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Brisbane State High vs Queensland Academies: Which Is Right for Your Child?

Brisbane State High vs Queensland Academies — compare HAST vs Edutest exams, ATAR vs IB pathways, fees, entry points and campus options for 2026.

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Quick Answer: Brisbane State High School uses the ACER HAST and the ATAR pathway across one South Brisbane campus. The Queensland Academies use an Edutest-facilitated entrance test and the IB pathway across three specialised campuses, with annual programme fees. The rough discriminator: a strong all-rounder who has not settled on a direction usually suits BSHS, while a child with a clear interest in science, creative industries or health sciences usually suits the Academies. The exams and application dates do not clash, so Braintree Coaching Australia recommends applying to both where eligible.

How do Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies actually differ?

Brisbane State High School and the Queensland Academies are the two selective pathways that dominate the conversation for South East Queensland families. Both are highly competitive government schools, but they differ in almost every other respect.

Brisbane State High School (BSHS) delivers broad academic excellence through the Australian Curriculum and the ATAR pathway from a single South Brisbane campus. The Queensland Academies offer specialised education across three campuses through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Braintree Coaching Australia works with families preparing for both.

This guide puts both pathways side by side so you can make an informed decision, or decide to apply to both. For the underlying HAST format, our BSHS exam format guide breaks down each component in detail.

Brisbane State High and QASMT are both strong Queensland selective schools, but they suit different learners. The most useful question families can ask is not which school has the better reputation, but which curriculum framework, the ATAR pathway or the IB Diploma, better matches their child's learning style, interests, and longer-term goals.

Braintree Editorial, Exam preparation editors, Braintree Coaching Australia

What's Inside This Guide

Navigate to the section most relevant to your family's decision.


The Two Schools at a Glance

Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies differ across entrance exam, senior qualification, fees, campuses and academic focus.

Every key difference at a glance for Queensland families weighing both options

BSHS vs Queensland Academies — Full Comparison
FeatureOption 1Option 2Verdict
Entrance ExamHAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) by ACEREdutest (four reasoning components plus writing)Different test providers with distinct formats
Application Fee$420 processing (non-refundable)$270 on-time (Y7 2028; non-refundable)Confirm current fees on each school site
Senior QualificationATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate)Fundamentally different assessment systems
Year 7 EntryYes, via Year 5 conditional plus Year 6 applicationsYes, at QASMT (Toowong) campus onlyBoth offer Year 7, but QA is limited to one campus
Other Entry PointsYears 8 to 11 (limited places)Year 10 entry (all three campuses)Both have secondary entry points
LocationSouth Brisbane (single campus)Toowong, Kelvin Grove, Gold Coast (three campuses)QA offers more geographic choice
Academic FocusBroad academic excellence across all disciplinesSpecialised: STEM, Creative Industries, or Health SciencesBSHS is generalist; QA is specialist
Number of Campuses13 (QASMT, QACI, QAHS)QA gives families three distinct school options
CurriculumAustralian Curriculum (ACARA)IB Middle Years Programme plus IB Diploma ProgrammeEntirely different curriculum frameworks
NAPLAN in the ApplicationYear 5 NAPLAN report must be submittedNAPLAN results requested where availableNeither school publishes a band threshold or a weighting
School ReportsStrong academic reports requiredStrong academic reports requiredBoth consider holistic application data

Key Numbers at a Glance

Quick reference figures for both pathways

$420
BSHS Processing FeeNon-refundable (all selective categories)
$270
QA On-time App Fee (Year 7 2028)Confirm Year 10 fee on the Year 10 enrolments page
1
BSHS CampusSouth Brisbane, broad academic excellence
3
QA CampusesQASMT (Toowong), QACI (Kelvin Grove), QAHS (Gold Coast)

HAST vs Edutest: Which entrance exam does each school use?

The entrance exam is the single biggest practical difference between the two pathways. Brisbane State High uses the HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) developed by ACER, while the Queensland Academies use the Edutest assessment. Knowing each test's format is essential for targeted preparation, because the two exams reward different skills.

The BSHS HAST exam

For Year 5 applicants (HAST-P toward Year 7 2028), BSHS publishes three timed components on its Academic Selective Entry page:

  • Reading Comprehension: 35 minutes
  • Mathematical Reasoning: 35 minutes
  • Written Expression: 30 minutes

Those three components sum to 100 minutes of testing. That total is our arithmetic, not a figure BSHS publishes; the school lists the component timings only. Confirm the Year 6 HAST Secondary structure on the same page rather than assuming it matches HAST-P, because BSHS publishes no component timings for that sitting. The BSHS processing fee is $420 (non-refundable).

The Queensland Academies Edutest

The Queensland Academies entrance test is facilitated by Edutest, not by ACER. For Year 7 entry (QASMT), the Academies Year 7 enrolments page lists:

  • Verbal Reasoning: 30 minutes
  • Numerical Reasoning: 30 minutes
  • Reading Comprehension: 30 minutes
  • Mathematics: 30 minutes
  • Written Expression: 15 minutes

That is 165 minutes of timed testing, and the Academies describe the whole sitting as lasting about three hours, which absorbs check-in and settling time. Year 10 candidates sit the same five components; confirm Year 10 dates on the Year 10 enrolments page, since that cycle publishes its own calendar. The on-time application fee published for Year 7 2028 is $270 (non-refundable), and late applications are listed at $300.

How the two entrance exams differ in structure, timing and components

HAST vs Edutest — Exam Format Comparison
FeatureOption 1Option 2Verdict
Test ProviderACER (Australian Council for Educational Research)EdutestDifferent providers, different question styles
Reading ComponentReading Comprehension, 35 minutesReading Comprehension, 30 minutesSimilar focus, different pacing
Maths ComponentMathematical Reasoning, 35 minutesMathematics, 30 minutesBoth test reasoning, not rote computation
Reasoning ComponentsReasoning embedded in Reading and MathsVerbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning as separate sectionsEdutest has two dedicated reasoning components
Writing30 minutes (handwritten)15 minutesHAST allows twice the writing time
Question CountsNot published by BSHS or ACERNot published by the Academies or EdutestPractise to the clock, not to a question count
Total Test Time100 min of HAST-P sections (our arithmetic)165 min timed, described as about 3 hoursConfirm current published timings
Test MediumPaper-basedConfirmed by the school in the application packCheck the Academies pack before buying practice material
Application Fee$420$270 on-timeConfirm current published fees

Key preparation differences

Both exams test reasoning and academic ability, but the preparation approach diverges:

  • For BSHS: Focus on ACER-style questions, meaning longer passages, inference-heavy reading and extended handwritten writing. Practise under paper-based conditions.
  • For the Queensland Academies: Focus on Edutest-style questions and fast pacing across four 30-minute multiple-choice components plus a 15-minute writing piece. Neither Edutest nor the Academies publishes how many questions sit in each section, so rehearse against the clock rather than a question target. An Edutest Year 5 sample paper is a useful way to see the pacing your child will face.
  • For both: Build strong core reasoning in reading comprehension, mathematical problem-solving and logical thinking. These foundations transfer across both formats. A set of free mock tests lets your child rehearse under timed conditions for either exam.

ATAR vs IB Diploma: What does each qualification mean?

The senior qualification is the difference that lasts longest. The credential your child earns at the end of Year 12 shapes their university pathway, their learning experience and the skills they develop throughout secondary school.

The ATAR pathway (BSHS)

Brisbane State High follows the Australian Curriculum and delivers the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). Students study Queensland senior subjects, sit external assessments and receive an ATAR ranking from 0 to 99.95. The ATAR is familiar to most Australian parents; it is the standard pathway used by most Queensland state schools, and Australian universities are built around ATAR-based admissions. Students at BSHS choose from a broad range of subjects across humanities, sciences, mathematics, languages and the arts.

The IB Diploma (Queensland Academies)

The Queensland Academies deliver the International Baccalaureate pathway (IB Middle Years Programme at QASMT Years 7–10, then the IB Diploma Programme in Years 11–12). Students earn an IB Diploma score out of 45, which QTAC maps to a Combined Rank on the same scale as the ATAR for domestic entry.

The IB Diploma requires students to study six subjects across prescribed groups (including their specialisation area), three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, plus three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The workload is set by the IB itself: a higher level subject comprises 240 teaching hours and a standard level subject 150.

Which qualification is better?

One is not a better credential than the other. They suit different learners:

  • ATAR offers subject flexibility, is universally understood by Australian universities, and lets students focus heavily on their strongest subjects. Students who prefer depth in a few areas and clear, exam-focused assessment often thrive.
  • IB Diploma demands breadth, research independence and community engagement. Students who are intellectually curious across disciplines, enjoy extended projects, and want an internationally recognised credential often excel.

How does Year 7 entry work at each school?

Both Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies offer Year 7 entry, but the processes and timelines differ. Missing a deadline usually means waiting a full year to reapply.

BSHS Year 7 entry

Brisbane State High accepts Year 7 applications across two stages:

  • Year 5 conditional applications: families can lodge an early application while their child is in Year 5, securing a conditional place pending Year 6 confirmation.
  • Year 6 applications: the standard application window for Year 7 entry.

Students sit the HAST as part of their application. BSHS also requires Year 7 applicants to submit school reports for the previous three semesters, their Year 5 NAPLAN report, and results of academic competitions and achievements. The school names test results as the primary selection criterion and selects on an order of merit, but it publishes no NAPLAN band threshold and no weighting between the test, the reports and NAPLAN. Entry is available at Years 8 to 11 as well, though places at these levels are limited and depend on vacancies. For families weighing the early route, our companion guide on the Brisbane State High Year 5 early-entry pathway walks through the conditional offer in detail.

Queensland Academies Year 7 entry

Year 7 entry to the Queensland Academies is available at QASMT (Toowong) only. The other two campuses, QACI (Kelvin Grove) and QAHS (Gold Coast), accept students from Year 10. Selection at QASMT assesses four elements: the entrance test, academic records (school reports plus NAPLAN results where available), an engagement activity for shortlisted candidates, and any other relevant information. As with BSHS, no NAPLAN band threshold is published and no percentage weighting is published for any component. For Year 10 entry, all three campuses are available and candidates sit the same five components.

Application Timeline — Side by Side

  1. 1.Research Both Schools (12 to 18 Months Before Entry)

    Attend open days, review prospectuses and understand the ATAR versus IB distinction. Decide whether your child's learning style suits broad academic excellence (BSHS) or specialised IB education (QA).

  2. 2.Check Eligibility and Fees

    Confirm your child meets the year-level requirements. Budget for the $420 BSHS processing fee and/or the $270 QA on-time fee if applying to both. Note that QA Year 7 is QASMT only; Academies also charge program fees.

  3. 3.Lodge Applications Within Deadlines

    BSHS and QA use separate application systems with different closing dates. Track both deadlines carefully, because missing one means waiting another full year.

  4. 4.Prepare for Both Exams if Applying to Both

    Build core reasoning skills that transfer across HAST and Edutest, then add targeted practice for each test's format. Budget for combined application fees of around $690 on-time, plus Academies program fees if offered a place.

  5. 5.Sit the Exams and Await Results

    Your child will sit the HAST for BSHS and the Edutest for QA on separate dates. Results timelines differ, so plan for a waiting period and have a contingency if one offer arrives before the other.

For a fuller view of how results are released and what each score means, see our BSHS results guide.


What is campus culture like at each school?

The day-to-day experience at Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies feels genuinely different. BSHS is built around breadth; the Queensland Academies are built around specialisation.

BSHS: broad academic excellence

Brisbane State High is a large, established school in South Brisbane with a tradition of academic achievement across every discipline. The school does not channel students into a single specialisation; instead it offers breadth, so a student who excels in English and History receives the same calibre of education as one who shines in Physics and Advanced Maths. BSHS also runs a strong co-curricular programme covering music, debating, sport and clubs. For students who have not yet narrowed their interests, or who have wide-ranging passions, BSHS provides the space to explore.

Queensland Academies: specialised focus

Each Queensland Academy campus carries a distinct specialisation, named in the campus itself:

  • QASMT (Toowong): Science, Mathematics and Technology
  • QACI (Kelvin Grove): Creative Industries
  • QAHS (Gold Coast): Health Sciences

You will see the campuses described elsewhere as formally partnered with the University of Queensland, QUT and Griffith. We checked the Academies enrolment pages, the Academies site and the Department of Education enrolment eligibility plan for QASMT, and none of them names a partner university, so we have left the claim off this page. Ask each campus directly if a university link matters to your decision.

Specialisation shapes the curriculum, the electives and the culture of each campus. The IB framework differentiates the experience further: the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS requirements mean Academies students engage in independent research, philosophical inquiry and community service as compulsory parts of their education, not optional extras.

BSHS's broad curriculum is a genuine advantage for students who have not yet settled on a specialist direction. The full range of humanities, sciences, mathematics, languages, and arts is available throughout secondary school, giving students room to discover where their strongest interests lie before committing to a narrower pathway.

Braintree Editorial, Exam preparation editors, Braintree Coaching Australia

Which type of student suits each school?

Below are the profiles Braintree Coaching Australia sees most often when families are deciding between the two pathways.

Your child may suit BSHS if they:

  • Are a strong all-rounder who performs well across multiple subjects
  • Have not yet settled on a clear academic passion or career direction
  • Prefer the ATAR pathway and want maximum subject flexibility in senior years
  • Enjoy a large school environment with diverse co-curricular options
  • Want to stay within the familiar Australian Curriculum framework
  • Are located in or near South Brisbane and value a single, well-established campus

Your child may suit the Queensland Academies if they:

  • Have a clear interest in STEM, creative industries or health sciences
  • Thrive on independent learning, research and extended projects
  • Are intellectually curious across disciplines but want a specialisation anchor
  • Would benefit from the IB Diploma's emphasis on critical thinking and global perspectives
  • Want a curriculum built around extended research, with the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge compulsory rather than optional
  • Are comfortable with a smaller, specialised campus culture

What do we see Queensland families get wrong?

A common mistake is treating the two pathways as one preparation job. From our tutor intake notes, families targeting both HAST (Brisbane State High) and the Queensland Academies routinely underestimate that the tests, the fees and the timelines all differ, so preparation has to be split by pathway rather than blended. A child who has drilled ACER-style inference passages for six months is not thereby ready for four back-to-back 30-minute Edutest components, and the reverse is equally true.

Three practical consequences follow:

  • Budget for two of everything. Two application systems, two non-refundable fees, two test dates, two sets of results arriving at different times.
  • Split practice by format, not by subject. Build the shared reasoning base first, then rehearse each exam's pacing separately in the final months.
  • Cap the total load. Our recommended maximum for a Year 5 or Year 6 child preparing for selective entry is 5 to 6 hours a week including class time, tapering in the final fortnight. That is a coaching guideline rather than a rule, and it should come down if sleep, mood or family time start to suffer. Preparing for two exams is a reason to prioritise, not a reason to double the hours.

Can you apply to both schools?

Yes, you can apply to both Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies in the same year. There is no rule preventing families from submitting applications to both schools. Because the entrance exams are run by different organisations (ACER for BSHS, Edutest for QA), the tests occur on different dates and are entirely independent processes. Within Queensland Academies, though, you may lodge only one application per year across QASMT, QACI and QAHS — dual-school does not mean dual-campus.

What dual applications look like in practice

  • Two separate applications with different forms, deadlines and systems
  • Two separate fees: around $420 for BSHS and $270 on-time for the Academies, totalling around $690
  • Two separate exams: the HAST for BSHS and the Edutest-facilitated entrance test for the Academies
  • Two separate results arriving at different times
  • Two separate offers (if successful at both), requiring you to accept one

Many Queensland families apply to both as a strategy to maximise their child's options. The preparation workload is manageable because core reasoning skills transfer well between the two exams; the main additional effort is familiarising your child with each test's specific format and timing. Our BSHS practice resources cover the HAST side, while Queensland Academies practice resources cover the EduTest-style Academies side. Optional courses sit at /courses/bshs and /courses/queensland-academies.

Dual Application Checklist

  • Confirm your child's eligibility for Year 7 entry at both schools

  • Budget around $690 for combined application fees (~$420 BSHS plus $270 QA)

  • Track both application deadlines separately, because they differ

  • Build core reasoning skills that apply to both HAST and Edutest

  • Add HAST-specific practice: ACER-style passages, 30-minute handwritten writing

  • Add Edutest-specific practice: four 30-minute components back to back, then 15 minutes of writing

  • Locate your child's Year 5 NAPLAN report: BSHS requires it, and the Academies request it where available

  • Request strong school reports well in advance

  • Prepare your child emotionally for two separate test days

  • Have a plan for deciding between offers if both arrive

For families moving to the area and weighing every option at once, our Brisbane selective school options guide for parents maps the wider Brisbane selective pathways.


What are the pros and cons of each pathway?

Below is an honest assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each option, so you can weigh them against your child's needs rather than chasing a single "winner".

An honest look at the advantages and trade-offs of each pathway

Pros and Cons — BSHS vs Queensland Academies
FeatureOption 1Option 2Verdict
Subject FlexibilityWide range of ATAR subjects across all disciplinesIB requires six subjects across prescribed groupsBSHS offers more subject-choice freedom
Specialisation DepthNo formal specialisation trackDeep specialisation in STEM, Creative or HealthQA suits students with clear interests
University Recognition (Domestic)ATAR universally understood by all Australian unisIB accepted by all Australian unis (converted to ATAR)Both fully recognised, no disadvantage either way
University Recognition (International)ATAR less recognised outside AustraliaIB positions itself as recognised in 150-plus countriesThe IB has the stronger global footprint
Research and Independent LearningAvailable but not structurally embeddedExtended Essay and TOK are compulsoryQA builds research skills by design
Assessment WorkloadFocused external exams in Year 12Continuous internal plus external assessment across two yearsIB workload is sustained and demanding
Campus Size and CommunityLarge, diverse student body with strong traditionsSmaller, tight-knit campus communitiesDepends on your child's preference
Application Cost~$420 application fee$270 application feeQA is more affordable to apply
Year 7 AvailabilityYear 7 entry availableYear 7 only at QASMT (Toowong)BSHS is simpler for Year 7 entry
Geographic OptionsSingle campus (South Brisbane)Three campuses across SE QueenslandQA offers more location flexibility

Whichever way you lean, the BSHS selective exam preparation hub is where HAST-focused families should start, and you can rehearse exam-day logistics with our BSHS test day guide.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child apply to both Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies?

Yes. Brisbane State High School and the Queensland Academies run separate application systems, different entrance exams (HAST and Edutest) and different test dates, so there is no restriction on applying to both. The combined on-time application cost is around $690, roughly $420 for BSHS plus $270 for the Queensland Academies.

Which entrance exam is harder, the HAST or the Edutest?

Neither is objectively harder; they are different. For Year 5 HAST-P, Brisbane State High publishes Reading Comprehension 35 minutes, Mathematical Reasoning 35 minutes and Written Expression 30 minutes, which sum to 100 minutes of testing by our own arithmetic. The Queensland Academies list Verbal, Numerical, Reading and Mathematics at 30 minutes each plus Written Expression at 15 minutes, described as about three hours; confirm Year 6 HAST and Year 10 Edutest detail on the official pages.

What is the difference between ATAR at BSHS and the IB Diploma at the Queensland Academies?

Brisbane State High delivers the Australian Curriculum and the ATAR, the standard Queensland senior pathway scored from 0 to 99.95. The Queensland Academies deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma, scored out of 45, which QTAC maps through an IB Admissions Score to a Combined Rank on the same scale as the ATAR. Both are accepted by every Australian university.

Does my child need top-band NAPLAN results for both schools?

Neither school publishes a NAPLAN band threshold. Brisbane State High requires Year 7 applicants to submit their Year 5 NAPLAN report, and the Queensland Academies ask for NAPLAN results where available. Both name the entrance test as the primary selection input, and neither publishes how NAPLAN is weighted against reports or the test.

Is Year 7 entry available at all Queensland Academies campuses?

No. Year 7 entry to the Queensland Academies is offered at QASMT (Toowong) only, while QACI (Kelvin Grove) and QAHS (Gold Coast) admit students from Year 10. Brisbane State High offers Year 7 entry, including a Year 5 conditional pathway, plus limited places at Years 8 to 11.

My child is interested in science — should they choose BSHS or QASMT?

Both teach science well, but the experience differs. QASMT embeds science, mathematics and technology across the whole curriculum through the IB framework, while BSHS offers strong science inside the broader ATAR curriculum alongside every other discipline. Choose QASMT for immersion, BSHS for breadth.

Can students transfer between the ATAR and IB pathways after starting?

There is no simple transfer pathway between Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies. The curricula are fundamentally different, and moving schools requires applying through standard admissions for available year levels. The IB Diploma is also a continuous two-year programme, which makes mid-stream transfers particularly disruptive.

Are there fees or scholarships at BSHS and the Queensland Academies?

Both are Queensland government schools. BSHS has standard state-school costs; the Queensland Academies also charge IB Diploma and Middle Years Programme fees, which are Cabinet-approved and revised annually, so check the current year on the Academies payments page. The main upfront cost is the non-refundable application fee, $420 for BSHS and $270 on-time for the Academies, and both schools can be asked about equity bursaries or hardship assistance.

Prepare for BSHS or the Queensland Academies with Confidence

Braintree Coaching Australia's targeted courses build the reasoning, comprehension and writing skills your child needs for the HAST and Edutest, with exam-specific practice for each pathway.

Resources and Next Steps

Helpful Resources for Your Family

Guides, courses and tools to support your child's selective school preparation in Queensland

  • BSHS Selective Exam Preparation

    Comprehensive preparation for the Brisbane State High HAST exam, covering Reading, Maths and Writing with ACER-style practice materials.

  • BSHS Exam Format

    A component-by-component breakdown of the HAST so your child knows exactly what to expect on test day.

  • BSHS Practice Resources

    Practice papers, timing drills and worked examples for the HAST Reading, Maths and Writing components.

  • Queensland Academies practice resources

    Matched EduTest-style drills for QASMT, QACI and QAHS — keep HAST and Academies practice separate.

  • BSHS course

    Our complete HAST preparation course for families targeting Brisbane State High School Year 7 entry.

  • Queensland Academies course

    Structured EduTest-style preparation across Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading, Maths and Written Expression for QA entry.

  • Edutest Year 5 Sample Paper

    A free sample paper that shows the pacing and question style your child will face in the Queensland Academies Edutest.

  • Free Mock Tests

    Timed practice tests to help your child become familiar with selective exam formats and identify areas to improve.

  • BSHS FAQ

    Answers to common parent questions about Brisbane State High admissions, testing and the HAST.


Last updated: 9 September 2026

Keep the pathways split: HAST practice for BSHS, matched Queensland Academies practice for QASMT, QACI and QAHS. Start with the practice owner that matches the school you named.

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Questions parents ask about this article

Can my child apply to both Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies?
Yes. Brisbane State High School and the Queensland Academies run separate application systems, different entrance exams (HAST and Edutest) and different test dates, so there is no restriction on applying to both. The combined on-time application cost is around $690, roughly $420 for BSHS plus $270 for the Queensland Academies.
Which entrance exam is harder, the HAST or the Edutest?
Neither is objectively harder; they are different. For Year 5 HAST-P, Brisbane State High publishes Reading Comprehension 35 minutes, Mathematical Reasoning 35 minutes and Written Expression 30 minutes, which sum to 100 minutes of testing by our own arithmetic. The Queensland Academies list Verbal, Numerical, Reading and Mathematics at 30 minutes each plus Written Expression at 15 minutes, described as about three hours; confirm Year 6 HAST and Year 10 Edutest detail on the official pages.
What is the difference between ATAR at BSHS and the IB Diploma at the Queensland Academies?
Brisbane State High delivers the Australian Curriculum and the ATAR, the standard Queensland senior pathway scored from 0 to 99.95. The Queensland Academies deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma, scored out of 45, which QTAC maps through an IB Admissions Score to a Combined Rank on the same scale as the ATAR. Both are accepted by every Australian university.
Does my child need top-band NAPLAN results for both schools?
Neither school publishes a NAPLAN band threshold. Brisbane State High requires Year 7 applicants to submit their Year 5 NAPLAN report, and the Queensland Academies ask for NAPLAN results where available. Both name the entrance test as the primary selection input, and neither publishes how NAPLAN is weighted against reports or the test.
Is Year 7 entry available at all Queensland Academies campuses?
No. Year 7 entry to the Queensland Academies is offered at QASMT (Toowong) only, while QACI (Kelvin Grove) and QAHS (Gold Coast) admit students from Year 10. Brisbane State High offers Year 7 entry, including a Year 5 conditional pathway, plus limited places at Years 8 to 11.
My child is interested in science — should they choose BSHS or QASMT?
Both teach science well, but the experience differs. QASMT embeds science, mathematics and technology across the whole curriculum through the IB framework, while BSHS offers strong science inside the broader ATAR curriculum alongside every other discipline. Choose QASMT for immersion, BSHS for breadth.
Can students transfer between the ATAR and IB pathways after starting?
There is no simple transfer pathway between Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies. The curricula are fundamentally different, and moving schools requires applying through standard admissions for available year levels. The IB Diploma is also a continuous two-year programme, which makes mid-stream transfers particularly disruptive.
Are there fees or scholarships at BSHS and the Queensland Academies?
Both are Queensland government schools. BSHS has standard state-school costs; the Queensland Academies also charge IB Diploma and Middle Years Programme fees, which are Cabinet-approved and revised annually, so check the current year on the Academies payments page. The main upfront cost is the non-refundable application fee, $420 for BSHS and $270 on-time for Year 7 2028 Queensland Academies entry (confirm the Year 10 fee on the Year 10 enrolments page), and both schools can be asked about equity bursaries or hardship assistance.

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