As parents, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right high school for your child. The educational environment, opportunities and academic rigor provided by a school can significantly impact your child's future. In this comprehensive guide, we rank the top high schools in Brisbane based on the percentage of ATARs above 90 to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Rankings List
To compile our list of the best high schools in Brisbane, we used data from My School (2023) and results publicly released by individual schools. Since the introduction of the new ATAR system, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) no longer releases individual school performance results publicly though QTAC does release annual subject specific results.
By relying on student data shared directly by the schools listed below, we've attempted to provide you with a transparent look at each school's academic outcomes for 2023.
It is important to note that some schools were omitted from our rankings because they did not publicly share their ATAR results. The schools that have been included in this list have demonstrated a high percentage of ATARs above 90, reflecting their strong academic performance and commitment to excellence.
Top 16 High Schools in Brisbane by ATAR Performance in 2023
Below is our ranking of the top 16 high schools in Brisbane, based on the percentage of ATARs above 90. These rankings provide insight into the academic prowess of each school, highlighting their ability to nurture students toward achieving high ATAR scores, which are crucial for university admissions.
Rank | School Name | Location | Year Range | % ATARs Above 90 | % ATARs Above 95 | % ATARs Above 99 | Sector | ICSEA |
1 | Brisbane Girls Grammar School | Brisbane (4000) | 7-12 | 85.22% | 62.17% | 13.48% | Private | |
2 | St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School | Corinda (4075) | Prep-12 | 84.00% | 46.00% | 9.00% | Private | |
3 | Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology | Toowong (4066) | 7-12 | 78.50% | 47.90% | 19.4% | Public (Selective) | |
4 | Brisbane Grammar School | Brisbane (4000) | 5-12 | 65.00% | 46.00% | 13.00% | Private | |
5 | Brisbane State High School | South Brisbane (4101) | 7-12 | 65.00% | 46.00% | 17.00% | Public (Partially Selective) | |
6 | All Hallows' School | Brisbane (4000) | 5-12 | 65.00% | 41.00% | 10.00% | Private | |
7 | Anglican Church Grammar School | East Brisbane (4169) | Prep-12 | 62.00% | 40.00% | 14.00% | Private | |
8 | St Margaret's Anglican Girls School | Ascot (4007) | Prep-12 | 61.50% | 36.80% | 5.10% | Private | |
9 | St Joseph's College (Gregory Terrace) | Brisbane (4000) | 5-12 | 53.00% | n/a | 12.00% | Private | |
10 | Somerville House | South Brisbane (4101) | Prep-12 | 52.00% | 26.40% | 8.00% | Private | |
11 | St Peters Lutheran College, Indooroopilly | Indooroopilly (4068) | Prep-12 | 49.58% | 19.49% | 5.93% | Private | |
12 | Citipointe Christian College | Carindale (4152) | Prep-12 | 43.00% | n/a | n/a | Private | |
13 | Sheldon College | Sheldon (4157) | Prep-12 | 43.00% | 27.00% | n/a | Private | |
14 | Brisbane Boys' College | Toowong (4066) | Prep-12 | 42.00% | 23.00% | 4.00% | Private | |
15 | Cannon Hill Anglican College | Cannon Hill (4170) | Prep-12 | 36.80% | 18.40% | n/a | Private | |
16 | Redeemer Lutheran College | Rochedale (4123) | Prep-12 | 30.00% | 17.00% | n/a | Private |
What is ICSEA and Why Does It Matter?
The Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage (ICSEA) is an important measure that helps parents understand the socio-educational background of a school's student population. An ICSEA value of 1000 represents the average across Australia. Schools with an ICSEA above 1000 are considered to have a more advantaged student population, while those below 1000 are seen as less advantaged.
The ICSEA takes into account factors such as parental education levels, occupation and the geographical location of the school. This index provides a broader context for understanding a school's performance and helps explain why some schools have higher academic results.
Understanding Selective vs. Partially Selective Schools
In Brisbane, some public schools are selective, meaning they admit students based on academic criteria rather than geographical location. Selective schools like the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology offer specialized programs and typically have rigorous entrance exams.
Partially selective schools, such as Brisbane State High School, combine selective admission with a catchment area policy. This means that while some students are admitted based on their academic performance, others are accepted based on their residential location within the school's catchment area. Understanding this distinction is crucial for parents as they navigate the enrollment process.
Why Some Schools Were Omitted
It's important to note that not all high schools in Brisbane publicly share their ATAR results. Due to the lack of available data, these schools were omitted from our rankings. This omission does not necessarily reflect the quality of education provided at these institutions, but rather the transparency of their academic performance reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 schools in Brisbane?
The top 10 schools in Brisbane, based on the percentage of ATAR scores above 90 in 2023, are:
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology
Brisbane Grammar School
Brisbane State High School
All Hallows' School
Anglican Church Grammar School
St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
St Joseph's College (Gregory Terrace)
Somerville House
These schools have consistently demonstrated strong academic outcomes, with high percentages of students achieving ATARs above 90.
What is the best performing high school in QLD?
The best performing high school in Queensland, based on the percentage of ATARs above 90, is Brisbane Girls Grammar School. This prestigious institution has a long history of academic excellence and consistently ranks at the top of state and national performance tables.
What is the top 1 high school in Australia?
The ranking of the top high school in Australia can vary depending on the criteria used, but Sydney Grammar School in New South Wales is often considered the top-performing high school in the country based on academic results, including ATAR and IB scores.
What is the highest ATAR score in Brisbane?
The highest ATAR score possible in Brisbane, as in the rest of Australia, is 99.95. This score represents the top 0.05% of students in the state. Each year, a small number of students achieve this exceptional result.
What is the richest high school in Brisbane?
The term "richest" can be subjective, but Brisbane Grammar School and St Joseph's College (Gregory Terrace) are often considered among the wealthiest schools in Brisbane based on their extensive facilities, alumni networks and resources available to students.
What is the most expensive school in Brisbane?
Brisbane's most expensive school, in terms of tuition fees, is typically St Margaret's Anglican Girls School or Brisbane Grammar School. These schools charge high fees due to their reputation, academic success, and the comprehensive education they offer.
How to choose a high school in Brisbane?
When choosing a high school in Brisbane, consider factors such as academic performance, school culture, extracurricular activities, location and your child's interests and needs. Visiting the schools, attending open days, and talking to current students and parents can also provide valuable insights.
What is the cheapest high school in Brisbane?
Public schools in Brisbane are generally the most affordable option. For example, Brisbane State High School, despite being partially selective, offers a high standard of education with lower fees compared to private schools.
Has anyone got 99.95 ATAR?
Yes, each year, several students across Queensland achieve the perfect ATAR score of 99.95. These students often have a strong academic record, excellent study habits, and access to supportive learning environments.
How many 99.95 ATARs in QLD?
Every year, approximately 30-40 students in Queensland achieve a 99.95 ATAR scoring in the top 0.05% of all students. Around 2-3% of students in Queensland achieve an ATAR of 99 or above each year. These students are typically high achievers across all subjects and typically come from a variety of schools, including both public and private institutions.
What are the best schools in Brisbane?
The best schools in Brisbane are often judged by academic performance, extracurricular offerings, and overall student satisfaction. Schools like Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Brisbane Grammar School, and Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology consistently rank among the top.
Is it easy to get 80 ATAR?
Achieving an 80 ATAR requires consistent effort and solid academic performance, but it is attainable for many students with the right study strategies and support. An ATAR of 80 places a student in the top 20% of their cohort.
What is the most prestigious school in Queensland?
Brisbane Grammar School is often considered one of the most prestigious schools in Queensland due to its long history of academic excellence, impressive alumni network, and extensive resources.
What is the rank 1 school in Australia?
The top-ranked school in Australia can vary, but academically, Sydney Grammar School in New South Wales is often at the top due to its outstanding results in both ATAR and IB exams.
What is the best public high school in Australia?
James Ruse Agricultural High School in New South Wales is often cited as the best public high school in Australia due to its exceptional academic performance, particularly in ATAR results.
Conclusion
Choosing the best high school for your child is a significant decision that can influence their academic and personal development. By understanding the factors that contribute to a school's academic success, such as ATAR performance, ICSEA, and the distinction between selective and partially selective schools, you can make a more informed choice.
This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the top-performing high schools in Brisbane. While rankings and statistics are useful tools, they should be considered alongside other factors such as school culture, extracurricular opportunities, and the specific needs of your child.
