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.
52 schools where people talk about honest downsides.
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 Grammar School
Boys · Independent · Spring Hill
- Fees $37,960 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
- Sport GPS
- Median ATAR 95 (2025)source
- Students 2,021
- Boarding (boys only)
Some evidence7 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 33% of 12 reviews · 1.7× the Brisbane average (19%)
This school 33% Brisbane 19%
Of 8 comments: 3 raise concerns
5 more review mentions and 3 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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Boys · Catholic · Boondall
- Fees $25,035 a year (2026, Year 12)
- Sport GPS
- Median ATAR 88.6 (2025)source
- Students 1,720
- Boarding (boys only)
Some evidence6 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 25% of 4 reviews · about the Brisbane average (19%)
This school 25% Brisbane 19%
Of 6 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 2 raise concerns
1 more review mention and 5 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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Boys · Catholic · Coorparoo
- Fees $17,607 a year (2026, Year 12)
- Sport AIC
- Students 1,555
Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Of 4 comments: 2 speak well of it
4 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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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 evidence5 separate reviews mention it, out of 15.
Comes up in 33% of 15 reviews · 1.7× the Brisbane average (19%)
This school 33% Brisbane 19%
Of 7 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 4 raise concerns
6 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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Girls · Catholic · Kedron
- Fees $14,164 a year (2026, Year 12)
- Sport CaSSSA
- Median ATAR 90.55 (2025)source
- Students 985
Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
0 of 1 review so far mention it
Too few reviews to compare with other schools.
Of 3 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 1 raises concerns
3 more Open Day Reflections. 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
Strong evidence8 separate reviews mention it, out of 36.
Comes up in 22% of 36 reviews · about the Brisbane average (19%)
This school 22% Brisbane 19%
Of 8 comments: 5 raise concerns
Review What had the biggest impact
One of the biggest positives was the range of opportunities available — especially in sport and academics. Being part of interschool competitions really helped build my confidence and teamwork skills. I also had a couple of teachers who were genuinely passionate and supportive, which made a big difference… Read all
One of the biggest positives was the range of opportunities available — especially in sport and academics. Being part of interschool competitions really helped build my confidence and teamwork skills. I also had a couple of teachers who were genuinely passionate and supportive, which made a big difference in subjects I found challenging. On the downside, the school could feel a bit overwhelming at times because of its size and competitiveness, but overall the experience pushed me to grow.
1 more from Brisbane State High School
Review What we like and dislike
* great academic support for students * many extracurriculars to chose from * teachers as a whole were very helpful for students * disliked at times the lack of funding given to the arts sector at BSHS
6 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 · Dutton Park
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 1,444
Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
1 of 2 reviews so far mention it
Too few reviews to compare with other schools.
Of 3 comments: 1 raises concerns
Review What we like and dislike
I dislike how expensive the uniform is. I do like their flexibility with students' learning and the speed they learn at.
2 more Open Day Reflections. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inIndooroopilly State High School
Co-ed · State · Indooroopilly
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 2,910
Strong evidence5 separate reviews mention it, out of 23.
Comes up in 22% of 23 reviews · about the Brisbane average (19%)
This school 22% Brisbane 19%
Of 7 comments: 2 raise concerns
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.
4 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
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Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Kelvin Grove
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 437
Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 20% of 5 reviews · about the Brisbane average (19%)
This school 20% Brisbane 19%
Of 3 comments: 2 raise concerns
1 more review mention and 2 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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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)
Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 0% of 11 reviews · Brisbane average (19%)
This school 0% Brisbane 19%
Of 2 comments: 1 raises concerns
2 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.
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Girls · Catholic · Coorparoo
- Fees $17,002 a year (2026, Year 12)
- Sport CaSSSA
- Students 1,097
Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
0 of 1 review so far mention it
Too few reviews to compare with other schools.
Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it
2 more Open Day Reflections. 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 · Mansfield
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,978
Strong evidence6 separate reviews mention it, out of 28.
Comes up in 21% of 28 reviews · about the Brisbane average (19%)
This school 21% Brisbane 19%
Of 6 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 4 raise concerns
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.
5 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