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.
16 schools where people talk about “coding” and honest downsides.
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.
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 evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 8% of 36 reviews · 1.9× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 8% Brisbane 4%
Of 3 comments: 1 mixed · 1 raises concerns
3 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 inIndooroopilly State High School
Co-ed · State · Indooroopilly
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 2,910
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 2 people mention related words.
Comes up in 9% of 23 reviews · 2.0× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 9% Brisbane 4%
Of 4 comments: 2 speak well of it · 1 mixed
Review Compared with other schools
Indooroopilly integrates technology well but could improve: Interactive whiteboards and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies enhance learning. The Q parents app is nice although more training for parents on digital tools and upgrading Wi-Fi infrastructure Would be recommended.
2 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… 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.
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.
1 more review mention. A free account opens it, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inCitipointe Christian College
Co-ed · Independent · Carindale
- Fees $16,164 a year (2026, Years 10-12, all-inclusive)
- Sport ISC
- Median ATAR 88.15 (2025)source
- Students 1,764
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 2 people mention related words.
Comes up in 25% of 8 reviews · 5.8× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 25% Brisbane 4%
Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 1 mixed
2 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inForest Lake State High School
Co-ed · State · Forest Lake
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 1,685
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 2 people mention related words.
Comes up in 50% of 4 reviews · 12× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 50% Brisbane 4%
Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 1 mixed
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… Read all
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.
1 more from Forest Lake State High School
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… Read all
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.
Mansfield State High School
Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Mansfield
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,978
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 2 people mention related words.
Comes up in 7% of 28 reviews · 1.7× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 7% Brisbane 4%
Of 2 comments: 2 mixed
Review What we like and dislike
I like the academic programs the school provides and the music and culture programs. I dislike the bullying system and child support the school gives.
1 more review mention. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inMary MacKillop College
Girls · Catholic · Nundah
- Fees $7,304 a year (2026, Year 12, first child)
- Sport CaSSSA
- Students 625
Thin evidenceNobody here says “coding” 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.
Get Full AccessSign inSt Mary's College
Girls · Catholic · Ipswich
- Fees $7,275 a year (2026, Years 11-12, first student)
- Sport CaSSSA
- Students 772
Some evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 2 people mention related words.
Comes up in 40% of 5 reviews · 9.3× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 40% Brisbane 4%
Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it
2 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
Get Full AccessSign inAll Hallows' School
Girls · Catholic · Fortitude Valley
- Fees $23,485 a year (2026, Year 12)
- Sport CaSSSA
- Median ATAR 93.4 (2025)source
- Students 1,733
Thin evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 1 person mentions related words.
Comes up in 11% of 9 reviews · 2.6× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 11% Brisbane 4%
Of 1 comment: 1 mixed
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 inBrisbane Bayside State College
Co-ed · State · Wynnum West
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 881
Thin evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 1 person mentions related words.
Comes up in 33% of 3 reviews · 7.7× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 33% Brisbane 4%
Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it
Review Inclusion and bullying
I think bayside still has room for improvement but I think in general they are very accommodating for everyone. My little brother has cerebral palsy and bayside were very accommodating to him, an example I have is that they adapted parts of the sports excellence program to allow him to play disability… Read all
I think bayside still has room for improvement but I think in general they are very accommodating for everyone. My little brother has cerebral palsy and bayside were very accommodating to him, an example I have is that they adapted parts of the sports excellence program to allow him to play disability friendly sports as well as introducing these sports to other kids, I know they have been accommodating like this in the past as well. Bullying wasn’t an issue when I was going and in general most people got along
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 evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 1 person mentions related words.
1 of 2 reviews so far mention it
Too few reviews to compare with other schools.
Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of 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.
Get Full AccessSign inCavendish Road State High School
Co-ed · State · Holland Park
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 2,022
Thin evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 1 person mentions related words.
Comes up in 33% of 3 reviews · 7.7× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 33% Brisbane 4%
Review Readiness for life after school
I feel like there could have been better preparation for life skills throughout my time at highschool for tasks like managing expenses, finding work, completing your taxes. I do know that programs to work on such skills has since been implemented in younger grades since i finished school.
Cleveland District State High School
Co-ed · State · Cleveland
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 2,415
Thin evidenceNobody here says “coding” itself; 1 person mentions related words.
Comes up in 11% of 9 reviews · 2.6× the Brisbane average (4%)
This school 11% Brisbane 4%
Review Bullying and getting to school safely
Bullying was present, as it is in most schools, but the effectiveness of the school’s response varied. Some students felt that the school took issues seriously and acted quickly, while others thought there could be more proactive measures, such as better enforcement of policies or more student support… Read all
Bullying was present, as it is in most schools, but the effectiveness of the school’s response varied. Some students felt that the school took issues seriously and acted quickly, while others thought there could be more proactive measures, such as better enforcement of policies or more student support services. Peer support programs and school counselors helped, but there was still room for improvement. For the most part, traveling to and from school felt safe. However, some students were concerned about busy intersections near the school and traffic congestion, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Occasionally, there were reports of suspicious individuals near the school grounds, but the school took precautions, such as notifying students and staff.
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