As Brisbane’s first secondary school for boys, Brisbane Grammar School has been a leader in education in Queensland since its foundation in 1868. An independent, non-denominational school, BGS is located on the edge of the Brisbane CBD in Spring Hill.
You can find the Brisbane Grammar School map location here. Brisbane Grammar School accommodates boarding and day students. This parent fact sheet details important need-to-know items for parents looking to enrol their child in the school.
Conveniently located across from Roma Street Parklands, the campus has two precincts: a Middle School for Years 5 to 8 and a Senior School from Years 9 to 12. This allows for tailored educational environments for boys of different ages and a seamless transition to high school.
BGS provides a broad liberal education to develop multi-literate students who are critical, reflective and creative thinkers. The School has responded to Queensland’s new ATAR assessment system with a specially developed teaching framework, known as Effective Thinking Cultures, to give boys the skills to tackle the demands of the new assessment environment.
Why choose Brisbane Grammar School?
Brisbane Grammar School Open Day – click here
Student wellbeing is also a central part of the school’s mission. The school supports boys to be happy, confident and resilient, both at school and as lifelong learners. A dedicated Student Wellbeing Team implements the school’s formalised wellbeing program, which aims to monitor every aspect of an individual’s progress. Additional case management is available for boys with particular needs.
The school aims to develop thoughtful, confident men of character who contribute to their communities. Students are encouraged to participate in public purpose programs specific to each year level, to foster a sense of service and connection to the wider community.
As part of its unique educational experience for boys, Brisbane Grammar School also provides students with adventure based programs at the school’s Outdoor Education Centre at Moogerah, west of Brisbane.
Extra-curricular opportunities at BGS
The rich extracurricular life at BGS embraces sport, the visual and performing arts, chess, debating and special interest clubs and activities. Extracurricular involvement strengthens a boy’s involvement in the BGS community, promoting connectedness, teamwork skills and, potentially, leadership.
In music, boys can take part in private tuition as well as band, strings and choral programs. There are plenty of opportunities for boys to perform and compete, including festivals and domestic and international concert tours. In the visual arts, BGS offers extension art activities including photography, tonal drawing, digital media and sculpting. Both classroom drama lessons and extracurricular activities are offered, and students may take part in one of three of the school’s annual theatre productions.
The School also offers a range of cultural activities and clubs including: astronomy, Athene club (philosophy club), book clubs, chess, coding, computers, cooking, digital media, Doctor Who society, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, enterprise, engineering, International Physics Olympiad, lapidary, public speaking, robotics, strategic games, student representative body, TEDx, The Shed, and titration.
Brisbane Grammar School sports
As a member of the Great Public Schools Association of Queensland (GPS), the school takes part in a variety of competitive sports and activities including basketball, cricket, cross country, football, gymnastics, rugby union, sailing, swimming, tennis, volleyball and rowing. BGS also has a fencing program and offers a martial arts club.
The BGS Indoor Sports Centre is a world-class facility, with a swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, indoor cricket nets, gymnastics club and weights training gymnasium. The Brisbane Grammar School playing fields are in Northgate, with six ovals, a grandstand, cricket nets, a canteen and facilities.
The Brisbane Grammar School tennis courts are in Kelvin Grove, adjacent to the Spring Hill campus, and the school keeps a rowing shed on the Brisbane River.
Enrolling at Brisbane Grammar School
Completion of online enrolment applications requires payment of a non-refundable application fee. It’s a good idea to start the process early to secure a place for your son. Find out more about enrolling at BGS here.
Brisbane Grammar School fees
School fees include an annual fee for years 5-12 and an additional technology package fee for years 7-12. There are application fees and confirmation fees. Boarding attracts additional fees. You can see the full fee scheduled here.
Public transport options to BGS
Brisbane Grammar School is easily accessed by public transport. Roma Street Train Station is a five-minute walk through the Roma Street Parklands, and the Normanby Bus Station is located beneath the School’s Indoor Sports Centre.
Boarding at Brisbane Grammar School
Boarders have been a part of the school community since the first student intake in 1869, and about 80 boys currently make up the Harlin House family. Harlin House aims to offer boys the best possible boarding experience in a nurturing environment, where each boarder is safe and happy, and is encouraged to achieve his best.
The foundations of the boarding experience are the same strong values that exist within the School, with a high regard for learning, leadership and endeavour. A boarding housemother and dedicated tutors support boys to fulfil their individual potential, and become BGS graduates with skills to take on challenges beyond school.
The boarding house offers a diverse enrichment program, including academic studies, physical and recreational activities, service to others, the opportunity to lead and learn a variety of life skills. Boarders gain a sense of belonging by being part of a large and inclusive group of boys, as well as a smaller pastoral group, their House Family.
Applying for Brisbane Grammar School scholarships
Brisbane Grammar School offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries. Registrations open in early September and is via the ACER testing program. For more information, click here.
Find out more about Brisbane Grammar School
Address: Gregory Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000
Phone number: (07) 3834 5200
Email: reception@brisbanegrammar.com
Website: Click here
Private high schools nearby:
If you are looking for other private high schools that are near Brisbane Grammar, check out:
State high schools nearby:
- Brisbane State High School
- Kelvin Grove State College
- Fortitude Valley State College
For reviews of more schools across South-East Queensland, click here.