Primary & Secondary Schools
Brisbane's schools have earned international recognition for providing high-quality education to students at both government and private institutions.
The school curriculum offers a broad range of subjects and extracurricular activities, giving every student the opportunity to explore their passions and unlock academic excellence. Our schools go the extra mile, delivering individualised learning experiences to help each student reach their potential and gain the confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Primary school
In Brisbane, before primary school, students must also complete one year of compulsory prep school. This requirement varies from state to state in Australia. Primary school is compulsory education for students from Year 1 to 6. Starting from around age six, students will learn important basic skills and foundational knowledge.
The curriculum draws from both the Australian Curriculum (the national curriculum) and the Queensland Curriculum (the state curriculum), covering various subjects. Primary school provides the building blocks for further education and helps students develop a strong foundation for future learning.
Both prep school and primary school are full-time programs that run from Monday to Friday, usually between 9am and 3pm.
Secondary school
At around age 12, students make the transition to secondary school, which is also called senior or high school. Here, students have more choice and will study more specialised subjects from Years 7 to 12. The last three years of high school, in particular, hold great significance for students who plan to pursue university or further studies. These years play a crucial role in shaping their academic path and future educational endeavors.
Assistance for international students
Did you know that around 20 per cent of Brisbane households speak a language other than English at home? Brisbane’s education system is set up to provide extra help for those who don’t speak English as a first language. English language support is available for international students at many Brisbane schools. Consult with individual schools to find out what extra assistance is available.
Types of schools
Brisbane has three types of school, all of which follow the official curriculums and are dedicated to supporting their students with a welcoming and safe environment.
State schools
State schools in Brisbane are run by the state government of Queensland. These schools provide students with a range of study pathways, enabling them to achieve their academic, career and personal development goals in a supportive and healthy space.
Queensland state schools have strong connections with universities and TAFE colleges, and 90 per cent of Year 12 graduates from these high schools receive an offer from tertiary institutions for future study.
Queensland’s high school qualifications are internationally recognised and combine theoretical and practical learning to prepare students for further studies at universities and professional careers. Overall, international students reported a 98 per cent satisfaction rating for state schools, according to Education Queensland International (EQI).
Independent Schools
In Queensland, independent schools represent around 15 per cent of total school enrolments. These schools deliver high-quality education to align with a child’s needs and values or interests. Parents may choose a public or private independent school due to moral or spiritual values, specialist and tailored programs, or the wide range of extra and co-curricular activities on offer.
Catholic Schools
In Queensland, Catholic schools represent around 18.5 per cent of students and emphasise both academic achievement and Christian moral values. Research shows parents choose Catholic schools for the high quality of education, strong parish and community ties, and holistic development of students.
Find out more about the best school for your child at Study Queensland.