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.
86 schools where people talk about teachers and teaching.
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.
Queensland Academy for Creative Industries
Co-ed · State, competitive entry · Kelvin Grove
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 437
Some evidence16 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 40% of 5 reviews · below the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 40% Brisbane 66%
Of 17 comments: 8 speak well of it
Review Getting extra help
The teachers are really great for extra support. There is a list of alumni tutors that teachers send out, including me :). That are great at understanding the subject and the assessments. Teachers also are great at giving specific feedback to help students improve. They will often have workshops and… Read all
The teachers are really great for extra support. There is a list of alumni tutors that teachers send out, including me :). That are great at understanding the subject and the assessments. Teachers also are great at giving specific feedback to help students improve. They will often have workshops and study sessions towards exams and consultations around assignments periods. They are also very open to emailing with all your worries and questions.
2 more from Queensland Academy for Creative Industries
Review What had the biggest impact
I had so many amazing teachers that really went out of their way to make sure everyone had a good learning experience. They would volunteer their personal time to set up practice exam sessions and consultations. The teachers took time to notice the people in their class and what might help them. The… Read all
I had so many amazing teachers that really went out of their way to make sure everyone had a good learning experience. They would volunteer their personal time to set up practice exam sessions and consultations. The teachers took time to notice the people in their class and what might help them. The dance program was very special to me, I was originally very anxious to perform but QACI nurtures and encourages you to express your creativity.
Review Would you recommend it?
I would recommend this school if you would like to be surrounded by like-minded peers with very nice facilities. Specialising in the arts, there are many resources for these students - as a music student myself, I loved the recording studio. During my time however, there were a lot of staff changes which… Read all
I would recommend this school if you would like to be surrounded by like-minded peers with very nice facilities. Specialising in the arts, there are many resources for these students - as a music student myself, I loved the recording studio. During my time however, there were a lot of staff changes which made learning a bit difficult, although I could tell teachers were trying their best. If you are more academically inclined and lean towards stem subjects, I would recommend QASMT more.
14 more Open Day Reflections. Reviews and Open Day Reflections for competitive-entry state 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 evidence22 separate reviews mention it, out of 28.
Comes up in 79% of 28 reviews · about the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 79% Brisbane 66%
Of 38 comments: 31 speak well of it · 1 mixed · 1 raises concerns
Review Expectations versus reality
I had high academic expectations for Mansfield and was greatly pleased, as the school has many high achievers who get into great courses and the teachers are highly skilled at teaching and controlling classes.
2 more from Mansfield State High School
Review Experience of arts activities
My child was a member of the school band and also greatly enjoyed it. He got to play many different enjoyable songs and showcased his ability at many different stages outside and inside of school. The teachers are extremely talented and there is a large variety of instruments for the students to play.
Review Getting extra help
Teachers were generally accessible and willing to help students struggling in core subjects. They offered extra support through after-school sessions, one-on-one guidance, and helpful resources. Peer tutoring and study groups also played a role in assisting students. The supportive environment made it… Read all
Teachers were generally accessible and willing to help students struggling in core subjects. They offered extra support through after-school sessions, one-on-one guidance, and helpful resources. Peer tutoring and study groups also played a role in assisting students. The supportive environment made it easier to seek help and improve understanding.
33 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 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 evidence16 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 100% of 4 reviews · 1.5× the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 100% Brisbane 66%
Of 17 comments: 14 speak well of it
5 more review mentions and 12 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 · 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 evidence7 separate reviews mention it, out of 12.
Comes up in 58% of 12 reviews · about the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 58% Brisbane 66%
Of 19 comments: 13 speak well of it
9 more review mentions and 10 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 · Independent · Manly West
- Fees $18,792 a year (2026, Years 11-12)
- Sport ISC
- Median ATAR 80.8 (2025)source
- Students 496
Some evidence12 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 88% of 8 reviews · about the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 88% Brisbane 66%
Of 16 comments: 10 speak well of it · 1 mixed
11 more review mentions 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.
Get Full AccessSign inSt Peters Lutheran College
Co-ed · Independent · Indooroopilly
- Fees $26,786 a year (2026, Years 10-12 day students)
- Sport QGSSSA (girls), AIC (boys)
- Median ATAR 90.5 (2025)source
- Students 2,302
- Boarding
Strong evidence14 separate reviews mention it, out of 19.
Comes up in 74% of 19 reviews · about the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 74% Brisbane 66%
Of 22 comments: 17 speak well of it
20 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.
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Co-ed · State · Dutton Park
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 1,444
Some evidence9 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 9 comments: 4 speak well of it
Review How the school works with parents
The school engaged with parents very well. Examples are the parent-teacher interviews, Meet and Greet with teachers, Excellence ceremonies, River Fire fete in the school grounds. We receive regular school notice and announcement. Teachers are all responsive to emails in my personal experience.
8 more Open Day Reflections. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign 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 evidence16 separate reviews mention it, out of 22.
Comes up in 73% of 22 reviews · about the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 73% Brisbane 66%
Of 25 comments: 18 speak well of it · 3 raise concerns
Review What had the biggest impact
Teachers had a massive impact on the students, and it was obvious through the students' grades. For example, in Grade 10, one of the science classes had a much higher fail rate than the rest of the other classes for an exam. The difference? The teacher. I had friends from that class improve substantially… Read all
Teachers had a massive impact on the students, and it was obvious through the students' grades. For example, in Grade 10, one of the science classes had a much higher fail rate than the rest of the other classes for an exam. The difference? The teacher. I had friends from that class improve substantially the following term when their teacher left and a new one came in. Although my experience wasn't as dramatic, teachers were still incredibly important. While some teachers helped me understand the concept immediately, others like my chemistry teacher were confusing and I ended up having to resort to external tutoring to understand. It was also a shame that the school had a high staff turnover rate. I had three different English teachers in Grade 11 because they kept leaving. This was particularly frustrating as personal feedback (e.g. feedback on progress over different exams) is incredibly important in subjective subjects such as English. When new teachers come in, they know nothing about you or your knowledge as a student, and thus their feedback is limited and may not be as helpful as it could be.
2 more from Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
Review Would you recommend it?
Although there are many things that needs to be considered when selecting IB (ATAR conversions, whether you are planning to study domestic vs international), overall, I would still recommend QA to students if they enjoy working with like minded peers and work well under pressure. The teachers really… Read all
Although there are many things that needs to be considered when selecting IB (ATAR conversions, whether you are planning to study domestic vs international), overall, I would still recommend QA to students if they enjoy working with like minded peers and work well under pressure. The teachers really have a passion for their job, and it shows through their interaction and willingness to help their students. However, I do agree that IB places too much stress on students, so therefore I only recommend the school to students that are up for the long term challenge. Other pros for the school includes the fact that the 80% of the students are also dedicated and hard-working which creates a sort of competitive/encouraging environment that is hard to find in other schools. Furthermore, there is hardly no stigma around being "nerdy" or trying hard, which is also uncommon in most high schools. As for extracurricular activities, QA does not place a huge emphasis on sports as participation for extracurricular activities is less than the average school.
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.
21 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 inAnglican 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)
Strong evidence9 separate reviews mention it, out of 11.
Comes up in 82% of 11 reviews · about the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 82% Brisbane 66%
Of 16 comments: 13 speak well of it
12 more review mentions and 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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Co-ed · State · Kelvin Grove
- Fees No tuition fees (state school)
- Students 3,646
Strong evidence12 separate reviews mention it, out of 19.
Comes up in 63% of 19 reviews · about the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 63% Brisbane 66%
Of 24 comments: 17 speak well of it · 1 raises concerns
Review School culture
It can be both depending on which teachers are around. I remember a student had to go hand in their phone to the office because they were caught on it in the last 5 mins of class (it was 2:55, we were about to go home anyways). It was definitely harder to make friends in the last year as everyone stuck… Read all
It can be both depending on which teachers are around. I remember a student had to go hand in their phone to the office because they were caught on it in the last 5 mins of class (it was 2:55, we were about to go home anyways). It was definitely harder to make friends in the last year as everyone stuck with their own groups and no one was really inviting.
23 more review mentions. A free account opens them, and you don't need a card.
Create free accountSign 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
Some evidence10 people mention it. Worth reading what they said.
Comes up in 100% of 9 reviews · 1.5× the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 100% Brisbane 66%
Of 20 comments: 14 speak well of it
19 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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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 evidence17 separate reviews mention it, out of 36.
Comes up in 47% of 36 reviews · about the Brisbane average (66%)
This school 47% Brisbane 66%
Of 20 comments: 10 speak well of it · 4 raise concerns
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… Read all
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.
19 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