Updated January 5, 2026
Looking to buy a home within catchment of one of Brisbane’s best schools? Many of the city’s highest-performing schools are spread across a range of suburbs, offering great options in various locations.
Whether you’re drawn to Brisbane’s northern suburbs, or the urban sprawl south of the river, there is no shortage of great schools to consider—and base your family near.
What Makes for a Great School?
All parents want the best for their children, and that includes education. For this reason, schools that have strong reputations for academic performance are no-brainer top picks for Brisbane families.
Of course, there is more to education than ATAR and assessment. Great schools shape students through lessons that extend beyond the classroom—of how to participate in a supportive, inclusive, and culturally diverse community.
Moreover, future-focused learning is key, as it helps students become confident, capable graduates.
Suburbs that are home to these so-called great schools offer increased access to high-quality educational avenues that foster a lifetime of success. In effect, living within catchment of a sought-after school ensures priority enrolment. Stress no more over waiting lists!
What’s more, it can enhance property values, making it a smart investment for both educational and financial purposes. Often, properties that are close to Brisbane’s best schools sell at premium and experience stronger long-term capital growth compared to those outside of catchment.
Which Brisbane School Catchment Should I Buy In?
The choice of which Brisbane school catchment to buy in is entirely up to you. Every family’s lifestyle—and most importantly—every child’s needs, are different.
There are five key considerations for families deciding which Brisbane school will best suit:
- Academic Excellence
If academic performance is a top priority, consider schools with strong NAPLAN and ATAR results, selective entry programs, or International Baccalaureate (IB) offerings.
- Specialised Learning Needs
For children requiring extra support—whether that be to keep up with or to excel beyond peers—schools with strong special education programs, talented streams, or smaller class sizes may be ideal.
- Private Vs. Public
Public schools offer free or low-cost high-quality education. They are known to have inclusive environments that cater to a wide range of learning needs and backgrounds.
Private and independent schools provide diverse curriculums, religious affiliations, and unique extracurriculars. However, they do come with higher fees. These schools often offer more personalised attention and tailored educational experiences.
4. Sports and Extracurricular Focus
For aspiring athletes or artists, schools with strong sports programs, performing arts, or music excellence streams might be the best choice.
5. Location and Lifestyle
Your school choice should align with your daily routine—consider traffic, public transport, and proximity to home and work. Inner-city schools like Brisbane SHS offer convenience, yet higher property prices. On the other hand, suburban schools may provide more space and a community feel.
Ultimately, the best school catchment to live in is one that aligns with your child’s strengths, interests, and learning style. Plus, your family’s budget and lifestyle. To make a well-informed decision, we recommend conducting thorough research, visiting campuses, and considering the future resale value of homes in the area.
As your trusted Brisbane buyer’s agency, our role is to make your property journey easier. That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you; drawing on insights from seasoned local agents, our own on-the-ground market experience, and suburb-level data.
Enjoy these two carefully curated lists: one highlighting Brisbane suburbs with top-performing public schools, and another focused on their private school counterparts.
Brisbane Suburbs with the Best Public Schools
Kelvin Grove
Kelvin Grove State College
Chosen for its inner-city location, strong academic outcomes, and standout creative programs, including Queensland’s largest secondary art department.
Queensland Academy of Creative Industries (QACI)
Selected for its strong academic outcomes within the IB framework and its unique partnership with QUT, fostering high-achieving students with strengths across both academics and creative disciplines.
South Brisbane
Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT)
Chosen as Queensland’s top-ranked state school, offering the International Baccalaureate program (IB) and a rigorous, university-style learning environment that prepares students for global pathways.
Brisbane State High School
Chosen for its long-standing academic excellence, broad subject diversity, and strong culture built on learning, respect, and public education. Families recognise it as an all-rounder, with a strong reputation across academics, sport, music, drama and leadership programs.
Mansfield
Mansfield State High School
Chosen for its consistent academic performance, traditional values, and recent investment in science, sport, and a highly regarded Music Excellence Program.
Indooroopilly
Indooroopilly State High School
Chosen for its balanced approach to education, offering Queensland Curriculum, IB and vocational pathways.
Wavell Heights
Wavell State High School
Chosen for its established reputation, strong academic outcomes, second-to-none Rugby League Program of Excellence, and high-volume local enrolment demand driven by the suburb’s proximity to the CBD and major employment hubs.
Mitchelton
Mt Maria College
Chosen for its strong pastoral care, inclusive Catholic education, and consistent academic outcomes, with a focus on student wellbeing alongside learning and co-curricular development.
Mitchelton State High School
Chosen for its community-focused approach, balanced academic and extracurricular programs, and accessibility for families seeking quality public education in Brisbane’s middle-ring north-west.
Aspley
Aspley East State School
Chosen for its strong community reputation, consistent primary outcomes, and appeal to families seeking a well-established local state school in Brisbane’s middle-ring north.
Kedron
Kedron State School
Chosen for its central northside location, strong community engagement, and consistent demand from families seeking quality primary education close to the CBD.
Kedron State High School
Chosen for its improving academic profile, broad curriculum offerings, and growing popularity among families drawn to the suburb’s accessibility and long-term growth prospects.
McDowall
McDowall State School
Chosen for its family-focused culture, strong local reputation, and appeal to buyers prioritising quiet, leafy surroundings with access to quality public primary education.
Brisbane Suburbs with the Best Private Schools
Nundah
St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Selected for its Australian-renowned sporting facilities, elite rugby and rowing programs, and comprehensive co-curricular offering that consistently produces state and national representatives.
Wavell Heights
Our Lady of the Angels’ School (OLA)
Chosen for its values-led Catholic education, close-knit school community, and long-standing appeal to families prioritising pastoral care alongside academic foundations.
Clayfield
Clayfield College
Recognised for its strong co-curricular balance, offering gifted and talented programs alongside competitive sport, music, and leadership pathways in a smaller, supportive school environment.
Ashgrove
Marist College Ashgrove
Chosen for its strong sporting tradition, particularly in rugby and athletics, combined with a broad extracurricular offering that supports well-rounded student development.
Bald Hills
St Paul’s School
Selected for its expansive campus, elite sporting facilities, and strong co-curricular pathways across rowing, athletics, music, and leadership. Has been recognised globally for its innovation and unique learning framework. Australian School of the Year 2019.
Toowong
Stuartholme School
Chosen for its exceptional balance of sport, music, and leadership programs within a high-achieving academic environment, supported by a strong focus on wellbeing and holistic development for girls.
Brisbane Boys’ College
Included for its depth of extracurricular opportunity, particularly in sport, music, and debating, supported by large-scale facilities and a strong inter-school competition record.
East Brisbane
Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)
Chosen for its strong balance of academic and sporting excellence, offering elite rowing, rugby, and leadership programs supported by extensive facilities and a long-standing culture of performance.
South Brisbane
St Laurence’s College
Chosen for its a strong balance of academics, sport (particularly rugby and rowing) and pastoral care. This well-established boys’ school appeals to families wanting structure and values alongside performance.
Somerville House
Chosen for its high regards as an independent girls’ school with strong academic outcomes and an excellent reputation for music and performing arts. Suits families looking for a balanced, holistic education.
Featuring trusted insights from local property professionals, including NGU Real Estate’s Justin Brown, Ray White’s Ethan Petrie, Bright Estate Agents’ Tristan Rowland, Harcourts Pinnacle’s Brad Shipway, and of course, LJBA’s Lauren Jones and Jessy Clifton.
How a Buyer’s Agent Can Help
The unparallelled expertise of a seasoned buyer’s agent, like Lauren Jones at LJBA, can be invaluable when purchasing property in Brisbane’s top school catchments. For families looking to secure a home in these highly sought-after areas, Lauren offers:
Market Insights – As a Qualified Property Investment Advisor (QPIA®), Lauren provides up-to-date market data, helping you make informed decisions about properties within top-performing school zones.
Local Expertise – With years of experience in the Brisbane property market, Lauren understands the nuances of school catchments and can identify the best suburbs for your family’s needs.
Time-Saving Solutions – By handling the research, shortlisting properties, and liaising with local agents, LJBA ensures you only view homes that meet both your lifestyle and educational priorities.
Valuable Connections – From mortgage brokers to conveyancers and removalists, Lauren’s trusted network of professionals makes the transition into your ideal school catchment home smooth and stress-free.
Like to have a dedicated buyer’s agent by your side to help make this decision with confidence? Book your free consult call with LJBA today and let’s ensure your child has access to the most suitable education pathways possible.