Understanding the Queensland Curriculum and QCE
In Queensland, high school students work towards attaining the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). This certificate demonstrates they’ve completed their high school education (finished year 12) and have met literacy and numeracy requirements for the state. Students and parents start planning for the QCE in year 10, choosing subjects and courses that align with their interests and long-term goals. This can include a mix of general and applied subjects, vocational education and training (VET) courses, and other recognised studies.
What to look for in a private school?
When choosing a private high school for your child, it's important to consider more than just academics. Below are some factors to keep in mind.
Curriculum Options
Does the school offer subjects and programs that match your child’s interests and future plans?
Extracurricular Activities
Look for schools with a variety of clubs, sports, arts, and community service opportunities. All these activities provide your child with various learning opportunities to grow as a person.
School Culture
Consider the school’s values and whether they align with your family’s. This can be harder to judge as schools will always advertise themselves to have the “best” culture. It’s best to consider a large number of testimonies from past and current parents and/or students from these schools. Allowing you to hear insider information about each school.
Facilities
Check out the school’s facilities, like libraries, labs, sports complex/equipment and technology.
Location
Think about the school’s proximity to your home and ease of transportation.
Support Services
Look into the availability for academic support, counselling and career guidance. See if there’s a team for your child to support them in their endeavours.
Community Involvement
Explore opportunities for parental engagement and the strength of the school’s community network.
Top 10 Private High Schools in Brisbane
Based on academic performances, extracurricular offerings and overall reputation:
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
A leading girls’ school known for academic excellence and leadership development
- Location: Spring Hill
- Academic Performance: In 2024, 56.38% of students achieved an ATAR above 95.
- Admissions: Apply early, as the application involves assessments and an interview for your daughter.
- Enrolment: https://www.bggs.qld.edu.au/
Brisbane Grammar School
An independent boys’ school with a strong academic reputation and various extracurricular opportunities.
- Location: Spring Hill
- Academic Performance: In 2024, 19.2% of students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above.
- Admission: Applications open years in advance and require an entrance exam and interviews.
- Enrolment: https://www.brisbanegrammar.com/
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
A nurturing environment focusing on academic excellence and personal growth.
- Location: Corinda
- Academic Performance: In 2024, 48% of students achieved an ATAR above 95.
- Admission: Applicants accepted from Year 3; includes interview and references
- Enrolment: https://www.staidans.qld.edu.au/
St Peter's Lutheran College
A co-educational school offering both QCE and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
- Location: Indooroopilly
- Academic Performance: Notable for strong academic results and diverse curriculum.
- Admission: Rolling admissions with early applications recommended.
- Enrolment: https://www.stpeters.qld.edu.au/
Ormiston College
An independent co-educational school emphasising academic excellence and technology integration.
- Location: Ormiston
- Academic Performance: Strong ATAR results with a focus on STEM subjects.
- Admissions: Early application advised; includes interview and assessment.
- Enrolment: https://www.ormistoncollege.com.au/
Cannon Hill Anglican College
A co-educational Anglican school known for innovation in teaching and strong pastoral care.
- Location: Cannon Hill
- Academic Performance: Consistently achieves high academic standards.
- Admissions: Applications accepted from birth; includes interview process.
- Enrolment: https://www.chac.qld.edu.au/
Somerville House
A Uniting Church school for girls, offering a comprehensive education with strong arts and music programs
- Location: South Brisbane
- Academic Performance: High academic achievers with a focus on holistic education.
- Admissions: The Application process includes submission of academic records and an interview.
- Enrolment: https://www.somerville.qld.edu.au/
All Hallows' School
A Catholic girls' school with a commitment to social justice, academic excellence and community involvement
- Location: Brisbane CBD
- Academic Performance: One of Queensland’s top-performing schools, with many students achieving ATAR scores in the high 90s.
- Admissions: Early Application recommended; interviews and academic reports required.
- Enrolment: https://www.ahs.qld.edu.au/
Anglican Church Grammar School
A prestigious all-boys school known for its strong academic, sporting, and leadership programs. Churchie also has a great reputation for boarding, so it's popular with regional families too.
- Location: East Brisbane
- Academic Performance: Consistently performs well in ATAR results, with a strong focus on both academics and character development.
- Admissions: Enrolments are accepted years in advance; interviews and prior school reports are part of the process.
- Enrolment: https://www.churchie.com.au/
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
An elite day and boarding school for girls that puts a huge emphasis on global learning, wellbeing, and academic achievement. It’s also known for a strong arts and sports culture.
- Location: Ascot
- Academic Performance: One of the top-performing girls’ schools in Queensland for QCE results.
- Admissions: Applications are open years in advance, and spots fill up fast! An interview and academic reports are usually required.
- Enrolment: https://www.stmargarets.qld.edu.au/
Manoj Arachige
Final Thoughts
Picking a school can feel like a big decision, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Think about what really matters for your child and your family. Is it academic support? A great sports program? Strong pastoral care? Maybe a mix of everything?
No matter what you’re looking for, Brisbane has a private school to suit all kinds of learners. And if you're looking for extra help outside of school, the team at KIS Academics has awesome tutors who know the Queensland system inside and out and can help your child thrive.
FAQs
What's the difference between the QCE and ATAR?
The QCE is the certificate students earn by completing Years 11 and 12 in Queensland. The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a ranking used for university entry. Your ATAR is calculated based on your subject results that contribute to the QCE.
How early should I apply to a private high school?
Ideally, apply at least 1–2 years in advance, some popular schools take applications even from birth! Always check the specific school’s website for timelines and entry requirements.
Are extracurriculars really that important in High School?
Absolutely! They’re a great way for your child to build confidence, make friends, and stand out on uni or scholarship applications. Schools with strong extracurriculars show they care about the whole student, not just grades.
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for QCE Specialist Mathematics and Mathematical Methods, Ragulan Gnanavel. Additionally, he is available for English, Modern History and Physics assignment assistance. Ragulan is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Commerce (Finance and Financial Technology) at UNSW. He has outstanding credentials as a tutor, and you can view Ragulan’s profile here and request him as a tutor.
