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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36 schools where people talk about who thrives here.

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.
  1. Queensland Academy for Creative Industries

    Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Kelvin Grove

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 437

    Some evidence5 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 0% of 5 reviews · Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 0% Brisbane 8%

    Of 5 comments: 5 speak well of it

    5 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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  2. Brisbane Boys' College

    Boys · Independent · Toowong

    • Fees $36,492 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
    • Sport GPS
    • Median ATAR 90.05 (2025)source
    • Students 1,314
    • Boarding (boys only)

    Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 8% of 12 reviews · about the Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 8% Brisbane 8%

    Of 4 comments: 1 speaks well of it

    1 more review mention 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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  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 evidence7 separate reviews mention it, out of 22.

    Comes up in 32% of 22 reviews · 4.0× the Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 32% Brisbane 8%

    Of 9 comments: 3 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns

    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… Read all

    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!).

    8 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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  4. All 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

    Some evidence7 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 78% of 9 reviews · 9.8× the Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 78% Brisbane 8%

    Of 8 comments: 6 speak well of it

    8 more review mentions. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for independent and Catholic schools are part of Full Access: one $289 payment, no subscription.

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  5. 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 evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 0% of 12 reviews · Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 0% Brisbane 8%

    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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  6. 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)

    Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 27% of 11 reviews · 3.5× the Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 27% Brisbane 8%

    Of 4 comments: 2 speak well of it

    3 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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  7. Brigidine College

    Girls · Catholic · Indooroopilly

    • Fees $15,092 a year (2026, Year 12)
    • Sport GBC, CaSSSA
    • Median ATAR 82.82 (2025)source
    • Students 953

    Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 0% of 3 reviews · Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 0% Brisbane 8%

    Of 2 comments: 2 speak 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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  8. St Joseph's Nudgee College

    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 evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 25% of 4 reviews · 3.2× the Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 25% Brisbane 8%

    Of 2 comments: 1 speaks well of it

    1 more review mention 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. 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

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    Comes up in 0% of 15 reviews · Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 0% Brisbane 8%

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    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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  10. Brisbane South State Secondary College

    Co-ed · State · Dutton Park

    • Fees No tuition fees (state school)
    • Students 1,444

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    0 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 Open Day Reflection. A free account opens it, and you don't need a card.

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  11. Forest Lake State High School

    Co-ed · State · Forest Lake

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

    Some evidence2 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.

    Comes up in 50% of 4 reviews · 6.3× the Brisbane average (8%)

    This school 50% Brisbane 8%

    Of 3 comments: 3 speak well of it

    Review Balancing academics and wellbeing

    In my opinion, the school does a great job balancing academic rigor with student well-being. While academics are important, they also focus on mental health, emotional support, and creating a positive environment for students to thrive. It’s clear that they understand the importance of both strong academic… Read all

    In my opinion, the school does a great job balancing academic rigor with student well-being. While academics are important, they also focus on mental health, emotional support, and creating a positive environment for students to thrive. It’s clear that they understand the importance of both strong academic performance and overall happiness.

    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.

    1 more review mention. A free account opens it, and you don't need a card.

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  12. Loreto College Coorparoo

    Girls · Catholic · Coorparoo

    • Fees $17,002 a year (2026, Year 12)
    • Sport CaSSSA
    • Students 1,097

    Thin evidenceOnly one mention so far. Treat it as one person’s view.

    0 of 1 review so far mention it

    Too few reviews to compare with other schools.

    Of 1 comment: 1 speaks well of it

    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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Show all 36 schools

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