Brisbane is home to some of Australia’s most respected educational institutions, offering a wide array of options for every kind of learner. Whether you’re looking for strong academic performance, elite extracurricular programs, or values-driven education, the Queensland capital delivers.
In this guide to the Best Schools in Brisbane, we highlight the top public, private, and independent schools across the city. Our selections are based on academic outcomes, co-curricular offerings, facilities, student wellbeing programs, and parent satisfaction. Each school has something exceptional to offer and represents a different facet of Brisbane’s rich educational landscape.
Best Schools in Brisbane
Top Schools in Brisbane (2025)
1. Brisbane State High School
Location: South Brisbane
Type: Public Selective
Grades: 7–12
Why It’s Great:
Brisbane State High School (BSHS) is widely regarded as one of Queensland’s most prestigious and high-performing public secondary schools. With a rich history dating back to 1921, BSHS has established a reputation for academic excellence, sporting success, and a holistic approach to student development.
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The school operates under a dual-entry system, welcoming students from the local geographical catchment area as well as through a selective academic and co-curricular admissions process. This creates a vibrant and diverse student population, fostering a healthy mix of competition and community spirit.
Academically, BSHS consistently ranks among the top government schools in the state. Students achieve strong ATAR results, and many go on to study at top universities in Queensland and across Australia. The school’s academic extension and excellence programs support gifted and high-achieving students in areas such as mathematics, science, English, and music.
But BSHS is about more than just academics. It is renowned for its elite sports programs, partnering with professional clubs and institutions to offer pathways in rugby, rowing, netball, swimming, athletics, and more. Students also have access to extensive performing arts and leadership programs, with opportunities in debating, public speaking, volunteering, and international exchange.
Standout Features:
- Selective entry for academic, sporting, and musical excellence
- Longstanding tradition of success in Queensland’s top-tier sports competitions
- Active student leadership and volunteering programs
- Modern facilities in a central city location, close to universities and cultural institutions
Special Notes:
Brisbane State High is highly competitive, with limited places available through non-catchment entry, making early application and preparation essential for selective streams.
2. Brisbane Grammar School
Location: Spring Hill
Type: Private Boys’ School
Grades: 5–12
Why It’s Great:
Established in 1868, Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) is one of Queensland’s oldest and most prestigious independent schools for boys. Renowned for its tradition of academic excellence, leadership development, and holistic education, BGS consistently ranks among the top-performing boys’ schools in Australia.
BGS offers a challenging curriculum designed to develop independent thinkers and lifelong learners. The school’s academic program focuses on inquiry-based learning and intellectual rigor, with students achieving exceptional ATAR results and gaining entry into top universities both in Australia and internationally. The school’s strong performance in mathematics, sciences, and humanities is supported by specialist teachers and modern facilities.
Beyond academics, BGS provides a rich co-curricular program that encourages boys to engage in a variety of pursuits such as debating, theatre, orchestras, choirs, and sports. The school has produced state and national champions in multiple fields, as well as award-winning teams in public speaking and performing arts.
Equally important is the school’s emphasis on pastoral care and personal growth. The student support system is designed to nurture resilience, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership. Boys are mentored through house groups and have access to programs that promote wellbeing, teamwork, and community service.
Standout Features:
- High-achieving academic culture with strong university placements
- Broad and inclusive co-curricular offerings from sports to STEM to the arts
- Extensive international programs, exchanges, and global service trips
- State-of-the-art campus in central Brisbane with world-class facilities
Special Notes:
BGS fosters a global mindset and prepares students to be thoughtful, capable leaders in the 21st century. Entry is competitive, with scholarships available for academic and co-curricular excellence.
3. Brisbane Girls Grammar School
Location: Brisbane CBD
Type: Private Girls’ School
Grades: 7–12
Why It’s Great:
Established in 1875, Brisbane Girls Grammar School (BGGS) is one of the most respected and historic independent girls’ schools in Australia. With a commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and global citizenship, BGGS provides a world-class education that empowers young women to thrive in every field.
BGGS is renowned for its consistently outstanding academic results, with students regularly achieving top ATAR scores and securing placements at leading universities across Australia and abroad. The school’s rigorous curriculum encourages analytical thinking, creativity, and a strong work ethic. Subjects span the humanities, sciences, mathematics, and creative arts, with extension programs available for high-achieving students.
Beyond the classroom, BGGS offers an extraordinary range of co-curricular and enrichment opportunities, from debating and public speaking to orchestras, choirs, visual arts, and sports. The school places a strong emphasis on the development of leadership skills and personal responsibility through its student wellness programs, service initiatives, and house system.
Its central city campus features purpose-built science laboratories, art studios, and performance spaces, all designed to support the diverse interests and ambitions of students. The school’s commitment to student wellbeing is evident in its award-winning personal development curriculum, which focuses on resilience, empathy, and mental health.
Standout Features:
- Top academic achievers with strong university entrance success
- International study tours, language immersion, and cultural exchanges
- Strong alumnae network supporting mentoring and career development
- Innovative learning spaces for science, technology, and the arts
Special Notes:
BGGS fosters an environment where young women are encouraged to lead with confidence, curiosity, and compassion, preparing them for success in an increasingly complex world.
4. St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
Location: Spring Hill
Type: Catholic Boys’ School
Grades: 5–12
Why It’s Great:
Affectionately known as “Terrace,” St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace is one of Brisbane’s oldest and most respected boys’ schools, with a legacy stretching back to 1875. Operated by the Christian Brothers and grounded in Catholic values, the school offers a balanced education that fosters intellectual excellence, spiritual growth, and moral integrity.
Terrace has earned its reputation for academic strength, consistently delivering excellent results in Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) outcomes and ATAR scores. Students are supported by dedicated staff, personalised learning pathways, and a culture of ambition and responsibility. University entrance rates are high, with many graduates pursuing studies in medicine, law, engineering, and business.
The school also embraces a well-rounded approach to education, offering a diverse range of co-curricular activities. From rugby and rowing to drama, music, and debating, students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Gregory Terrace’s music program is among the strongest in Queensland, with award-winning ensembles and performance opportunities throughout the year.
Central to the school’s identity is its commitment to service and social justice. Through outreach initiatives, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships, students are taught the importance of empathy, inclusion, and making a positive impact in the world.
Standout Features:
- Holistic development focused on character, scholarship, and service
- Strong university preparation and academic excellence
- Vibrant house system that fosters leadership and camaraderie
- Catholic faith education integrated with modern values and inclusivity
Special Notes:
Terrace nurtures young men to become ethical leaders and compassionate citizens, grounded in tradition yet ready to thrive in the future.
5. St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
Location: Corinda
Type: Private Girls’ School
Grades: Prep–12
Why It’s Great:
Located in the peaceful suburb of Corinda, St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School is a leading independent day school for girls, offering a personalised and nurturing education from Prep to Year 12. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student wellbeing, St Aidan’s empowers young women to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
What sets St Aidan’s apart is its community-oriented atmosphere. As a relatively small school, it maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, enabling tailored support and close connections between staff and students. This environment allows every girl to feel known, supported, and challenged to reach her full potential.
St Aidan’s has developed a reputation for outstanding performance in STEM subjects, actively encouraging girls to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through enrichment programs, competitions, and partnerships with universities and research institutions. The curriculum is designed to be forward-thinking and student-centered, blending core academics with critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
Beyond the classroom, the school boasts exceptional music, visual arts, and performing arts programs, with regular concerts, exhibitions, and dramatic productions. Its extensive co-curricular offerings include sport, debating, public speaking, service projects, and leadership opportunities.
Standout Features:
- Personalised education in a supportive, small-school environment
- Consistently high academic achievement across core subjects
- Nationally recognised STEM and innovation initiatives
- Strong focus on wellbeing, mental health, and student voice
Special Notes:
St Aidan’s fosters confidence, curiosity, and compassion, preparing students not just for academic success, but to be thoughtful leaders and changemakers in their communities and beyond.
6. Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)
Location: East Brisbane
Type: Private Boys’ School
Grades: Prep–12
Why It’s Great:
Commonly referred to as “Churchie,” Anglican Church Grammar School is one of Queensland’s most esteemed independent boys’ schools, offering a rich tradition of academic excellence, character development, and global education. Founded in 1912, Churchie blends timeless Anglican values with innovative, future-focused learning to nurture confident, well-rounded young men.
Academically, Churchie is one of the few schools in Brisbane that offers students a choice between the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Years 11 and 12. This dual pathway model ensures flexibility and world-class preparation for tertiary studies both in Australia and overseas. Churchie students consistently achieve high ATAR and IB results, gaining entry into top universities.
The school’s sprawling East Brisbane campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced science and technology labs, performance halls, creative arts studios, and world-class sporting venues. Churchie is particularly renowned for its strong sporting tradition, participating in the GPS (Great Public Schools) competition across rugby, cricket, rowing, and more.
Beyond academics and sport, Churchie invests heavily in pastoral care and spiritual formation, ensuring each student receives individual support and guidance. Programs focused on leadership, resilience, emotional wellbeing, and service are embedded across all year levels.
Standout Features:
- Dual academic pathways: QCE or International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Strong performance across academics, music, and athletics
- Full-time boarding available for students across Queensland and overseas
- A nurturing, values-based environment with strong Anglican traditions
Special Notes:
Churchie develops boys into resilient, principled, and globally minded men, equipped for success in school and beyond.
7. Somerville House
Location: South Brisbane
Type: Private Girls’ School
Grades: Prep–12
Why It’s Great:
Situated in the heart of South Brisbane, Somerville House is one of Queensland’s most respected independent girls’ schools, offering a rich blend of tradition, innovation, and personal development. Founded in 1899, the school is known for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and service, all within a supportive, values-based environment.
Somerville House consistently produces outstanding academic results, with a large proportion of students achieving top ATAR scores and receiving offers from leading universities in Australia and overseas. The school’s academic program is carefully designed to cater to a range of learners while fostering critical thinking, independence, and resilience.
What sets Somerville apart is its dedication to developing well-rounded young women. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions through an expansive co-curricular program that includes music ensembles, orchestras, debating, public speaking, drama productions, and GPS sport. Somerville’s STEM and performing arts programs are particularly strong, with specialised facilities and professional-level training available in areas like robotics, science research, and classical music.
The school also provides boarding facilities on campus, making it a popular choice for regional, interstate, and international students. Boarders benefit from a close-knit community, modern living quarters, and academic support designed to foster independence and personal growth.
Standout Features:
- Exceptional academic performance and university preparation
- Vibrant co-curricular opportunities across sport, the arts, and leadership
- Advanced facilities for STEM, music, and drama
- On-site boarding with strong pastoral care and community
Special Notes:
Somerville House cultivates confident, compassionate, and capable young women ready to make their mark in the world.
8. Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT)
Location: Toowong
Type: Public Selective (IB World School)
Grades: 7–12
Why It’s Great:
The Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) is one of Australia’s most academically elite public schools. Specialising in a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with a STEM focus, QASMT is designed for high-achieving students who are passionate about science, innovation, and global learning.
QASMT is part of the Queensland Academies initiative, established to provide advanced learning environments for exceptional students. Entry is highly selective and based on academic merit. The school attracts bright minds from across the state and beyond, creating a vibrant community of learners driven by curiosity, challenge, and achievement.
The IB curriculum offered at QASMT is internationally recognised and respected for its academic rigour and global perspective. Students are encouraged to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers, with a curriculum that emphasises interdisciplinary learning, inquiry, and research. The school’s outcomes speak for themselves — it consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in Australia, with many students earning top IB scores and gaining entry into prestigious universities worldwide.
QASMT also fosters excellence beyond the classroom. Students regularly compete and succeed in national and international science competitions, Olympiads, and innovation showcases. The school maintains strong partnerships with leading universities, research institutions, and industry leaders, offering students valuable pathways into STEM careers.
Standout Features:
- Full International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years and Diploma Programmes
- Focus on science, technology, mathematics, and global citizenship
- Extensive mentorship, research, and university partnership programs
- State-of-the-art STEM facilities and innovation labs
Special Notes:
QASMT is ideal for academically gifted students looking for a future in STEM and a globally competitive education.
9. Moreton Bay College
Location: Manly West
Type: Private Girls’ School
Grades: Prep–12
Why It’s Great:
Located in the bayside suburb of Manly West, Moreton Bay College (MBC) is one of Brisbane’s leading independent girls’ schools. With a proud history dating back to 1901, MBC offers a values-driven, academically rich education that supports students to become confident, compassionate, and capable young women.
Moreton Bay College is renowned for its personalised learning environment, where students are encouraged to reach their individual potential in both academic and personal pursuits. Teachers work closely with students, tailoring support and extension opportunities to suit different learning styles and ambitions. The school’s academic outcomes are consistently strong, and students regularly achieve high ATAR results and entry into top universities.
A key strength of MBC is its focus on wellbeing and pastoral care. The school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel safe, supported, and inspired. This strong foundation allows girls to take risks, grow as leaders, and participate fully in all aspects of school life.
Beyond the classroom, Moreton Bay College offers exceptional co-curricular programs across sports, music, performing arts, and service. The school’s purpose-built facilities—such as its sports centre, aquatic complex, and performing arts venues—allow students to explore their passions at a high level.
Standout Features:
- Tailored academic support and enrichment across all year levels
- Christian values embedded in school culture and daily life
- Leadership opportunities from junior years through to Year 12
- A vibrant alumni network providing mentorship and career guidance
Special Notes:
MBC provides a holistic education where girls are empowered to become independent thinkers and ethical leaders, ready to make a meaningful difference in the world.
10. Mansfield State High School
Location: Mansfield
Type: Public School
Grades: 7–12
Why It’s Great:
Mansfield State High School is one of Queensland’s most respected and consistently top-performing non-selective public schools. Located in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, the school serves a large and diverse student population and is widely praised for its strong academic culture, structured environment, and broad co-curricular offerings.
What sets Mansfield apart is its commitment to academic discipline and high expectations. Despite being a non-selective school, it achieves exceptional results year after year, with many students attaining top ATAR scores and successfully gaining entrance into competitive university programs. The school offers extension classes and a variety of enrichment opportunities across subjects including STEM, English, and the arts.
Mansfield also places a strong emphasis on student leadership, responsibility, and personal growth. Students are encouraged to take initiative and participate in leadership roles from junior to senior years. This culture of respect and responsibility contributes to a positive learning environment where students feel motivated to succeed.
The school boasts comprehensive music, language, and digital technology programs, with many students participating in high-level ensembles, international language exchanges, and national STEM competitions. With over 3,000 students, Mansfield is one of the largest high schools in Queensland, yet it maintains a strong sense of community and individualised student support.
Standout Features:
- Academic excellence without selective entry
- Extensive co-curricular options in sport, music, robotics, and more
- Diverse, inclusive school culture with strong multicultural representation
- Highly regarded programs in French, Japanese, and digital technology
Special Notes:
Mansfield State High is ideal for families seeking a well-rounded, high-performing public education in a structured yet inclusive environment.
Conclusion
Brisbane’s educational landscape offers a diverse mix of top-tier schools—from prestigious academic institutions to inclusive, values-based, and internationally focused programs. Whether your priority is a faith-driven environment, a STEM or IB curriculum, or a school that excels in sports, music, and leadership, there’s a Brisbane school ready to meet your child’s individual strengths and aspirations.
To find the perfect fit, we recommend visiting school campuses, reviewing academic outcomes, attending open days, and speaking directly with faculty, students, and alumni. The best school isn’t always the highest ranked—it’s the one where your child feels empowered, supported, and inspired to grow.
Stay tuned to tigerjek.com for more in-depth school rankings, guides, and education tips across Australia and beyond. We’re here to help you navigate every step of your school selection journey.
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