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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
Strong evidence33 separate reviews mention it, out of 36.
Comes up in 92% of 36 reviews · about the Brisbane average (71%)
This school 92% Brisbane 71%
Of 62 comments: 20 speak well of it · 6 raise concerns
Review Balancing academics and wellbeing
I believe they focus very heavily on academics which can sometimes be a detriment to students mental health and well being, but there were support networks in place like guidance conscellors and such as school.
6 more from Brisbane State High School
Review Expectations versus reality
My expectations were met academically in terms of the grades my child achieved and the level of support from teachers in terms of draft feedback and if my child reached out to them to ask questions.
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 the initiative. Peer support and study groups were pretty common too.
Review Readiness for life after school
By the time I graduated, I felt academically prepared for university, especially in terms of writing and research skills. The school put a big focus on ATAR and uni pathways, so that side was well covered. However, I think there could’ve been more practical life skills taught — like budgeting, job interviews, or managing stress after school ends. It was a strong academic foundation, but real-world prep was a bit limited.
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. Some subjects had hands-on projects or excursions, which made learning more engaging and went beyond just preparing for exams.
Review Support for students who struggle
The school was not always great at helping students who needed a seperate room for exams which was an issue, but they did have academic advisors and guidance counscellors
Review Experience of arts activities
My child was part of the orchestra, as well as studying drama for a few years. She really enjoyed the orchestra, but there definitely wasn't such a big focus on arts as there were sports.
55 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