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.
50 schools where people talk about parent community and communication.
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
Strong evidence8 separate reviews mention it, out of 36.
Comes up in 22% of 36 reviews · about the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 22% Brisbane 24%
Of 19 comments: 1 speaks well of it · 1 raises concerns
Review How the school works with parents
They would take on feedback from events, sometimes there were surveys to fill out, but I didn't notice any noticeable difference.
1 more from Brisbane State High School
Review The parent community
No, as it's such a big school and they don't tend to have events for parents to get together unless you're a member of the p&c
17 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 inBrisbane 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)
Strong evidence6 separate reviews mention it, out of 12.
Comes up in 50% of 12 reviews · 2.1× the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 50% Brisbane 24%
Of 17 comments: 11 speak well of it
16 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.
Get Full AccessSign inQueensland 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 evidence8 separate reviews mention it, out of 22.
Comes up in 36% of 22 reviews · 1.5× the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 36% Brisbane 24%
Of 18 comments: 7 speak well of it
Review What had the biggest impact
The school environment and constantly being surrounded by people that are also so hard-working and motivated definitely had the largest positive impact on me in terms of encouraging me to achieve my best. IB is an extremely academically demanding program, and as a result, my last final 2 years really… Read all
The school environment and constantly being surrounded by people that are also so hard-working and motivated definitely had the largest positive impact on me in terms of encouraging me to achieve my best. IB is an extremely academically demanding program, and as a result, my last final 2 years really tested my ability to time manage, balance my extracurriculars and work efficiently. These skills I feel have allowed me to find strengths and weaknesses in studying which was useful in university. Furthermore, as a result of school's emphasis on STEM, students at SMT often get the opportunity to join many university based programs, listen to specialists and attend seminars, all of which I know has inspired many students to pursue a career in STEM> Overall, my interactions with my teachers, and their willingness to always help, as well as their genuine passion for teaching has left a lasting impact on my view on ability to communicate my problems and seek help. I know the teachers at SMT has not only inspired but also challenged the students to always keep learning.
17 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
Strong evidence7 separate reviews mention it, out of 23.
Comes up in 30% of 23 reviews · about the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 30% Brisbane 24%
Of 15 comments: 8 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns
Review How the school works with parents
The school engages parents through: Emails and newsletters Parent-teacher nights, cultural festivals, and sports days.
2 more from Indooroopilly State High School
Review The parent community
Indooroopilly SHS is a fairly large school, so the parent community isn’t especially close-knit overall. However, parents involved in specific programs (like music, sports teams or P&C) do get to know each other and form connections. There are regular concerts, information nights and events that give parents chances to meet.
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.
12 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inBrisbane 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)
Strong evidence5 separate reviews mention it, out of 12.
Comes up in 42% of 12 reviews · 1.8× the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 42% Brisbane 24%
Of 14 comments: 8 speak well of it
12 more review mentions and 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.
Get Full AccessSign inMansfield State High School
Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Mansfield
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,978
Strong evidence7 separate reviews mention it, out of 28.
Comes up in 25% of 28 reviews · about the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 25% Brisbane 24%
Of 13 comments: 5 speak well of it
Review How the school works with parents
The school engages parents in many activities and listen to their suggestions quite well. Mansfield often uses parent volunteers to run events such as formal, basketball, and touch. They also allow suggestions for improvement through email, showing that the school cares about parent opinions.
1 more from Mansfield State High School
Review The parent community
There are many outer school events where parents get to know each-other such as parent meeting and school sport events. This makes a very close parent community and it is extremely easy to meet other parents.
11 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 inSt Mary's College
Girls · Catholic · Ipswich
- Fees $7,275 a year (2026, Years 11-12, first student)
- Sport CaSSSA
- Students 772
Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 80% of 5 reviews · 3.4× the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 80% Brisbane 24%
Of 15 comments: 6 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns
15 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 inCannon Hill Anglican College
Co-ed · Independent · Cannon Hill
- Fees $21,456 a year (2026, Years 7-12, all-inclusive single tuition fee)
- Sport TAS
- Students 1,364
Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 27% of 15 reviews · about the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 27% Brisbane 24%
Of 9 comments: 5 speak well of it
9 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 inCraigslea State High School
Co-ed · State · Chermside West
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 1,241
Some evidence4 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 40% of 10 reviews · 1.7× the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 40% Brisbane 24%
Of 11 comments: 4 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns
11 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign inSt Joseph’s College (Gregory Terrace)
Boys · Catholic · Spring Hill
- Fees $26,439 a year (2026, Years 7-12)
- Sport GPS
- Median ATAR 93.35 (2024)source
- Students 1,959
Some evidence5 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 17% of 18 reviews · about the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 17% Brisbane 24%
Of 9 comments: 4 speak well of it
7 more review mentions and 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.
Get Full AccessSign 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 evidence5 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 63% of 8 reviews · 2.6× the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 63% Brisbane 24%
Of 10 comments: 4 speak well of it
10 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 inNorthside Christian College
Co-ed · Independent · Everton Park
- Fees $14,855 a year (2026, Year 12, first child, all-in)
- Students 1,258
Some evidence3 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 20% of 15 reviews · about the Brisbane average (24%)
This school 20% Brisbane 24%
Of 9 comments: 2 speak well of it · 2 raise concerns
9 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 in
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