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 paper-based HAST and the ATAR pathway across one South Brisbane campus. The Queensland Academies use the computer-based Edutest and the IB Diploma across three specialised campuses. Braintree Coaching Australia recommends applying to both where eligible — the exams and dates do not clash.
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: the entrance exam, the senior qualification, the application fee, the number of campuses, and the type of learner who thrives.
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, and the most common question we hear is not "which school is better" but "which is right for my child".
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.
We spent months going back and forth between Brisbane State High and QASMT. They're both genuinely strong schools, but they're different pathways. Once we understood the ATAR versus IB distinction and what each school actually looks for, the decision became much clearer.
What's Inside This Guide
Navigate to the section most relevant to your family's decision.
- The Two Schools at a Glance
- HAST vs Edutest: Entrance Exams Compared
- ATAR vs IB Diploma: Two Qualifications
- Year 7 Entry and Admissions
- Campus Culture: Broad vs Specialised
- Which Student Suits Each School?
- Can You Apply to Both?
- Pros and Cons of Each Pathway
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Resources and Next Steps
The Two Schools at a Glance
Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies differ across entrance exam, senior qualification, fees, campuses and academic focus. The side-by-side table below covers every major dimension Queensland families weigh when choosing between the two pathways.
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 reasoning components plus writing) | Different test providers with distinct formats |
| Application Fee | Approx. $420 (non-refundable) | Approx. $250 (non-refundable) | Queensland Academies fee is around $170 lower |
| Senior Qualification | ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) | IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate) | Fundamentally different assessment systems |
| Year 7 Entry | Yes — Year 5 conditional plus Year 6 applications | Yes — QASMT (Toowong) campus only | Both offer Year 7, but QA is limited to one campus |
| Other Entry Points | Years 8 to 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 plus IB Diploma Programme | Entirely different curriculum frameworks |
| NAPLAN Expectation | 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
- ~$420
- BSHS Application FeeNon-refundable HAST registration
- ~$250
- QA Application FeeNon-refundable Edutest registration
- 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
The HAST is a paper-based aptitude test designed to identify high-ability students by reasoning rather than memorised content. For Year 7 entry, the HAST typically includes three timed components:
- Reading Comprehension — around 35 minutes
- Mathematical Reasoning — around 35 minutes
- Writing — around 30 minutes
Total testing time is roughly 100 minutes. Questions become progressively harder, and ACER expects that most students will not finish every section; the test is built to find a ceiling. Because it is paper-based, your child writes by hand, so clear handwriting and the ability to organise ideas on paper matter for the writing task. The BSHS application fee is around $420 (non-refundable).
The Queensland Academies Edutest
The Queensland Academies use the Edutest 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 — around 15 minutes (Year 7 entry)
Total testing time is approximately 135 minutes across the four multiple-choice components plus writing. The Edutest is designed with a roughly 50% completion rate in mind, meaning it deliberately includes more questions than most students can finish. Speed and accuracy under pressure are both critical. The Queensland Academies application fee is around $250 (non-refundable).
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 |
| Reasoning Components | Reasoning embedded in Reading and Maths | Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning as separate sections | Edutest has two dedicated reasoning components |
| Writing | ~30 minutes (handwritten) | ~15 minutes (Year 7 entry) | HAST allows roughly 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 |
| Completion Expectation | Designed for most not to finish | Designed for ~50% completion rate | Both are deliberately time-pressured |
| Application Fee | ~$420 | ~$250 | Roughly $170 difference in favour of QA |
Key preparation differences
Both exams test reasoning and academic ability, but 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 the Queensland Academies: Focus on Edutest-style questions — fast pacing across four multiple-choice components at 30 questions in 30 minutes each, plus a concise 15-minute writing piece. 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 arguably the most consequential difference between the two schools. 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 are the Queensland state schools 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 around 4,000 words, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). It is widely regarded as one of the more rigorous pre-university programmes available.
Which qualification is better?
Neither is objectively better; 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. Understanding each application window is important, because 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, and BSHS also considers NAPLAN results (top bands expected) and school reports demonstrating strong achievement. 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. Students applying for Year 7 at QASMT sit the Edutest, and 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 with age-appropriate Edutest components.
Application Timeline — Side by Side
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.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.
3.Lodge Applications Within Deadlines
BSHS and QA use separate application systems with different closing dates. Track both deadlines carefully — missing one means waiting another full year.
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 the combined application fees of around $670.
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, and that difference matters because your child will spend years in the culture you choose. 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 — 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 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, the research opportunities and the culture of each campus. Students at QASMT engage with STEM enrichment and university-level research projects; students at QACI immerse themselves in creative practice alongside academic study. The IB framework differentiates the experience further: 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.
Which type of student suits each school?
The student profile is the question that matters most, and it is deeply personal to your child. Below are the profiles we see most often at Braintree Coaching Australia 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 access to university partnerships and research opportunities from Year 7 or Year 10
- Are comfortable with a smaller, specialised campus culture
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.
What dual applications look like in practice
- Two separate applications with different forms, deadlines and systems
- Two separate fees — around $420 for BSHS and $250 for QA, totalling roughly $670
- Two separate exams — the HAST 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. Our BSHS practice resources and the BSHS Ultimate Pack cover the HAST side, while the Queensland Academies Ultimate Pack covers the Edutest side.
Dual Application Checklist
Confirm your child's eligibility for Year 7 entry at both schools
Budget around $670 for combined application fees (~$420 BSHS plus ~$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
For families moving to the area and weighing every option at once, our Brisbane selective school options guide for parents maps out the wider landscape.
What are the pros and cons of each pathway?
Every selective pathway involves trade-offs. 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
| 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 suits 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-plus countries | QA's IB has stronger global recognition |
| Research and 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 plus external assessment across two years | IB workload is sustained and demanding |
| Campus Size and 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 |
Whichever way you lean, the BSHS selective exam preparation hub is the best starting point for HAST-focused families, 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 application cost is around $670 — roughly $420 for BSHS plus $250 for the Queensland Academies.
Which entrance exam is harder, the HAST or the Edutest?
Neither is objectively harder; they are different. The BSHS HAST is paper-based with three components (Reading, Maths, Writing) over about 100 minutes. The Queensland Academies Edutest is computer-based with five components over about 135 minutes and faster pacing at 30 questions in 30 minutes. Both are deliberately time-pressured so most students do not finish every section.
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 and converted to an equivalent ATAR for Australian university entry. Both are accepted by every Australian university.
Does my child need top-band NAPLAN results for both schools?
Yes. Both Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies expect strong academic evidence, and NAPLAN results in the top bands are a standard expectation alongside solid school reports. The entrance exam is the primary selection tool, but NAPLAN and reports form part of the holistic application at both schools.
Is Year 7 entry available at all Queensland Academies campuses?
No. Year 7 entry to the Queensland Academies is offered at QASMT (Toowong) only. 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 excellent science, but the experience differs. QASMT embeds STEM across the whole curriculum with University of Queensland research opportunities through the IB framework. BSHS offers strong science within 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 with no tuition fees, making them more affordable than private alternatives. The main upfront cost is the non-refundable application fee (around $420 for BSHS, $250 for the Queensland Academies). Contact each school directly about equity bursaries or fee assistance for families experiencing genuine hardship.
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.
A component-by-component breakdown of the HAST so your child knows exactly what to expect on test day.
Practice papers, timing drills and worked examples for the HAST Reading, Maths and Writing components.
Our complete HAST preparation course for families targeting Brisbane State High School Year 7 entry.
Queensland Academies Ultimate Pack
Structured Edutest preparation across Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading, Maths and Written Expression for QA entry.
A free sample paper that shows the pacing and question style your child will face in the Queensland Academies Edutest.
Timed practice tests to help your child become familiar with selective exam formats and identify areas to improve.
Answers to common parent questions about Brisbane State High admissions, testing and the HAST.
Related Guides
- BSHS selective exam preparation hub — the complete HAST coaching pathway for Brisbane State High families
- BSHS exam format guide — component-by-component HAST structure and timing
- BSHS preparation strategies — how to prepare for an aptitude test without over-coaching
- BSHS FAQ — the most common parent questions about BSHS admissions
- Brisbane State High Year 5 early-entry pathway — the conditional Year 5 application explained
- Moving to Brisbane: selective school options for parents — the wider South East Queensland landscape
- Free Edutest practice questions for the Queensland Academies (2026) — sample Edutest questions and pacing tips
- Free mock tests — timed practice for both the HAST and Edutest
Last updated: 6 February 2026
Braintree Coaching Australia helps South East Queensland families prepare for both the HAST and the Edutest. Start with a free mock test, or explore the BSHS preparation pathway to see what targeted coaching looks like.
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Questions parents ask about this article
Can my child apply to both Brisbane State High and the Queensland Academies?
Which entrance exam is harder, the HAST or the Edutest?
What is the difference between ATAR at BSHS and the IB Diploma at the Queensland Academies?
Does my child need top-band NAPLAN results for both schools?
Is Year 7 entry available at all Queensland Academies campuses?
My child is interested in science — should they choose BSHS or QASMT?
Can students transfer between the ATAR and IB pathways after starting?
Are there fees or scholarships at BSHS and the Queensland Academies?
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