"We spent months going back and forth between Brisbane State High and QASMT. They're both incredible schools, but they're genuinely different pathways. Once we understood the ATAR versus IB distinction and what each school actually looks for, the decision became much clearer."
Parent, Brisbane
📋 Data Sources for This Guide
All exam details, fees and entry requirements in this guide are sourced from the official Brisbane State High School and Queensland Academies admissions documentation. HAST details reflect the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) published specifications; Edutest details reflect the current Edutest assessment framework. Always confirm dates, fees and processes directly with the relevant school before lodging applications.
Brisbane State High vs Queensland Academies: Choosing the Right Selective Pathway
For families in South East Queensland, two selective school pathways dominate the conversation: Brisbane State High School (BSHS) and the Queensland Academies. Both are elite academic institutions. Both are fiercely competitive. And both offer your child an exceptional education — but the schools differ in almost every other respect.
BSHS delivers broad academic excellence through the Australian Curriculum and the ATAR pathway. The Queensland Academies offer specialised education across three campuses via the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The entrance exams are different, the application fees are different, the curricula are different, and the type of student who thrives at each school is often different too.
This guide puts both pathways side by side so you can make an informed decision — or decide to apply to both.
🎯 In this guide, you'll discover:
- The key differences between BSHS and Queensland Academies at a glance
- HAST vs Edutest — how the two entrance exams compare in format, timing and cost
- ATAR vs IB Diploma — what each qualification means for your child's future
- Year 7 entry at both schools and how the application timelines differ
- Campus culture — broad excellence versus specialised focus
- Which type of student suits each school best
- Whether you can apply to both — and how to manage dual preparation
- Pros and cons of each pathway to help your family decide
Navigate to the section most relevant to your family's decision.
Click any section above to jump directly to that content
The Two Schools at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison covering every major dimension of these two selective pathways.
BSHS vs Queensland Academies — Full Comparison
Every key difference at a glance for Queensland families weighing both options
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance Exam | HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) by ACER | Edutest (four components + writing) | Different test providers with distinct formats |
| Application Fee | $420 (non-refundable) | $250 (non-refundable) | QLD Academies is $170 cheaper |
| Senior Qualification | ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) | IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate) | Fundamentally different assessment systems |
| Year 7 Entry | Yes — Year 5 conditional + Year 6 applications | Yes — QASMT Toowong campus only | Both offer Year 7, but QA is limited to one campus |
| Other Entry Points | Years 8–11 (limited places) | Year 10 entry (all three campuses) | Both have secondary entry points |
| Location | South Brisbane (single campus) | Toowong, Kelvin Grove, Gold Coast (three campuses) | QA offers more geographic choice |
| Academic Focus | Broad academic excellence across all disciplines | Specialised: STEM, Creative Industries, or Health Sciences | BSHS is generalist; QA is specialist |
| Number of Campuses | 1 | 3 (QASMT, QACI, QAHS) | QA gives families three distinct school options |
| University Partners | No formal university partnership | UQ (QASMT), QUT (QACI), Griffith (QAHS) | QA campuses have embedded university partnerships |
| Curriculum | Australian Curriculum (ACARA) | IB Middle Years Programme + IB Diploma Programme | Entirely different curriculum frameworks |
| NAPLAN Requirement | Top bands expected | Top bands expected | Both highly competitive on NAPLAN |
| School Reports | Strong academic reports required | Strong academic reports required | Both consider holistic application data |
Key Numbers at a Glance
Quick reference figures for both pathways
BSHS Application Fee
Non-refundable HAST registration
QA Application Fee
Non-refundable Edutest registration
BSHS Campus
South Brisbane — broad academic excellence
QA Campuses
QASMT (Toowong), QACI (Kelvin Grove), QAHS (Gold Coast)
HAST vs Edutest: The Entrance Exams Compared
The entrance exams are one of the most significant practical differences between these two pathways. BSHS uses the HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) developed by ACER, while Queensland Academies use the Edutest assessment. Understanding each test's format is essential for targeted preparation.
The BSHS HAST-P Exam
The HAST-P (Primary) is a paper-based aptitude test designed to identify high-ability students. At BSHS, the Year 7 entry HAST-P includes three timed components:
- Reading Comprehension — 35 minutes
- Mathematical Reasoning — 35 minutes
- Writing — 30 minutes
The total testing time is approximately 100 minutes. The HAST is designed to assess innate aptitude and reasoning ability rather than curriculum knowledge. Questions become progressively more difficult, and ACER expects that most students will not finish every section — the test is designed to find a ceiling.
The HAST is paper-based, which means your child writes by hand. For the Writing component, clear handwriting and the ability to organise ideas on paper are essential. The application fee for BSHS is $420 (non-refundable).
💡 HAST-P Is Aptitude-Based
The HAST doesn't test what your child has memorised. It evaluates how well they reason, interpret unfamiliar texts and solve problems they haven't seen before. A student with strong natural reasoning ability can perform well even without intensive content coaching — but familiarity with the question format still matters enormously.
The Queensland Academies Edutest
Queensland Academies use the Edutest assessment for all entry points. For Year 7 entry (QASMT only), the Edutest includes five components:
- Verbal Reasoning — 30 questions, 30 minutes
- Numerical Reasoning — 30 questions, 30 minutes
- Reading Comprehension — 30 questions, 30 minutes
- Mathematics — 30 questions, 30 minutes
- Written Expression — 15 minutes (Year 7 entry only)
The total testing time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes across the four multiple-choice components plus writing. The Edutest is designed with a 50% completion rate in mind — meaning the test deliberately includes more questions than most students can finish. Speed and accuracy under pressure are both critical.
The application fee for Queensland Academies is $250 (non-refundable).
HAST-P vs Edutest — Exam Format Comparison
How the two entrance exams differ in structure, timing and components
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Provider | ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) | Edutest | Different providers, different question styles |
| Reading Component | Reading Comprehension — 35 minutes | Reading Comprehension — 30 questions, 30 minutes | Similar focus, different pacing |
| Maths Component | Mathematical Reasoning — 35 minutes | Mathematics — 30 questions, 30 minutes | Both test reasoning, not rote computation |
| Verbal/Abstract Reasoning | Not included in HAST-P at BSHS | Verbal Reasoning — 30 questions, 30 minutes; Numerical Reasoning — 30 questions, 30 minutes | Edutest has two additional reasoning components |
| Writing | 30 minutes (handwritten) | 15 minutes (Year 7 entry) | HAST gives twice the writing time |
| Total Test Time | ~100 minutes (3 components) | ~135 minutes (5 components) | Edutest is longer with more components |
| Test Medium | Paper-based | Computer-based | Different medium requires different practice approach |
| Completion Expectation | Designed for most not to finish | Designed for ~50% completion rate | Both are deliberately time-pressured |
| Application Fee | $420 | $250 | $170 difference in favour of QA |
Key Preparation Differences
While both exams test reasoning and academic ability, the preparation approach diverges in important ways:
- For BSHS: Focus on ACER-style questions — longer passages, inference-heavy reading, and extended handwritten writing. Practise under paper-based conditions.
- For QA: Focus on Edutest-style questions — faster pacing across four multiple-choice components with 30 questions in 30 minutes each. Practise speed and accuracy under strict time limits, plus a concise 15-minute writing piece.
- For both: Build strong core reasoning skills in reading comprehension, mathematical problem-solving, and logical thinking. These foundational abilities transfer across both exam formats.
ATAR vs IB Diploma: Two Different Qualifications
This is arguably the most consequential difference between these two schools. The qualification 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 School follows the Australian Curriculum and delivers the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) pathway. Students study Queensland senior subjects, sit external assessments, and receive an ATAR ranking from 0 to 99.95.
The ATAR system is familiar to most Australian parents. It is the standard pathway used by the vast majority of 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)
Queensland Academies are the only state schools in Queensland that deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme exclusively. Students do not sit Queensland external assessments and do not receive a direct ATAR. Instead, they earn an IB Diploma score out of 45, which is then converted to an equivalent ATAR for Australian university entry.
The IB Diploma requires students to study six subjects across prescribed groups (including their specialisation area), plus three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay of 4,000 words, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). It is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous pre-university programmes in the world.
⚠️ IB to ATAR Conversion
IB scores convert to equivalent ATARs through a table published by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). For example, an IB score of 45 (maximum) converts to an ATAR of 99.95. An IB score of 38 typically converts to an ATAR above 97. Australian universities accept IB results for all domestic admissions — but it's worth checking specific course prerequisites, as some require particular IB subjects at Higher Level.
Which Qualification Is Better?
Neither is objectively better — they suit different types of learners:
- ATAR offers subject flexibility, is universally understood by Australian universities, and allows students to 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 multiple disciplines, enjoy extended projects, and want an internationally recognised credential often excel.
Year 7 Entry: How Each School Handles Admissions
Both BSHS and Queensland Academies offer Year 7 entry, but the processes and timelines differ.
BSHS Year 7 Entry
Brisbane State High accepts applications for Year 7 entry 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-P as part of their application. BSHS also considers NAPLAN results (top bands expected) and school reports demonstrating strong academic achievement. Entry is available for Years 8 through 11 as well, though places at these levels are limited and depend on vacancies.
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 only.
Students applying for Year 7 at QASMT sit the Edutest across two testing days. The application considers Edutest results, NAPLAN performance (top bands expected), school reports and, in some cases, an interview.
For Year 10 entry, all three campuses are available, and the application process follows a similar structure with age-appropriate Edutest components.
Application Timeline — Side by Side
Research Both Schools (12–18 Months Before Entry)
Attend open days, review prospectuses and understand the ATAR vs IB distinction. Decide whether your child's learning style suits broad academic excellence (BSHS) or specialised IB education (QA).
Check Eligibility and Fees
Confirm your child meets the year-level requirements. Budget for the $420 BSHS fee and/or the $250 QA fee if applying to both. Note that QA Year 7 is QASMT only.
Lodge Applications Within Deadlines
BSHS and QA have separate application systems with different closing dates. Track both deadlines carefully — missing one means waiting another full year.
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 unique format. Budget for the combined $670 in application fees.
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 — plan for a period of waiting and have a contingency if one offer arrives before the other.
Campus Culture: Broad Excellence vs Specialisation
The day-to-day experience at BSHS and Queensland Academies feels genuinely different. Understanding this distinction is important — your child will spend years at this school, and the culture needs to fit.
BSHS: Broad Academic Excellence
Brisbane State High is a large, established school in South Brisbane with a proud tradition of academic achievement across every discipline. The school does not channel students into a single specialisation. Instead, it offers breadth — 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 has a strong co-curricular programme, including music, debating, sport and various clubs. The school culture values well-roundedness, resilience and academic ambition across the board. For students who haven't yet narrowed their interests — or who have wide-ranging passions — BSHS provides the space to explore.
Queensland Academies: Specialised Focus
Each Queensland Academy campus has a distinct specialisation and a formal partnership with a nearby university:
- QASMT (Toowong) — Science, Mathematics and Technology, partnered with the University of Queensland
- QACI (Kelvin Grove) — Creative Industries, partnered with Queensland University of Technology
- QAHS (Gold Coast) — Health Sciences, partnered with Griffith University
This specialisation shapes the curriculum, the electives available, the research opportunities, and the culture of each campus. Students at QASMT, for example, engage with STEM-focused enrichment and university-level research projects. Students at QACI immerse themselves in creative practice alongside academic study.
The IB framework further differentiates the experience. The Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS requirements mean QA students engage in independent research, philosophical inquiry and community service as compulsory parts of their education — not optional extras.
"BSHS gave our son room to figure out what he loved. He started thinking he'd be a scientist and ended up discovering a passion for economics and debating. That breadth wouldn't have been possible in a specialised programme."
Parent, South Brisbane
Which Type of Student Suits Each School?
This is the question that matters most — and it's deeply personal to your child. Here are the profiles we see most often:
Your Child May Suit BSHS If They:
- Are a strong all-rounder who performs well across multiple subjects
- Haven't 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 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 access to university partnerships and research opportunities from Year 7 or 10
- Are comfortable with a smaller, specialised campus culture
🎯 No Wrong Choice
Both BSHS and Queensland Academies are outstanding schools. The question isn't which is better — it's which is better for your child. A student who would flourish in the IB's independent, research-driven framework might feel constrained in a traditional ATAR structure, and vice versa. Honest self-assessment of your child's learning style, interests and temperament is the most valuable exercise you can do.
Can You Apply to Both?
Yes — you can absolutely apply to both BSHS and Queensland Academies. 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.
What Dual Applications Look Like in Practice
- Two separate applications with different forms, deadlines and systems
- Two separate fees — $420 for BSHS and $250 for QA, totalling $670
- Two separate exams — the HAST-P for BSHS and the Edutest for QA
- 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.
Dual Application Checklist
- ✓Confirm your child's eligibility for Year 7 entry at both schools
- ✓Budget $670 for combined application fees ($420 BSHS + $250 QA)
- ✓Track both application deadlines separately — 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: 30Q/30min pacing across four components, 15-minute writing
- ✓Ensure NAPLAN results are in top bands — both schools expect this
- ✓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
Pros and Cons of Each Pathway
Every selective school pathway involves trade-offs. Here is an honest assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Pros and Cons — BSHS vs Queensland Academies
An honest look at the advantages and trade-offs of each pathway
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject Flexibility | ✅ Wide range of ATAR subjects across all disciplines | ⚠️ IB requires six subjects across prescribed groups | BSHS offers more subject choice freedom |
| Specialisation Depth | ⚠️ No formal specialisation track | ✅ Deep specialisation in STEM, Creative or Health | QA wins for students with clear interests |
| University Recognition (Domestic) | ✅ ATAR universally understood by all Australian unis | ✅ IB accepted by all Australian unis (converted to ATAR) | Both fully recognised — no disadvantage either way |
| University Recognition (International) | ⚠️ ATAR less recognised outside Australia | ✅ IB recognised by universities in 150+ countries | QA's IB has stronger global recognition |
| Research & Independent Learning | ⚠️ Available but not structurally embedded | ✅ Extended Essay and TOK are compulsory | QA builds research skills by design |
| Assessment Workload | ✅ Focused external exams in Year 12 | ⚠️ Continuous internal + external assessment across two years | IB workload is sustained and demanding |
| Campus Size & Community | ✅ Large, diverse student body with strong traditions | ✅ Smaller, tight-knit campus communities | Depends on your child's preference |
| Application Cost | ⚠️ $420 application fee | ✅ $250 application fee | QA is more affordable to apply |
| Year 7 Availability | ✅ Year 7 entry available | ⚠️ Year 7 only at QASMT (Toowong) | BSHS is simpler for Year 7 entry |
| Geographic Options | ⚠️ Single campus (South Brisbane) | ✅ Three campuses across SE Queensland | QA offers more location flexibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child apply to both BSHS and Queensland Academies in the same year?
Yes. BSHS and the Queensland Academies have completely separate application systems, different entrance exams (HAST and Edutest respectively) and different test dates. There is no restriction on applying to both. The combined application cost is $670 ($420 for BSHS plus $250 for QA).
Which entrance exam is harder — the HAST or the Edutest?
They are different rather than harder or easier. The HAST-P at BSHS has three components (Reading, Maths, Writing) over approximately 100 minutes and is paper-based. The Edutest for QA has five components (Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading, Maths and Writing) over approximately 135 minutes. The Edutest demands faster pacing at 30 questions per 30 minutes, while the HAST gives more time per question. Both are designed so that most students cannot finish every section.
Does my child need top-band NAPLAN results for both schools?
Yes. Both BSHS and Queensland Academies expect applicants to demonstrate academic excellence, and NAPLAN results in the top bands are a standard expectation. Strong school reports are equally important at both schools.
My child is interested in science — should they go to BSHS or QASMT?
Both offer excellent science education, but the experience is different. QASMT embeds STEM specialisation into the entire curriculum, offers university-level research opportunities through its UQ partnership, and delivers science through the IB framework. BSHS offers strong science subjects within the broader ATAR curriculum alongside every other discipline. If your child's passion is clearly STEM-focused and they want immersion, QASMT may be the better fit. If they enjoy science but also want flexibility to explore humanities, languages or other interests, BSHS provides that breadth.
What if my child doesn't get into either school?
Both schools are highly competitive, and many excellent students miss out. If your child is unsuccessful at both BSHS and the Queensland Academies, there are other high-performing state schools in South East Queensland, as well as the option to reapply at later entry points. Queensland Academies accept students at Year 10 across all three campuses, and BSHS accepts applications for Years 8–11 where places are available.
Is the IB Diploma harder than the ATAR?
The IB Diploma is widely considered to be a demanding programme — students must study six subjects across prescribed groups plus complete the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS requirements. However, "harder" is subjective. Some students thrive with the IB's structured breadth and independent research focus. Others find the ATAR pathway easier to navigate because they can concentrate on their strongest subjects. The key is matching the qualification to your child's learning style.
Can my child transfer between BSHS and a Queensland Academy later?
There is no formal transfer pathway between the two schools. A student at BSHS cannot simply move to a Queensland Academy (or vice versa) without applying through the standard admissions process for available year levels. Additionally, transferring between the ATAR and IB systems mid-stream can be disruptive, as the curricula are fundamentally different.
What are the Year 10 entry options at Queensland Academies?
All three Queensland Academy campuses accept Year 10 entry applications: QASMT (Toowong) for STEM, QACI (Kelvin Grove) for Creative Industries, and QAHS (Gold Coast) for Health Sciences. This is the primary entry point for QACI and QAHS, as these campuses do not offer Year 7 entry. Students sit the Edutest and the application considers academic records, NAPLAN and potentially an interview.
How do I decide between the three Queensland Academy campuses?
Each campus has a distinct specialisation and university partner. Choose based on your child's interests: QASMT for science, maths and technology enthusiasts (partnered with UQ); QACI for students passionate about creative arts, media and design (partnered with QUT); QAHS for those drawn to health sciences, biomedical studies and allied health (partnered with Griffith). Our Queensland Academies Campus Selection Guide breaks down each campus in detail.
Is BSHS preparation different from Queensland Academies preparation?
Yes, because the exams are different. BSHS requires preparation for the HAST-P — ACER-style aptitude questions with a focus on reasoning and a 30-minute handwritten essay. Queensland Academies require preparation for the Edutest — faster-paced multiple-choice across four components plus a shorter 15-minute writing task. Core reasoning skills overlap significantly, but targeted, format-specific practice for each exam is essential.
Which school has better university outcomes — BSHS or Queensland Academies?
Both schools produce excellent university outcomes. BSHS students achieve strong ATARs and gain admission to top Queensland and Australian universities including UQ, QUT, and Griffith. Queensland Academies students earn IB Diplomas that convert to competitive ATAR equivalents, with the added advantage of international recognition — the IB is accepted by universities in over 150 countries. Each QA campus also has a formal university partnership (UQ for QASMT, QUT for QACI, Griffith for QAHS), providing research opportunities and early exposure to tertiary environments.
Can my child change from ATAR to IB (or vice versa) after starting?
Transferring between BSHS (ATAR) and Queensland Academies (IB) mid-stream is not a simple process. The curricula are fundamentally different, and changing pathways would require applying through the standard admissions process for the new school. Additionally, the IB Diploma is a two-year programme (Years 11–12) with continuous internal assessment, making mid-stream transfers particularly disruptive. Families should choose their pathway carefully before Year 7 or Year 10 entry.
What if my child is unsure about their career direction — which school is better?
If your child has no clear specialisation interest, BSHS may be the safer choice. Its broad academic curriculum allows students to explore multiple disciplines and defer specialisation decisions until later. The ATAR pathway also offers maximum subject flexibility. However, students who are intellectually curious across disciplines and enjoy research-based learning may still thrive at Queensland Academies — the IB requires breadth (six subjects across different groups) rather than narrow specialisation.
How competitive is Year 10 entry to Queensland Academies compared to Year 7?
Year 10 entry to Queensland Academies is available at all three campuses (QASMT, QACI, QAHS), unlike Year 7 which is QASMT-only. Competition levels vary by campus and year, but all three academies are highly selective. Year 10 entry may suit students who discover a strong STEM, creative, or health sciences interest during early secondary school, or those who were unsuccessful at Year 7 entry and have since developed a stronger academic profile.
Are there any scholarships available for BSHS or Queensland Academies?
Both BSHS and Queensland Academies are government schools with no tuition fees, making them significantly more affordable than private alternatives. BSHS offers Equity Bursaries for families experiencing genuine financial hardship to cover the $420 application fee. Queensland Academies may have similar provisions — contact each campus directly to enquire about fee assistance options for the $250 application fee.
BrainTree'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.
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- ✓Enhances comprehension and precise word use
- ✓Improves persuasive and creative writing expression
- ✓90 days of unlimited access to all resources
- ✓200+ Vocabulary Words
- ✓Sentence Usage & Quizzes
- ✓Self-paced Learning
- ✓Lifetime Access
- ✓Email Support
- ✓3 Reading Comprehension tests
- ✓3 Mathematical Reasoning tests
- ✓3 Numerical Reasoning tests
- ✓3 Verbal Reasoning tests
- ✓Detailed explanations for every question
- ✓Performance analytics and progress tracking
- ✓90 days unlimited access
- ✓Email support
- ✓60+ Verbal Reasoning lessons
- ✓Pattern, analogy, and logic mastery
- ✓Timed practice sets
- ✓Detailed explanations
- ✓Self-paced
- ✓Email support
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-P exam, covering Reading, Maths and Writing components with ACER-style practice materials.
Access ResourceQueensland Academies Preparation
Structured Edutest preparation for QA entry — Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading, Maths and Written Expression across all components.
Access ResourceHAST Exam Preparation
Dedicated HAST preparation resources including practice papers, timing strategies and essay writing guides for ACER aptitude tests.
Access ResourceQA Campus Selection Guide
Detailed breakdown of each Queensland Academy campus — QASMT, QACI and QAHS — to help your family choose the right specialisation.
Access ResourceFree Mock Tests
Try free practice tests to help your child become familiar with selective school exam formats and identify areas for improvement.
Access ResourceBSHS FAQ
Answers to the most common parent questions about Brisbane State High School admissions, testing and the HAST.
Access ResourceQueensland Academies FAQ
Comprehensive FAQ covering QA applications, Edutest format, IB Diploma questions and campus-specific queries.
Access ResourceRelated Guides
Last updated: 4 February 2026