the same time I liked the idea of starting a business and so for law, to fight myself verbally incase of real world troubles. My favorite subject was business because it was really… Read all
I did general english, maths, information technology, law, business and carpentry. Well I picked them because I want to pursue in computer science, at the same time I liked the idea of starting a business and so for law, to fight myself verbally incase of real world troubles. My favorite subject was business because it was really fun doing stuff in groups
3 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inWhites Hill State College
Co-ed · State · Camp Hill
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 895
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 2 people mention related words.
Comes up in 67% of 3 reviews · 3.6× the Brisbane average (18%)
This school 67% Brisbane 18%
Of 4 comments: 3 speak well of it
Review Year 12 subject choices
In grade 12, I took Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and History. I chose these subjects because I was interested in pursuing a career in engineering, and these subjects aligned with the prerequisites for university engineering programs. I was also particularly good at Mathematics and Physics,… Read all
In grade 12, I took Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English, and History. I chose these subjects because I was interested in pursuing a career in engineering, and these subjects aligned with the prerequisites for university engineering programs. I was also particularly good at Mathematics and Physics, which made them enjoyable to study. If I could change anything, I might have considered taking a subject like Economics to broaden my knowledge, but overall, I am satisfied with my choices as they helped me get into my desired university program.
2 more from Whites Hill State College
Review Subject range and curiosity
…paths. In addition to core subjects, there were numerous electives such as Drama, Music, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies, which allowed students to explore their passions. The school also encouraged curiosity and engagement through various initiatives. For example, we had a "Curiosity Week"… Read all
Yes, my school offered a wide range of subject choices that catered to various interests and career paths. In addition to core subjects, there were numerous electives such as Drama, Music, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies, which allowed students to explore their passions. The school also encouraged curiosity and engagement through various initiatives. For example, we had a "Curiosity Week" where students could attend workshops on topics not covered in the regular curriculum, such as robotics, creative writing, and sustainable living. Additionally, the school promoted character values and creativity through community service projects, like organizing charity events and participating in local environmental clean-ups. These activities helped students develop a well-rounded perspective and fostered a sense of responsibility and teamwork beyond academic achievements.
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.
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