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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1 school where people talk about “coding” (with your filters).

Showing one school only. See every school where people talk about “coding”

Also counting related words: programming, robotics, digital technolog, computer science. Schools where “coding” itself comes up are listed first.

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. Forest Lake State High School

    Co-ed · State · Forest Lake

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 1,685

    Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 4 people mention related words.

    Comes up in 100% of 4 reviews · 1.6× the Brisbane average (62%)

    This school 100% Brisbane 62%

    Of 16 comments: 13 speak well of it · 2 mixed

    Review Expectations versus reality

    I had high academic expectations for the school, hoping for strong teaching, a well-rounded curriculum, and opportunities for advanced learning. I’m happy to say it has exceeded my expectations, especially in providing a solid foundation in both core subjects and critical thinking. The school has also offered enrichment programs that I didn’t initially expect, which has been a pleasant surprise and has really challenged my daughter in a positive way.

    11 more from Forest Lake State High School

    Review Compared with other schools

    The school does a good job integrating technology into classroom learning, with interactive lessons and digital tools that enhance student engagement. They also use an online platform to keep parents updated on assignments, grades, and school events, which has been really convenient. However, it could improve by offering more training or resources to help parents navigate the platform better, especially for those who aren’t as tech-savvy.

    Review Bullying and the social scene

    Forest Lake State High takes bullying very seriously, with clear policies in place and programs to teach students about respect and kindness. They also have a dedicated team that works to address any issues quickly and effectively, which I really appreciate. My daughter has had a positive social experience overall, feeling supported by both peers and staff, and I've noticed a strong emphasis on inclusivity in the school culture.

    Review Experience of arts activities

    I would rate the school’s focus on performing and creative arts quite highly. They offer a variety of programs, from music and drama to visual arts and design technology, which gives students plenty of opportunities to explore their creativity. My child has benefited from these programs, and it’s clear that the school values the importance of arts education in fostering well-rounded students.

    Review Experience of the sports program

    My daughter has really enjoyed the school’s sports programs, especially the emphasis on teamwork and fitness. The variety of sports offered has kept her engaged, and she’s built lasting friendships through the teams. One area for improvement would be to offer more opportunities for younger kids to get involved in less competitive, recreational sports to build their skills and confidence.

    Review Expectations versus reality

    My academic expectations were that the school would provide a strong, challenging curriculum while also supporting my child's individual learning needs. The school has definitely met those expectations, offering rigorous programs and a variety of resources to help students succeed. It’s exceeded my expectations in terms of personalized attention and the variety of subjects and extracurriculars available to my child.

    Review Support for students who struggle

    The school provides excellent support for students who may struggle with reading, writing, or other academic challenges. They offer targeted programs like reading intervention, small-group tutoring, and individualized learning plans to ensure no one falls behind. My child has had access to these resources, and I’ve seen real improvements thanks to the extra help and attention they’ve received.

    Review Why we chose this school

    I chose this school because it offers a solid education and helps my child grow in every way. I moved into the catchment area and paid for extra programs to make sure they got the best experience. It’s definitely worth the cost, as my child is getting a great education and opportunities for the future.

    Review What we like and dislike

    I really like the supportive community and how the school offers a lot of opportunities for growth, both academically and personally. The teachers are great, and my child has access to a variety of extracurriculars that help them thrive. The only downside is the extra fees for programs; it would be nice if some were more affordable or included in the regular costs.

    Review Bullying and the social scene

    My school takes bullying seriously by having clear policies and programs in place to address it, like peer support groups and awareness campaigns. They also promote kindness and respect through regular activities and workshops. My child has had a positive experience socially, feeling safe and supported by both teachers and peers.

    Review Experience of arts activities

    My child does not participate in any creative art/performing activities at school. Although they have not participated, the programs provided seem quite good and inclusive.

    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.

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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