Which schools suit what your child loves?

1. 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

   Strong evidence30 separate reviews mention it, out of 36.

   Comes up in 83% of 36 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 83% Brisbane 89%

   Of 74 comments: 28 speak well of it · 8 raise concerns

   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… Read all

   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.

   2 more from Brisbane State High School

   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.

   Review 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… Read all

   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.

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2. Mansfield State High School

   Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Mansfield

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

   Strong evidence24 separate reviews mention it, out of 28.

   Comes up in 86% of 28 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 86% Brisbane 89%

   Of 67 comments: 28 speak well of it · 1 mixed · 4 raise concerns

   Review Year 12 subject choices

   In Grade 12, I chose Physics and Engineering because of my strong interest in understanding how things work and applying scientific principles to real-world problems. These subjects provided a solid foundation for my passion for electrical work and problem-solving. Looking back, I have no regrets, as they aligned perfectly with my goals.

   2 more from Mansfield State High School

   Review Subject range and curiosity

   Yes, my school offered a wide range of subject choices, allowing students to explore diverse interests beyond the core curriculum. It encouraged curiosity by offering extracurricular activities, hands-on projects, and special interest clubs related to different fields like science, art, and technology.… Read all

   Yes, my school offered a wide range of subject choices, allowing students to explore diverse interests beyond the core curriculum. It encouraged curiosity by offering extracurricular activities, hands-on projects, and special interest clubs related to different fields like science, art, and technology. Teachers also emphasized critical thinking and real-world applications, making learning more engaging than just preparing for exams. These opportunities helped foster a deeper love for learning and encouraged students to pursue their passions.

   Review Getting extra help

   Teachers were generally accessible and willing to help students struggling in core subjects. They offered extra support through after-school sessions, one-on-one guidance, and helpful resources. Peer tutoring and study groups also played a role in assisting students. The supportive environment made it… Read all

   Teachers were generally accessible and willing to help students struggling in core subjects. They offered extra support through after-school sessions, one-on-one guidance, and helpful resources. Peer tutoring and study groups also played a role in assisting students. The supportive environment made it easier to seek help and improve understanding.

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3. 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 evidence20 separate reviews mention it, out of 22.

   Comes up in 91% of 22 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 91% Brisbane 89%

   Of 75 comments: 27 speak well of it · 1 mixed · 9 raise concerns

   Review Year 12 subject choices

   My subjects were: English HL, Biology HL, Psychology HL, Maths AA SL, Chemistry SL and Japanese Ab Initio. I chose these subjects based on what I was good at and what I enjoyed. This was based off my previous grades and general interest. It also helped that the higher levels that I chose had some overlap- for example, some biology and psychology topics were the same, like neuroscience, so for me it was a good choice. However, I know some people strayed far away from that combination because biology and psychology HL were two subjects that were incredibly content-heavy and required a lot of memorisation. Ultimately, subject selection is all about playing to your strengths. If I could turn back time, I would've done AI SL instead of AA SL for maths. As a law student, I do not require a high level of maths. AA SL is more complex and difficult than AI SL but does not count as a "higher level" requirement. Therefore, as I didn't need AA SL as a prerequisite for my university degree, AI SL would probably have been a better option as it would be easier to get a good grade, which is what I needed. However, it is worth noting that unlike the current system that accepts students from Grade 7, when I arrived they only took Grade 10s, so I didn't have any chance to try out junior subjects that would have allowed me to make a more informed decision on what my subjects and higher levels should be.

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   Review Subject range and curiosity

   QASMT wasn't the best at variety in terms of subject choices. It was very limited, and there was a strict structure for the selection process (for example, everyone had to do a language). Additionally, in my grade at least, the school removed subject options such as the Arts in Grade 11 since there were a low number of students that did it in Grade 10. Those students were then forced to pick up another subject, such as chemistry, instead. To be fair, SMT in QASMT stands for science, maths, and technology. The subjects, therefore, reflect this in offering courses mainly in these areas. There were a lot fewer creative subjects that could be found in the other QA school, QACI (creative industries). Instead, it offered subjects such as ITGS ('information technology in a global society') which would probably not be found commonly elsewhere.

   Review Year 12 subject choices

   Biology (HL), Chemistry (HL), english (SL), economics (HL), japanese ab initio. I always liked the 2 sciences bio and chem and would not change any of my subject selections. Overall, these subjects were not too difficult to learn and score high marks in. Scaling for different subjects also does not exist for IB, so high marks in arts scales the same as in chemistry, which might be a plus for some students. Subject offered at SMT is quite limited.

   Review Subject range and curiosity

   There was a greater focus on STEM subjects (sciences maths) over arts and other forms of creative subjects. The subjects offered leaned towards the more objective options, tehrefore there was limited opportunities to engage in creativity.

   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!

   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

   Teachers had a massive impact on the students, and it was obvious through the students' grades. For example, in Grade 10, one of the science classes had a much higher fail rate than the rest of the other classes for an exam. The difference? The teacher. I had friends from that class improve substantially the following term when their teacher left and a new one came in. Although my experience wasn't as dramatic, teachers were still incredibly important. While some teachers helped me understand the concept immediately, others like my chemistry teacher were confusing and I ended up having to resort to external tutoring to understand. It was also a shame that the school had a high staff turnover rate. I had three different English teachers in Grade 11 because they kept leaving. This was particularly frustrating as personal feedback (e.g. feedback on progress over different exams) is incredibly important in subjective subjects such as English. When new teachers come in, they know nothing about you or your knowledge as a student, and thus their feedback is limited and may not be as helpful as it could be.

   Review Chances to take part in the arts

   Even though subjects like music and drama weren't an option, the school encouraged artistic expression through annual events such as the Battle of the Bands and Festival of Creativity, where students performed instrumental pieces, showcased their paintings etc. Due to a high number of applications, auditions were usually required, but I don't know anyone who applied and didn't get accepted. I was part of a creative writing club, with sessions held every Friday afternoon. I, along with other members, wrote stories and shared ideas together over the course of one to two hours. The school provides opportunities to create and establish clubs if it has enough support, so this is another way that students can be involved in the arts.

   Review Preparing for entry

   Although the entrance exam was a academic competitive selection process, the exams for QA are difficult to prepare and get tutoring for. As maths was my strong subject, I did not receive external help on that but rather just focused on refining my ability to write under short times. As for the interview, it was mainly for the school to get to know you as a student, and it is almost impossible to fail the interview stage.

   Review Would you recommend it?

   Although there are many things that needs to be considered when selecting IB (ATAR conversions, whether you are planning to study domestic vs international), overall, I would still recommend QA to students if they enjoy working with like minded peers and work well under pressure. The teachers really have a passion for their job, and it shows through their interaction and willingness to help their students. However, I do agree that IB places too much stress on students, so therefore I only recommend the school to students that are up for the long term challenge. Other pros for the school includes the fact that the 80% of the students are also dedicated and hard-working which creates a sort of competitive/encouraging environment that is hard to find in other schools. Furthermore, there is hardly no stigma around being "nerdy" or trying hard, which is also uncommon in most high schools. As for extracurricular activities, QA does not place a huge emphasis on sports as participation for extracurricular activities is less than the average school.

   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

   The school culture is probably the most strict and competitive out of all schools in Queensland. All students that enter have entered via selective entry, and as a result there is a huge emphasise on academic achievement. The school also promotes competitive by having yearly academic rewards and ranking systems, which can get really toxic as most students are competing for the gold/honours. This also meant that students would judge each other based on GPA and grades a lot. It is also very easy to make friends, as everyone is generally really open and supportive.

   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.

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4. Indooroopilly State High School

   Co-ed · State · Indooroopilly

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

   Strong evidence22 separate reviews mention it, out of 23.

   Comes up in 96% of 23 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 96% Brisbane 89%

   Of 59 comments: 28 speak well of it · 1 mixed · 3 raise concerns

   Review Year 12 subject choices

   In Grade 12, I chose Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths Methods, Accounting, and English. I picked these subjects because I’ve always been interested in STEM fields and wanted to keep my options open for university courses in science or business. Maths Methods and Chemistry were both challenging but… Read all

   In Grade 12, I chose Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths Methods, Accounting, and English. I picked these subjects because I’ve always been interested in STEM fields and wanted to keep my options open for university courses in science or business. Maths Methods and Chemistry were both challenging but rewarding, and I enjoyed the logical problem-solving involved. Accounting appealed to me because I wanted to understand how businesses operate financially and I found the most interesting and my favourite because of how applicable it is to the real world, analysing financial statements of companies to invest in..

   2 more from Indooroopilly State High School

   Review Subject range and curiosity

   My school offered a solid range of subject choices, especially in the sciences and humanities, but I sometimes wished there were more options in the arts or technology fields. The school encouraged curiosity through science fairs, debating competitions, and community service projects.

   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

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5. 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

   Strong evidence18 separate reviews mention it, out of 19.

   Comes up in 95% of 19 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 95% Brisbane 89%

   Of 52 comments: 33 speak well of it · 1 mixed · 2 raise concerns

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6. Kelvin Grove State College

   Co-ed · State · Kelvin Grove

   • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
   • Students 3,646

   Strong evidence18 separate reviews mention it, out of 19.

   Comes up in 95% of 19 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 95% Brisbane 89%

   Of 44 comments: 14 speak well of it · 1 mixed · 7 raise concerns

   Review Year 12 subject choices

   Yes I wish I could’ve successfully changed out of my legal studies class to do accounting or chemistry as I am now struggling in uni as I didn’t take chemistry during school. Unfortunately the school isn’t very accomodating

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   Review Subject range and curiosity

   No nothing like this was present from what I knew, our school liked to follow the qcaa criteria and nothing beyond that scope. They cancelled a lot of trips that were traditional for years for our grade as we had 500 kids so I don’t think they were bothered to deal with all of us.

   Review Readiness for life after school

   Honestly not prepared at all. The school wasn’t helpful in preparing us beyond school as when we picked our subjects for year 11 and 12 they told us not to worry about atar but ultimately lots of kids followed this advice and picked subjects based on what they enjoyed and couldn’t score a high enough atar to get into what they wanted.

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7. 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

   Strong evidence17 separate reviews mention it, out of 18.

   Comes up in 94% of 18 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 94% Brisbane 89%

   Of 35 comments: 18 speak well of it · 2 mixed · 1 raises concerns

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8. Brisbane 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

   Strong evidence15 separate reviews mention it, out of 15.

   Comes up in 100% of 15 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 100% Brisbane 89%

   Of 38 comments: 12 speak well of it · 2 mixed · 4 raise concerns

   37 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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9. Anglican 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 evidence11 separate reviews mention it, out of 11.

   Comes up in 100% of 11 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

   This school 100% Brisbane 89%

   Of 30 comments: 16 speak well of it

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10. Northside Christian College

    Co-ed · Independent · Everton Park

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

    Strong evidence13 separate reviews mention it, out of 15.

    Comes up in 87% of 15 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

    This school 87% Brisbane 89%

    Of 28 comments: 7 speak well of it · 2 mixed · 2 raise concerns

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11. Corinda State High School

    Co-ed · State · Corinda

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 2,123

    Strong evidence12 separate reviews mention it, out of 13.

    Comes up in 92% of 13 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

    This school 92% Brisbane 89%

    Of 31 comments: 10 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns

    Review Year 12 subject choices

    I did English, Methods, Biology, Health and Japanese. I chose these subjects because I was aiming to get a specific ATAR to do the course I wanted in Uni. Additionally, I figured that biology and health would also help me in my future nursing studies. I do not wish I chose differently because I enjoyed each subject thoroughly.

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    Review Subject range and curiosity

    Yes, there were a diverse list of subjects for students to pick from that reflected a range of interests. The only downside is that there’s only a limited amount of languages that are available to study and I wished there was more.

    Review What we like and dislike

    What I liked most was the convenience of the location and the variety of subjects offered. However, I disliked how the school didn’t always seem to prioritize support for struggling students, and I felt that the focus was too much on academics rather than a well-rounded experience.

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12. 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

    Strong evidence13 separate reviews mention it, out of 15.

    Comes up in 87% of 15 reviews · about the Brisbane average (89%)

    This school 87% Brisbane 89%

    Of 28 comments: 12 speak well of it · 1 mixed · 3 raise concerns

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