Beginning a new school is an important rite of passage for most students in the Australian school system. Whether they switch schools due to advancing out of a primary school, due to changing addresses, or because of preference, you might need to research high schools to make an informed choice at least once in your life!
The Queensland government no longer reports specific ATAR information for individual schools, so using that metric is a little less helpful in this specific Australian state.
But, utilising the data that is more available combined with more involved factors is a good way to get an idea of what a school is like and decide if it's a good fit.
Discover more about the best high schools near Brisbane!
The Best High Schools in Brisbane
In 2021, the Queensland government announced that they would no longer release school league tables based on Australian Tertiary Admissions Ratings (ATAR) results. This lack of public disclosure raises a few challenges, a big one being how to determine the city's best high schools. Everyone from statisticians to 'civilians' - anyone with a stake in secondary education studies these numbers for a host of different reasons.
Parents and students about to begin their secondary education do so to find the highest quality learning environment. However, quality education is more than just exam results. High school is a time of teenage self-discovery, too. It's when they make their first forays into society and learn what they're all about.
- Around the world, students have different criteria that deem their schools the best. Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash
ATARs and other scores paint schools in a very numerical light. They don't have much to say about the student-teacher ratio or the wealth of extracurricular programs. They don't give a clue about what curriculum the school teaches, nor can we glean whether they're co-educational. Just for the record, all of Brisbane's public and independent high schools are coed but only 10 of the Catholic schools are.
We're so thankful that parent-teacher partnerships and other educational communities compile and publish whatever data remains accessible. We turned to such sources as we assessed the best high schools from Perth to... Well, to Brisbane. The statistics we present reflect those groups' efforts.
When choosing a high school, it’s important to weigh several factors in addition to things like test scores. Also consider:
- Cost
- Location
- Performance
- Overall fit (culture and values)
Just to name a few of the other aspects that are traditionally important for prospective students.
Here is a brief overview of some of the metrics you might like to examine about your prospective schools:
| Rank | Schools | Sector | Location | Total Enrolments | Outperforming State ATAR % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology | Public | Toowong | 1316 | unknown |
| 2 | Brisbane State High School | Public | South Brisbane | 3457 | 224 |
| 3 | Mansfield State High School | Public | Mansfield | 3425 | 191 |
| 4 | Indooroopilly State High School | Public | Indooroopilly | 2786 | 21 |
| 5 | Brisbane School of Distance Education | Public | Coorparoo | 3392 | unknown |
| 6 | Cavendish Road State High School | Public | Holland Park | 2058 | unknown |
| 7 | Kelvin Grove State College | Public | Kelvin Grove | 3706 | unknown |
| 8 | The Gap State High School | Public | The Gap | 1692 | 71 |
| 9 | Brisbane South State Secondary College | Public | Dutton Grove | 750 | unknown |
| 10 | Kenmore State High School | Public | Kenmore | 2002 | 51 |
| 1 | Brisbane Grammar School | Private | Brisbane | 1879 | 571 |
| 2 | Brisbane Girls Grammar School | Private | Brisbane | 1538 | 479 |
| 3 | Somerville House | Private | South Brisbane | 1333 | 129 |
| 4 | All Hallows’ School | Private | Brisbane | 1671 | 214 |
| 5 | Ormiston College | Private | Ormiston | 1486 | 172 |
| 6 | Anglican Church Grammar School | Private | East Brisbane | 1876 | 224 |
| 7 | Cannon Hill Anglican College | Private | Cannon Hill | 1352 | 87 |
| 8 | St Peters Lutheran College | Private | Indooroopilly | 2267 | 49 |
| 9 | St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School | Private | Corinda | 965 | 235 |
| 10 | St Joseph’s College (Gregory Terrace) | Private | Brisbane | 1761 | unknown |
The other hard data point to consider when looking at schools is the NAPLAN scores.
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a standardized exam conducted nationwide for students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9. It assesses the growth and development of students in each school to ensure they are learning appropriately.
Recently, NAPLAN revamped its grading system, allowing for score comparisons between 2017 and 2022, as well as from 2023 onwards. However, scores from before and after 2023 cannot be compared to each other.
Beyond test scores, be sure to understand more about the campus culture, curriculum, and learning options at your potential high schools.
Best State High Schools in Brisbane
As we mentioned in this article's introduction, Superprof has been making the rounds of high schools across Australia. In our travels, we discovered that Adelaide's 73 high schools have fewer primary schools feeding them (337) while Sydney-area school ratios were roughly the same as QLD's.
Brisbane is home to 548 schools. The majority of them are government-funded primary schools (247); the city has just 76 public secondary schools. Of the area's 90 independent schools, only 11 serve secondary school pupils. Of the 110 Catholic schools, a mere 23 educate secondary school students.
These are among the most dramatic numbers we've seen in our study of high schools across Australia. Each type of primary school has a lot of students to funnel into relatively few secondary facilities. Note: none of these figures count the 110 combined schools; the Prep to Year 12 facilities.
That high schools in Brisbane manage to excel under those conditions is a wonder! We need to see what makes Brisbane's top schools so great.
Here’s a synopsis of the best public high schools in Brisbane.
- Often, people prefer older, well-established schools. Photo by Ken Theimer on Unsplash
Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Well Above Average
Year 9: Well Above Average
Schools usually earn praise for longevity. For instance, the oldest high school in Melbourne often features in the press because of its unusual approach to learning. By contrast, the best public school in Brisbane is among the youngest.
The Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) welcomed its first students in 2007. The University of Queensland had a hand in its establishment and in setting its STEM focus. It started as a senior high school teaching the International Baccalaureate curriculum. In 2019, the school expanded to include students from the 7th Grade up.
QASMT routinely claims the top spot on QLD's 'best schools' lists as much for its relatively low enrolment numbers (1250) as its exam results. This high school sweeps the charts with excellent Maths and English scores. It consistently earns a State Overall score of 100, making it easily one of the best state schools in Brisbane.
Though a public school, QASMT is selective in its enrolments. Most public high schools across Australia are zoned, meaning if you live in that school's postcode, you're guaranteed an education in that school. Not so with QASMT. Students must apply for enrolment; successful candidates earn their place through academic and personal merit.
Brisbane State High School
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Above Average
Year 9: Well Above Average
Brisbane State High School, founded in 1894, is one of Queensland's oldest and most prestigious schools. Initially established as a secondary school for boys, it became co-educational in 1996, embracing a more inclusive approach. The school has a strong tradition of academic excellence, consistently achieving high results in the Queensland Certificate of Education.
The curriculum is comprehensive, offering a wide range of subjects from humanities to STEM, alongside vocational education options. Notably, the school emphasizes critical thinking and real-world applications, with programs in robotics, environmental science, and the arts. Extracurricular activities, including sports and music, further enrich the student experience, fostering a balanced and holistic education.
Mansfield State High School
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Above Average
Year 9: Above Average
Mansfield State High School has built a strong reputation for its commitment to academic and personal excellence. Originally serving a local community, it has grown to accommodate a diverse student body, emphasizing inclusivity and respect.
The curriculum at Mansfield features a wide array of subjects, including advanced programs in mathematics, science, and the arts. The school also offers vocational education pathways, allowing students to gain practical skills alongside their studies. With a focus on innovative teaching methods, Mansfield encourages critical thinking and collaboration. Extracurricular activities, from sports teams to music ensembles, play a vital role in fostering teamwork and leadership, creating a well-rounded educational experience for all students.
The most revealing statistic of Brisbane high school rankings is enrolment numbers. Where the most populous high schools in Canberra tout enrolments in the low 1000s, four of Brisbane's public high schools welcomed more than 3000 students in 2022. Two more accommodated over 2000 students; only one public high school posted a lower enrolment number than QASMT.
Top Private High Schools in Brisbane
Enrolments for private/independent and Catholic/religious schools were more in line with the rest of Australia's top high schools. Only St Peter's Lutheran College exceeded 2000 enrolments. At that statistic's lower end, we find St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School (950 students).
All ten of our charted private/independent schools returned top marks in English and Maths performance. By contrast, only six of our public schools posted top marks in Maths.
From a general point of view, that guarantee and curriculum mandate make every high school in Brisbane the best. It is reassuring to know that high schools in Sydney teach the same subjects as our high schools do. We don't need to stress over our government allocating more resources to schools elsewhere in Australia than to ours. It's also great to know that every student has the right to a full 12+ years of education regardless of personal circumstances or characteristics.
The best private schools in Brisbane also, of course, provide a high-quality, well-rounded education for their students. Here are the top three!
- Brisbane Girls' Grammar School is the city's #2 private school. Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
Brisbane Grammar School
46% of students achieved an ATAR of ≥ 95 or above, placing them in the top 5% of the state
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Well Above Average
Year 9: Well Above Average
Brisbane Grammar is one of Queensland's oldest and most esteemed independent schools. Initially established to provide a high-quality education for boys, it has maintained a strong tradition of academic excellence throughout its history. Statistics for this all-boys school mirror those for QASMT, down to the students' socio-economic background score (97/100 for both).
This independent day and boarding school opened its doors in 1868, expanding as it built facilities for extracurricular activities. Today, the school boasts 6 athletic fields off-campus to accommodate students' passion for cricket, rugby and football. The original gymnasium was then converted into a Centre for Art.
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
62.17% of students achieved an ATAR of ≥95 or above, placing them in the top 5% of the state
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Above Average
Year 9: Above Average
The sister school of Brisbane Grammar School, it boasts similar facilities as the boys’ institution.
Students benefit from a varied and rigorous curriculum that spans advanced sciences, humanities, and the arts. The school fosters critical thinking and creativity, encouraging girls to immerse themselves in their learning. Renowned as one of Queensland’s premier independent schools, it prioritizes both academic achievement and personal development within a nurturing community.
Somerville House
2023 NAPLAN Scores:
Year 7: Close to Average
Year 9: Above Average
Initially established as a boarding school, it has transitioned to a day school while maintaining a commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.
The curriculum is broad and engaging, offering subjects such as mathematics, sciences, humanities, and languages, alongside a strong focus on the arts and technology. Advanced programs in STEM encourage critical thinking and innovation. Somerville House also emphasizes leadership and character development through various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and community service initiatives. This well-rounded approach helps cultivate confident young women prepared for future challenges.
Historically, education has been a means of entrenching inequality. In some parts of the world, that's still the case. In Australia, every student is guaranteed primary and secondary education at the public schools in their postcode.
Moreover, Australian public schools teach the eight nationally recognised key subjects. They are: Maths, English, Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Arts, and Technology and Languages. These schools flesh out students' learning experiences with electives and extracurricular activities like sports, music and performing arts.
Beyond that, the concept of 'best' is subjective. Students with a passion for athletics likely prefer schools with an extensive sports program regardless of academic performance rankings. Learners of faith might dismiss top-ranked schools that don't teach Religious and Values Education (RaVE).
Make sure to take this information into account and use the school holidays as a time to figure out the best choice for you.
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I think it is unreasonable to expect the adults in children’s lives to be able to choose a school for their children without being able to discuss suitability with an informed educational person. The statistics of school remorse for parents is 40%. The education system is a black box designed to produce victims just to make others look good. Inclusiveness and communication is the answer not catchment incarceration and not out of catchment abuse. Your article indicates that state schools are an option however they are impersonal, disrespectful , closed institutions not focused on educating children but pampering teachers. Your review of Brisbane schools does not address the inadequacies and how these destroy families.