School database · Brisbane

Top private schools in Brisbane, 2026

The 21 best private schools in Brisbane for 2026, independently ranked. Brisbane private school fees range from $11,280 to $36,300 per year — compare every school below by fee band, suburb and sector. Every fee is sourced from each school's official 2026 schedule (linked under each card); we rank on ICSEA, historic VCE/IB results and standout programs, never paid placement. Coverage spans Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, West End, New Farm and Bulimba. Updated June 2026.

21 schools ranked No paid placements 2026 fees verified Sorted by ICSEA

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 4 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

In short

Which is the best private school in Brisbane?

Our top-ranked private school in Brisbane for 2026 is Brisbane Grammar School — Brisbane Grammar School is one of Spring Hill's most established independent (non-denominational) boys school. Runners-up: Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Somerville House. All 21 providers in this guide serve Brisbane and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 21 providers profiled in Brisbane, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

Key takeaways

Highest ICSEA: Brisbane Grammar School (1212), Spring Hill.
2026 Year 12 fees range $11,280–$36,300 across 21 schools (median $23,250).
10 schools offer boarding; 5 are co-educational, the rest are single-sex.
3 schools offer the IB Diploma alongside VCE.
Apply 12–24 months ahead for most schools; elite-tier (Melbourne Grammar, Scotch, Geelong Grammar) often need application at birth or by age 2 for Year 7 entry.

21 Verified Private Schools in Brisbane, Ranked

Brisbane Grammar School

, Spring Hill

Independent (non-denominational) Boys Top tier Boarding Est. 1868

Brisbane Grammar School is one of Spring Hill's most established independent (non-denominational) boys school. Founded 1868. ICSEA 1212 (well above the national average of 1,000). Top NAPLAN numeracy results in QLD. Tuition: $36,300/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$36,300/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$36,300

ICSEA

1212

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Boarding: $35,660/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Music-strong students and families

Standout programs

› Top NAPLAN numeracy results in QLD
› GPS sport powerhouse
› Strong music + debating tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

, Spring Hill

Independent (non-denominational) Girls Mid tier Est. 1875

Brisbane Girls Grammar School sits among Spring Hill's top independent (non-denominational) girls schools. Founded 1875. ICSEA 1206 (well above the national average of 1,000). Top-ranked QLD academic results (ATAR + IB). Tuition: $34,088/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$34,088/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$34,088

ICSEA

1206

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12 (Years 5-6 from 2026)

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› Top-ranked QLD academic results (ATAR + IB)
› QGSSSA sport leader
› Strong STEM + research culture

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Somerville House

, South Brisbane

Independent (PMSA) Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1899

Somerville House, in South Brisbane, is a long-standing independent (pmsa) girls school. Founded 1899. ICSEA 1184 (well above the national average of 1,000). All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport). Tuition: $31,872/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$31,872/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$31,872

ICSEA

1184

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Best for: STEM-leaning students and families

Standout programs

› All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)
› Strong academic record - QLD top OP/ATAR results
› International + STEM programs

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Peters Lutheran College

, Indooroopilly

Lutheran Co-ed Mid tier Boarding Est. 1945

St Peters Lutheran College (Indooroopilly) is recognised as a leading lutheran co-educational school. Founded 1945. ICSEA 1183 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB Diploma + AC Senior pathways. Tuition: $26,088/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$26,088/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$24,708

ICSEA

1183

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

› IB Diploma + AC Senior pathways
› Largest Lutheran co-ed school in QLD
› Strong music conservatorium and outdoor ed (Crows Nest)

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

All Hallows' School

, Fortitude Valley

Catholic (Sisters of Mercy) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1861

All Hallows' School is one of Fortitude Valley's most established catholic (sisters of mercy) girls school. Founded 1861. ICSEA 1182 (well above the national average of 1,000). Oldest secondary school in Brisbane. Tuition: $18,950/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$18,950/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$17,500

ICSEA

1182

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Families wanting a service-leadership and faith formation focus

Standout programs

› Oldest secondary school in Brisbane
› Strong academic + Mercy social-justice tradition
› Very competitive fee for top-tier ICSEA

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)

, East Brisbane

Anglican Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1912

Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) sits among East Brisbane's top anglican boys schools. Founded 1912. ICSEA 1167 (well above the national average of 1,000). GPS sport (rowing, rugby, cricket). Tuition: $33,720/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$33,720/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$33,720

ICSEA

1167

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› GPS sport (rowing, rugby, cricket)
› International Baccalaureate Diploma + Primary Years Programme
› 150-boy boarding house from Year 7

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Brisbane Boys' College

, Toowong

Independent (Presbyterian and Uniting Church) Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1902

Brisbane Boys' College, in Toowong, is a long-standing independent (presbyterian and uniting church) boys school. Founded 1902. ICSEA 1164 (well above the national average of 1,000). GPS sport (rugby, rowing, cricket). Tuition: $33,260/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$33,260/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$33,260

ICSEA

1164

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Boarding: $32,460/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› GPS sport (rugby, rowing, cricket)
› Strong cadet + outdoor education
› Robust music and pipe band tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Stuartholme School

, Toowong

Catholic (Society of the Sacred Heart) Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1920

Stuartholme School (Toowong) is recognised as a leading catholic (society of the sacred heart) girls school. Founded 1920. ICSEA 1163 (well above the national average of 1,000). Sacred Heart Madeleine Sophie Barat tradition. Tuition: $22,820/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$22,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$20,680

ICSEA

1163

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Boarding: $22,600/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Music-strong students and families

Standout programs

› Sacred Heart Madeleine Sophie Barat tradition
› Largest girls' boarding school in QLD
› Strong music + drama programs

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Margaret's Anglican Girls School

, Ascot

Anglican Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1895

St Margaret's Anglican Girls School is one of Ascot's most established anglican girls school. Founded 1895. ICSEA 1159 (well above the national average of 1,000). ~190 boarders Years 5-12 (one of QLD's leading girls' boarding schools). Tuition: $33,216/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$33,216/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$33,216

ICSEA

1159

Year levels

Pre-Prep-Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› ~190 boarders Years 5-12 (one of QLD's leading girls' boarding schools)
› QGSSSA sport - rowing, hockey, netball
› Sisters of the Sacred Advent founding heritage

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School

, Corinda

Anglican Girls Mid tier Est. 1929

St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School sits among Corinda's top anglican girls (co-ed kindergarten) schools. Founded 1929. ICSEA 1158 (well above the national average of 1,000). Strong academic record (consistently high QLD ATAR median). Tuition: $31,992/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$31,992/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$31,992

ICSEA

1158

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Best for: Co-educational families looking for a broad, balanced curriculum

Standout programs

› Strong academic record (consistently high QLD ATAR median)
› All-inclusive fee model with 1:1 device
› QGSSSA sport

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Joseph's Nudgee Junior College

, Indooroopilly

Catholic (Christian Brothers) Boys Tier varies Est. 1932

St Joseph's Nudgee Junior College, in Indooroopilly, is a long-standing catholic (christian brothers) boys school. Founded 1932. ICSEA 1138 (well above the national average of 1,000). Feeder primary for St Joseph's Nudgee College. Tuition: fees on request.

Y12 fee 2026

Fees on request

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1138

Year levels

Prep-Year 6

Best for: Families seeking an established single-sex boys education

Standout programs

› Feeder primary for St Joseph's Nudgee College
› Edmund Rice tradition
› Lower-fee Catholic boys primary

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Paul's School Bald Hills

, Bald Hills

Anglican Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1960

St Paul's School Bald Hills (Bald Hills) is recognised as a leading anglican co-educational school. Founded 1960. ICSEA 1130 (well above the national average of 1,000). North Brisbane Anglican co-ed school. Tuition: $14,820/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$14,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$13,280

ICSEA

1130

Year levels

Pre-K-Year 12

Best for: Music-strong students and families

Standout programs

› North Brisbane Anglican co-ed school
› Strong music + drama programs
› Mid-fee Anglican option

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Laurence's College

, South Brisbane

Catholic (Christian Brothers) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1915

St Laurence's College is one of South Brisbane's most established catholic (christian brothers) boys school. Founded 1915. ICSEA 1112 (well above the national average of 1,000). Edmund Rice tradition. Tuition: $14,280/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$14,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$12,820

ICSEA

1112

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Families seeking an established single-sex boys education

Standout programs

› Edmund Rice tradition
› Strong rugby league + cricket
› South Brisbane Catholic boys

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Padua College Kedron

, Kedron

Catholic (Franciscan) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1956

Padua College Kedron sits among Kedron's top catholic (franciscan) boys schools. Founded 1956. ICSEA 1107 (well above the national average of 1,000). Franciscan Friars tradition. Tuition: $11,280/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$11,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$9,820

ICSEA

1107

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Families seeking an established single-sex boys education

Standout programs

› Franciscan Friars tradition
› North Brisbane Catholic boys
› Strong rugby league + cricket

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Lourdes Hill College

, Hawthorne

Catholic (Good Samaritan) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1916

Lourdes Hill College, in Hawthorne, is a long-standing catholic (good samaritan) girls school. Founded 1916. ICSEA 1098 (well above the national average of 1,000). Good Samaritan Sisters tradition. Tuition: $11,280/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$11,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$10,180

ICSEA

1098

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Best for: Families seeking an established single-sex girls education

Standout programs

› Good Samaritan Sisters tradition
› Lower-fee Catholic girls option
› Brisbane east river-edge campus

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

The Cathedral School Townsville

, Mundingburra, Townsville

Anglican Co-ed Lower-fee Boarding Est. 1917

The Cathedral School Townsville (Mundingburra, Townsville) is recognised as a leading anglican co-educational school. Founded 1917. ICSEA 1098 (well above the national average of 1,000). North QLD Anglican boarding. Tuition: $14,820/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$14,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$12,820

ICSEA

1098

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Boarding: $29,200/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Regional, interstate or international families needing boarding

Standout programs

› North QLD Anglican boarding
› Boarding draws from far north QLD + outback
› Strong sport + agriculture programs

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Joseph's Nudgee College

, Boondall

Catholic (Edmund Rice) Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1891

St Joseph's Nudgee College is one of Boondall's most established catholic (edmund rice) boys school. Founded 1891. ICSEA 1097 (well above the national average of 1,000). 315+ boarders - largest QLD Catholic boys boarding. Tuition: $23,250/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$23,250/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$23,250

ICSEA

1097

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Boarding: $31,050/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› 315+ boarders - largest QLD Catholic boys boarding
› GPS rugby/rowing powerhouse
› Edmund Rice Christian-service tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Iona College

, Wynnum

Catholic (Christian Brothers) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1958

Iona College sits among Wynnum's top catholic (christian brothers) boys schools. Founded 1958. ICSEA 1093 (well above the national average of 1,000). Edmund Rice tradition. Tuition: $14,820/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$14,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$13,280

ICSEA

1093

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Families seeking an established single-sex boys education

Standout programs

› Edmund Rice tradition
› Strong rugby league + AFL programs
› Lower-fee Catholic boys option in Brisbane east

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

All Souls St Gabriels School Charters Towers

, Charters Towers

Anglican Co-ed Lower-fee Boarding Est. 1920

All Souls St Gabriels School Charters Towers, in Charters Towers, is a long-standing anglican co-educational school. Founded 1920. ICSEA 1052 (well above the national average of 1,000). Outback QLD Anglican boarding tradition. Tuition: $14,620/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$14,620/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$12,780

ICSEA

1052

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Boarding: $28,800/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Regional, interstate or international families needing boarding

Standout programs

› Outback QLD Anglican boarding tradition
› Largest boarding intake from cattle station families
› Equestrian + agriculture programs

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Trinity College Beenleigh

, Beenleigh

Lutheran Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1980

Trinity College Beenleigh (Beenleigh) is recognised as a leading lutheran co-educational school. Founded 1980. ICSEA 1042 (well above the national average of 1,000). Lutheran tradition + values. Tuition: $11,820/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$11,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$10,480

ICSEA

1042

Year levels

Prep-Year 12

Best for: Co-educational families looking for a broad, balanced curriculum

Standout programs

› Lutheran tradition + values
› South Brisbane co-ed
› Mid-fee Christian school option

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace

, Spring Hill

Catholic (Edmund Rice) Boys Mid tier Est. 1875

St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace is one of Spring Hill's most established catholic (edmund rice) boys school. Founded 1875. GPS sport founder member (rugby, rowing). Tuition: $24,214/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$24,214/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$24,214

ICSEA

—

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

› GPS sport founder member (rugby, rowing)
› Edmund Rice service-leadership tradition
› Strong music + Terrace Pipes & Drums

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Private Schools in Brisbane, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅	Sector ⇅	Gender ⇅	Year 12 fees (2026) ⇅	ICSEA ⇅	Boarding ⇅
Brisbane Grammar School	Independent (non-denominational)	Boys	$36,300	1212	Yes
Brisbane Girls Grammar School	Independent (non-denominational)	Girls	$34,088	1206	No
Somerville House	Independent (PMSA)	Girls	$31,872	1184	Yes
St Peters Lutheran College	Lutheran	Co-ed	$26,088	1183	Yes
All Hallows' School	Catholic (Sisters of Mercy)	Girls	$18,950	1182	No
Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)	Anglican	Boys	$33,720	1167	Yes
Brisbane Boys' College	Independent (Presbyterian and Uniting Church)	Boys	$33,260	1164	Yes
Stuartholme School	Catholic (Society of the Sacred Heart)	Girls	$22,820	1163	Yes
St Margaret's Anglican Girls School	Anglican	Girls	$33,216	1159	Yes
St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School	Anglican	Girls	$31,992	1158	No
St Joseph's Nudgee Junior College	Catholic (Christian Brothers)	Boys	On request	1138	No
St Paul's School Bald Hills	Anglican	Co-ed	$14,820	1130	No
St Laurence's College	Catholic (Christian Brothers)	Boys	$14,280	1112	No
Padua College Kedron	Catholic (Franciscan)	Boys	$11,280	1107	No
Lourdes Hill College	Catholic (Good Samaritan)	Girls	$11,280	1098	No
The Cathedral School Townsville	Anglican	Co-ed	$14,820	1098	Yes
St Joseph's Nudgee College	Catholic (Edmund Rice)	Boys	$23,250	1097	Yes
Iona College	Catholic (Christian Brothers)	Boys	$14,820	1093	No
All Souls St Gabriels School Charters Towers	Anglican	Co-ed	$14,620	1052	Yes
Trinity College Beenleigh	Lutheran	Co-ed	$11,820	1042	No
St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace	Catholic (Edmund Rice)	Boys	$24,214	-	No

Pricing and availability data checked against public sources at time of publication. We do not host first-party reviews; star ratings have been removed from this directory pending a moderated review-collection process.

Private school fees in Brisbane, by band

Premium · $30k–45k

7 schools — e.g. Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Somerville House

Mid-tier · $20k–30k

4 schools — e.g. St Peters Lutheran College, Stuartholme School, St Joseph's Nudgee College

Lower-fee · $10k–20k

9 schools — e.g. All Hallows' School, St Paul's School Bald Hills, St Laurence's College

See every Brisbane school's 2026 fees, ranked →

Private schools in Brisbane, by suburb

Suburb	Schools	ICSEA
Spring Hill	Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School, St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace	1206–1212
South Brisbane	Somerville House, St Laurence's College	1112–1184
Indooroopilly	St Peters Lutheran College, St Joseph's Nudgee Junior College	1138–1183
Toowong	Brisbane Boys' College, Stuartholme School	1163–1164
Fortitude Valley	All Hallows' School	1182
East Brisbane	Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)	1167
Ascot	St Margaret's Anglican Girls School	1159
Corinda	St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School	1158

Best Brisbane private schools by type

Top Catholic schools in Brisbane

Top Anglican schools in Brisbane

Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) — $33,720/yr
St Margaret's Anglican Girls School — $33,216/yr
St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School — $31,992/yr
St Paul's School Bald Hills — $14,820/yr
The Cathedral School Townsville — $14,820/yr

Top girls' schools in Brisbane

Brisbane Girls Grammar School — $34,088/yr
Somerville House — $31,872/yr
All Hallows' School — $18,950/yr
Stuartholme School — $22,820/yr
St Margaret's Anglican Girls School — $33,216/yr

Top boys' schools in Brisbane

Brisbane Grammar School — $36,300/yr
Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) — $33,720/yr
Brisbane Boys' College — $33,260/yr
St Joseph's Nudgee Junior College
St Laurence's College — $14,280/yr

Boarding schools in Brisbane

Brisbane Grammar School — $36,300/yr
Somerville House — $31,872/yr
St Peters Lutheran College — $26,088/yr
Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) — $33,720/yr
Brisbane Boys' College — $33,260/yr

Boarding & international students in Brisbane

10 Brisbane private schools offer boarding, with a median 2026 boarding fee around $31,050/yr on top of tuition. Boarding schools are the main pathway for regional, interstate and international families — CRICOS-registered schools enrol international students on a subclass-500 visa (international tuition typically runs 1.3 to 1.7 times domestic).

Brisbane Grammar School · $36k Somerville House St Peters Lutheran College Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)Brisbane Boys' College · $32k Stuartholme School · $23k

International student guide → · Boarding schools →

How we rank private schools in Brisbane

We rank schools on objective, publicly verifiable data: 30% ICSEA score (the ACARA Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage, a strong correlate of academic outcomes), 30% historic VCE/IB results where school medians are publicly disclosed, 20% breadth of standout programs (academic, music, sport, outdoor, languages), 10% facility and pastoral care, and 10% transparency and access (published fees, scholarship availability, open day cadence). Fees in this guide come from each school's published 2026 schedule (linked under each card). Compare Private Schools does not accept payment to list or rank schools.

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Common questions

FAQs: private schools in Brisbane

Which is the highest-ranked private school in Brisbane for 2026?

By ICSEA (the strongest publicly-available correlate of academic outcomes), Brisbane Grammar School in Spring Hill ranks first among Brisbane private schools we cover, with an ICSEA of 1212. Year 12 fees for 2026 are $36,300. However, "best" is highly child-specific, fit, single-sex vs co-ed preference, religious orientation, and travel time matter as much as raw academic data. Visit at least 3 open days before deciding.

How much do Brisbane private schools cost in 2026?

Brisbane private school Year 12 tuition for 2026 ranges from $11,280 to $36,300 per year across the 21 schools we cover (median $23,250). Junior school fees are typically 30–40% lower than Year 12. Boarding adds a further $25,000–$45,000 per year on top of tuition. Don't forget capital levies, building fund contributions, IT, uniforms, camps, and music tuition, these can add $5,000–$15,000 per year.

When should I apply for a private school place in Brisbane?

For mid-tier independent and Catholic schools, 12–24 months before entry is standard. For elite-tier independents (especially Year 7 boys' schools), waiting lists can be years long, many parents apply at birth or by age 2. Year 9 and Year 11 entry typically have more availability than Year 7. Always check each school's specific application deadlines on their website.

What is ICSEA and why does it matter?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is published by ACARA via MySchool.edu.au. It measures the socio-educational advantage of a school's student community on a scale where 1,000 is the national average. Most Brisbane private schools score 1,150–1,210. ICSEA is a strong correlate of NAPLAN and ATAR outcomes, but it measures the family advantage students bring to the school, not the school's teaching quality. Use it as one input alongside ATAR results, programs, culture and fit.

What are the best Catholic schools in Brisbane?

Leading Catholic schools in Brisbane by ICSEA include All Hallows' School, Stuartholme School, St Joseph's Nudgee Junior College, St Laurence's College. Catholic systemic schools are typically the most affordable private option ($4,000–$10,000/year), while Catholic congregational schools (Jesuit, Loreto, Mercy) sit closer to independent fee levels. See the full Brisbane ranking above for fees and ICSEA on each.

Which Brisbane private schools offer boarding?

10 of the Brisbane private schools we cover offer boarding, including Brisbane Grammar School, Somerville House, St Peters Lutheran College, Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie). The median 2026 boarding fee is about $31,050 per year, charged on top of tuition. Boarding suits regional, interstate and international families — see our boarding guide for the full state-by-state list.

Can international students enrol at Brisbane private schools, and what does it cost?

Yes — CRICOS-registered Brisbane private schools (especially boarding schools) enrol international students on a subclass-500 student visa. International tuition typically runs 1.3–1.7× the domestic rate, and under-18s need approved welfare/guardianship (a school-issued CAAW or a nominated guardian). We're building a school-by-school international fee and CRICOS database; in the meantime each school's overseas-student fees are on its own admissions page.

What are the most affordable private schools in Brisbane?

The lowest Year 12 tuition among Brisbane private schools we cover starts around $11,280 per year — generally Catholic systemic and lower-fee Christian/Lutheran schools. Fee-band breakdown and example schools are shown above. Remember to factor in levies (technology, building fund, camps, uniforms) which add roughly 8–15% on top of headline tuition.

How much do private schools cost in Australia in 2026?

Elite independent schools (Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar, Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College): $42,000-$55,000/year for Year 12. Mid-tier independents: $25,000-$38,000/year. Catholic systemic schools: $4,000-$10,000/year. Boarding adds $25,000-$45,000 on top. Year 7-9 fees typically 30-40% lower than Year 12. Total K-12 cost: $400,000-$650,000 for elite schools, $40,000-$120,000 for Catholic systemic. Add $5,000-$15,000/year for uniforms, IT, camps, music tuition.

When should I apply for a private school?

Elite schools (Scotch, Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar): apply at birth or before age 2 for Year 7 entry. Waiting lists at top schools are 1,000+ children. Mid-tier independents: apply 2-4 years before entry year. Catholic systemic: 12-24 months before entry year. Most competitive entry points: Reception (limited places open most spots), Year 7 (start of secondary, biggest intake), Year 11 (VCE/HSC start). Apply to 4-8 schools simultaneously to maximise options.

What's ICSEA and how does it relate to school quality?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) measures the socio-economic background of a school's community. Average is 1000. Elite private schools typically score 1180-1230. ICSEA correlates strongly with academic outcomes, but it measures family advantage, not school teaching quality. To assess teaching quality, look at "value-added" data (how much the school improves students above their starting point), Education Department websites publish this. A school with ICSEA 1200 should produce strong results; a school with ICSEA 1100 producing strong results is doing more impressive teaching.

Are private school scholarships realistic to get?

Top elite schools: 5-15 academic scholarships per year for Year 7 entry, 200-500 applicants. Highly competitive, typically requires top 1% performance on ASCAS test plus interview. Mid-tier schools: easier scholarships available, often 30-50% fee reduction. Music scholarships at most schools: less competitive than academic, requires 5+ years instrument experience and grade 6-7 AMEB level. Sport scholarships: rare, mostly for boarding. Financial assistance (means-tested): 5-30% of places at most schools. Apply to 3-5 schools simultaneously to maximise chances.

Catholic vs Independent, which should I choose?

Catholic systemic schools (parish-funded): $4,000-$10,000/year, generally similar academic outcomes to mid-tier independents, religious instruction (Catholic but increasingly inclusive), community-focused, lower socio-economic mix. Independent schools (privately governed): $25,000-$55,000/year, broader extracurricular options, smaller classes, more international students, stronger university preparation, higher ATAR outcomes. Catholic congregational schools (Loreto, Xavier, Mary MacKillop College, etc.) bridge the two, Catholic ethos but independent governance, fees $20,000-$35,000. Many families choose Catholic for primary, independent for secondary.

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ACT

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QLD

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NSW

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NSW

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VIC

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