Selecting the right education environment for your child can be an overwhelming process with many factors to consider. Having a deep understanding of what each school has to offer is crucial for making this significant decision. If you live in Brisbane and are on the hunt for the perfect primary school, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides an overview of the top primary schools in Brisbane, Our aim is to assist you in finding a school that brings out the best in your child, fostering their love for learning and promoting their overall development.
Our refined compilation outlines the top-performing five primary schools in Brisbane, as determined by their Year 5 NAPLAN results from 2022. Please note, updated data for 2023 will become accessible in February 2024.
For some of the parents who is new to Brisbane or Australia, NAPLAN, which stands for National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, is an assessment for Australian students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Introduced in 2008, it aims to assess the skills that are essential for every child to progress in school and life. These skills include reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy.
Run at a national level, this assessment provides parents, students, teachers, and the broader community a clear and easily understandable measure of students’ academic progress in relation to other students in the same year level. The NAPLAN tests provide a snapshot of how children are progressing and are one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process; they do not replace ongoing, formative assessment conducted by teachers.
NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type of test. Instead, it measures student performance in literacy and numeracy. This approach helps educators and parents in identifying the strengths and areas of improvements needed in a student’s understanding and skills. Schools and policy-makers can use NAPLAN results to inform their planning and educational decisions. Furthermore, the NAPLAN tests are designed to ensure that they do not advantage or disadvantage any particular group of students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Sunnybank Hills State School
Sunnybank Hills State School, located in Queensland, Australia, offers quality education for over 1900 students from Prep to Year 6. The school’s main objective is to provide a nurturing environment where learners can pursue academic, cultural, social and physical success. They emphasize high expectations for both students and staff, encouraging teamwork, communication and critical thinking. Moreover, the school’s vision focuses on fostering respect, inclusivity and quality instruction to ensure student-centered learning.
The school’s curriculum revolves around English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and Technology, including teaching arts and robotics. Besides, they cater to specialized programs and services for students with vision impairment, intellectual disabilities, and hearing impairment.
Sunnybank Hills prides itself in offering extra-curricular activities such as instrumental music, choirs, a variety of sports, including tennis, basketball, swimming and other creative initiatives. Their signature programs are the Science Talent Search, Robotics Automation and Music Development. These diverse activities provide a holistic approach to education, aiming to develop all facets of a child’s personality.
A unique feature of Sunnybank Hills is the One School Stop, which provides an online portal for students, parents, and community members for communicating and accessing essential resources and information. The school takes parental engagement seriously and encourages parents to sign up for various committees such as the P&C Association and the Multiple, Internet, Networking & Gaming Committee (MINGA). The P&C association supports the school in various capacities, including fundraising initiatives, school facility improvements, and running a tuckshop.
The school’s communication policy encourages open engagement with the community around it. Newsletters, phone apps, email alerts, websites and parent-teacher meetings are vital tools for communication. They believe in fostering strong partnerships with parents to enhance the students’ learning environment.
Sunnybank Hills prioritizes student welfare above everything. The school’s plan to promote well-being includes implementing a model for positive behavior, providing a comfortable school environment, implementing support services, such as a school chaplain, school-based police officer and a school nurse to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.
They also greatly value an individual’s contribution to the sustainable future of their community and the globe. Sunnybank Hills State School promotes sustainability across the curriculum and also runs a variety of green projects.
The school nurtures a multi-lingual environment, celebrating diversity on Harmony Day. At Sunnybank Hills, they promote a multicultural approach in their teachings celebrating various cultural events throughout the year. They have 52 different nationalities represented in their student community, promoting a rich cultural diversity within their school.
Sunnybank Hills ensures the best facilities for its students, with a school library providing various resources to support learning and three well-equipped computer labs. The school also offers specialty areas for arts, music, robotics, and a well-maintained sports hall. The school is continuously upgrading and enhancing its facilities to keep up with the changing educational landscape.
Address: 77 Symons Rd, Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109
Ormiston College
Ormiston College is a non-denominational co-educational independent school situated in Ormiston, Redland City, Queensland, Australia. Established in 1988, it renders its educational services from preparatory to Year 12 level. The college functions under a Board of Directors of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA).
Ormiston College is committed to creating a learning culture that aligns with the college’s vision of inspiring students to achieve personal excellence and it aims to shape future global citizens. The college’s vision is guided by its community values, which promote respect, individual growth, care for others and the environment, and an openness to innovation and creativity.
The college has gained recognition for its use of technology in its educational practices. It has a commitment to digital learning by integrating advanced technology applications into teaching and learning practice. Furthermore, the college enhances student learning through the help of facilitators and eLearning mentors.
In terms of student well-being, Ormiston College provides quality pastoral care through a dedicated Well-being team. The team ensures a safe and supportive environment for students, which is complemented by structured programs focusing on the promotion of leadership, personal development, and social responsibility.
The education curriculum at the college ensures every student experiences a balanced program of both academic and co-curricular activities. It is designed to cater to each student’s abilities and interests. This is fulfilled by the offering of a comprehensive range of subjects across the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) syllabuses, Australian Curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB).
Additionally, they offer a variety of extracurricular activities including sports programs, music, performing and visual arts, clubs, and competitions to explore students’ interests beyond the academic sphere. The college encourages students to participate as it helps them develop socially, emotionally, and physically.
Over the years, the learning environment at Ormiston College has significantly evolved. The college’s learning spaces feature designs inspired by contemporary educational theory, including its cutting-edge first-12 Junior School Precinct building, equipped with advanced technology. The college is also planning the construction of a Science and Engineering Building for the future.
Ormiston College constantly strives to improve their sustainability initiatives and promotes conservation of the environment. It has a 100kW solar panel system, a community garden and recycling programs to help reduce its carbon footprint.
In sum, Ormiston College offers a unique mix of innovative technology, pastoral care, a broad curriculum and a commitment to sustainability. It aims to provide a nurturing environment that motivates students to attain their full potential.
Address: 97 Dundas St W, Ormiston QLD 4160
Citipointe Christian College
Citipointe Christian College is a private school in Queensland, Australia that strives to foster a broad and balanced education in its students. Their mission is centred around the distinct fusion of faith, character and intelligence, incorporating a robust curriculum and numerous extracurricular activities to stimulate comprehensive growth.
Citipointe’s approach to education is grounded on providing a Bible-based, Christ-centred learning environment. Their focus on character education encompasses putting high regard for respect, truth, love, integrity and excellence. The institution seeks to mould students into being responsible global citizens with a servant’s heart, ready to make a positive difference in their society.
Maintaining quality academic performance is also one of the primary aims of Citipointe College. They adopt a rigorous and innovative learning approach that encourages discerning, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum is broad, stimulating and challenging, aiming to cater for a diverse range of talents, interests and abilities.
Numerous extra-curricular activities are available to support students physically, socially, and culturally. These encompass sports, music and arts programs that complement the academic curriculum. The sports offered involve individual and team pursuits fostering fitness, fair play, teamwork and sportsmanship. The music program incorporates choirs, orchestras, and bands contributing to individual skills, confidence, ensemble awareness and performances. The arts program, on the other hand, promotes creativity, resourcefulness and relevant vocational skills.
Citipointe Christian College’s ethos also extends to their focus on global awareness. The school acknowledges we’re part of a global community and encourages their students to be international in their outlook, developing their knowledge and understanding of the world and its cultures. The college has established international links with schools in the Asia-Pacific region fostering a deep culture of understanding and respect for other cultures.
The school’s pastoral care program reinforces their commitment to support students’ wellbeing and growth. It is designed to affirm and build on the strengths of each student, providing help in areas where they need improvement. The mix of staff, senior students, chaplaincy and counselling professionals ensures a comprehensive pastoral care net.
Citipointe Christian College aims to inspire students to derive a meaningful life-perspective, explore their potential and make a significant contribution to their world. This shows their determination to provide more than just standard educational services; instead, they provide a holistic, Christ-centred learning environment. The school’s principals and educators nurture students into becoming ethically aware, responsible and productive individuals instilled with values of fairness, respect and integrity.
Address: 322 Wecker Rd, Carindale QLD 4152
Somerville House
Somerville House is an independent, day and boarding school for girls located in South Brisbane, Australia. It was established in 1899 as the Brisbane High School for Girls. The school is owned by the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) and provides world-class teaching facilities for Pre-Prep to Year 12 students, offering both the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
The school is built on the values of courage, integrity, respect and wisdom. It equips girls with comprehensive personal development and pastoral care processes. Personal mentoring and individual learning programs are available for students. In accord with their Christian background, the school enhances service-oriented sectors and awareness of the larger global community and facilitates regular worship.
Academically, the school offers a diverse curriculum that includes Sciences, Mathematics, Literature, Arts and various Modern Languages. It has a robust co-curricular program with activities such as sports fixtures, music ensembles, drama productions, art exhibitions, debating and public speaking.
Design Learning is a unique feature of Somerville House and aims at nurturing creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. Its makerspace, The Centre for Design and Innovation, provides resources for robotics, drone technology, 3D printing and digital illustration.
The campus offers facilities like a modern library, multi-purpose gymnasium, a swimming pool, science and technology labs, a performing arts centre, an art and design technology centre, and a health and physical education centre.
Their Boarding School, a home away from home, provides a supportive and caring environment for students. There are generous recreation spaces, private rooms with en-suite facilities, and a dedicated team of staff who provide pastoral care and academic support. The boarding school also organizes weekend activities and educational trips for its students.
Somerville House also provides various support services including a health and wellness program, a school psychologist, career and tertiary study advice, university pathway support, and a learning enhancement center to cater to the individual needs of students.
The school’s Community Engagement program includes charity initiatives, environmental projects, volunteering, and community service for underprivileged students. Their Alumni, the Old Girls’ Association, is active in supporting the school, providing scholarships, and fostering a supportive community.
In its leadership, the Headmaster Mr. Wade Haynes leads a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to the delivery of an excellent education. The school is overseen by the PMSA Board and Somerville House School Council, who work in tandem to provide strategic guidance and governance.
Address: 17 Graham St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School is a private school from Pre-Prep to Year 12 situated in Brisbane, Australia. As part of the Anglican Church, the school is dedicated to providing holistic education by balancing academic, cultural, sporting, and character-building activities.
St Aidan’s was established in 1929 by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent. Over the years, the school has broadened its academic, cultural and sporting programs, with a particular emphasis on empowering young women to take on significant roles within society.
The school’s principal, Ms Loren Bridge, recognises that St Aidan’s offers excellent teaching and learning in a supportive and nurturing environment for girls to grow and develop confidence. Also, they encourage parents to participate actively in all aspects of school life to build stronger partnerships. As a result, the school community exudes a sense of belonging, optimism, respect, excellence, a spirit of adventure and a love of learning.
The school’s subject offerings include STEM learning programs and aim to develop oral and written communication skills and build resilience to prepare the students for the global community’s emerging challenges. A range of co-curricular activities is also provided, such as Debating, Robotics Club, and Chess Club, encouraging student participation, teamwork, problem-solving and competitive spirit.
St Aidan’s Foundation was formed in 1986 with a vision to secure the school’s ongoing financial strength. Through events and fundraising activities, the Foundation aims to support the School Board through the provision of capital funds and scholarships.
The P&F Association of the school works to enable closer cooperation between parents and the school. Through various social and fundraising activities, the P&F Association supports enhancing the school’s educational facilities by providing funds. The school community is offered a variety of opportunities to get involved in their daughter’s education and contribute to the school through volunteering for various P&F events.
St Aidan’s has an active Alumni Association, known as Alumni Friends of St Aidan’s, aimed at maintaining connections amongst past students. They offer events which encourage networking, professional development and reconnections.
Overall, St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School promotes a balance of intellectual, physical, social, moral and spiritual growth, underpinned by the values of the Anglican faith. It provides an all-round educational experience focused on leadership, self-confidence, empowerment, creativity, and responsibility whilst maintaining strong connections between teachers, parents, students, the school and its wider community.
Address: 11 Ruthven St, Corinda QLD 4075