Ranked: How every Qld boarding school performed in 2023 NAPLAN
Boarding schools are among some of the most expensive educational establishments in the state – take a look at the latest NAPLAN rankings, ATAR, their most notable alumni and which schools produced the best academic results in 2023. FULL LIST
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Boarding schools are among some of the most expensive education institutions in the country.
And in Queensland alone, some of the most expensive offer boarding and tuition at their prestigious establishments for upwards of $60,000 per year.
With NAPLAN about to kick across the state and country, take a look at where Queensland’s boarding schools rank in terms of NAPLAN results in our extensive list below.
READ MORE: QLD’S BOARDING SCHOOLS RANKED FROM MOST TO LEAST EXPENSIVE
Information based off Year 9 NAPLAN results from December, 2023.
1. Brisbane Grammar School
NAPLAN State Rank: #3
NAPLAN Average: 647.2
The most expensive boarding school in the state totalling at $69,790 per year, Brisbane Grammar School is the top performing boarding school and one of the best in the state for academic performance, ranking in the top three of all Queensland schools for NAPLAN three years in a row.
In 2023, Brisbane Grammar School Year 12 students produced a median ATAR of 94.2, with 85 per cent of students receiving an ATAR of more than 80.
Founded in 1868, notable alumni of the all-boys private school include former Premier of Queensland Thomas Joseph Byrnes, Powderfinger bassist John ‘JC’ Collins and author David Malouf.
2. Somerville House
NAPLAN State Rank: #5
NAPLAN Average: 640.4
With school and boarding fees of $58,250 per annum, Somerville House in South Brisbane is the most expensive all-girls boarding school in Queensland and the second best in NAPLAN, ranking fifth overall in the state for 2023.
Falling in the top 10 NAPLAN schools for the past three years, Somerville House also produced a median ATAR of 90.83 in 2024.
A Christian school operating under the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches, notable alumni include triple Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry AO, MasterChef contestant and cook Marion Grasby, and Chair of UNICEF Australia Ann Sherry AO.
3. St Peters Lutheran College
NAPLAN State Rank: #9
NAPLAN Average: 630.2
The most expensive coeducational boarding school in the state, St Peters Lutheran College ranked ninth in NAPLAN out of all Queensland schools in 2024, with tuition and boarding fees which range from $52,598 to $55,022 per annum.
In 2023, 65 per cent of St Peters’ students achieved an ATAR of more than 80.
Notable alumni of the Lutheran college include Seachange actor Singrid Thornton, former Brisbane Lions footballer Mal Michael, and record-holding Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus OAM.
4. Whitsunday Anglican School
NAPLAN State Rank: #11
NAPLAN Average: 626
Whitsunday Anglican School is the top performing NAPLAN school in the Mackay and Whitsunday’s region for 2023, ranking at 11th in the state after producing the fourth best NAPLAN result in Queensland in 2022.
With boarding and tuition fees of $37,916 to $40,421 per annum, Whitsunday Anglican School is the only boarding school in the Mackay region and boasted a median ATAR of 92 for the year 2023.
Notable alumni of the coeducational private school in Beaconsfield include 24-year-old Ishan Haque who became one of the world’s youngest multi-millionaires after investing in crypto investment company Animoca Brands in 2020.
5. St Margaret’s Anglican School
NAPLAN State Rank: #14
NAPLAN Average: 621
The second most expensive all-girls boarding school in Queensland, St Margaret’s Anglican School has ranked 14th in the state for NAPLAN in 2023, after ranking at 18th in 2022 and 13th in 2021.
With boarding and tuition costs of $56,935 per annum, St Margaret’s also produces impressive academic results in ATAR, with 84.6 per cent of their female students achieving an ATAR of more than 80 in 2023.
Founded in 1895 in Ascot, St Margaret’s alumni include award-winning fashion designer Kei Craig-Lee, former Great Australian Bake Off host and comedian Mel Buttle, and three-time Olympic swimmer Bronte Murphy OAM (nee Barratt).
6. Anglican Church ‘Churchie’ Grammar School
NAPLAN State Rank: #17
NAPLAN Average: 616.8
The second best-performing all-boys school for NAPLAN in 2023, Anglican Church or ‘Churchie’ Grammar School landed 17th overall in the state for NAPLAN in 2023, an increased ranking from 29th in 2022.
Churchie is one of the best performing schools for ATAR in the state, with a median ATAR of 93, and 94 per cent of its students achieving an ATAR higher than 80.
Established in 1912, some of Churchie’s most notable ‘Old Boys’ include Olympic swimmer and former world record holder Zac Stubblety-Cook OAM, former LNP leader and current MP for Clayfield Tim Nicholls, and former Governor of Queensland Paul De Jersey AC CVO KC.
7. Ipswich Grammar School
NAPLAN State Rank: #24
NAPLAN Average: 611
With school fees of $40,036 to $45,2450 per annum, Ipswich Grammar School is one of the best performing non-denominational boarding schools in the state, ranking at 24th in NAPLAN for 2023 after placing at 11th in 2022.
Enrolling around 1700 students from prep to Year 12, some of Ipswich Grammar’s most notable ‘Old Boys’ include Senator for Queensland Paul Scarr, Mad Max film director George Miller, cricket great Craig McDermott and author of He Died with a Felafel in His Hand, John Birmingham.
8. Stuartholme School
NAPLAN State Rank: #31
NAPLAN Average: 608.8
Stuartholme School in Bardon ranked 31st in the state for NAPLAN in 2023, a jump down from its position as 28th in 2022.
The all-girls Brisbane Catholic school recently began works on a new junior building which will house the school’s first Year 5 and 6 students, as well as work on the nearby Freers potato chip factory to build sporting fields, courts and a gym.
Established in 1920 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, notable alumni of the $50,000+ a year boarding school include Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald, singer Katie Noonan and H2O: Just Add Water actor Claire Holt.
9. Marist College Ashgrove
NAPLAN State Rank: #32
NAPLAN Average: 608.2
Costing upwards of $41,390 a year in boarding and tuition fees, Marist College Ashgrove ranked 36th in the state for NAPLAN in 2023, an increase from 36th in 2022 and 42nd in 2021.
Enrolling around 1700 students from Years 5 to 12, Marist recently had 100 employees leave the school in the last year alone after a leadership change in 2021 where Michael Newman took over as Head of College.
Notable alumni or ‘Ashgrovians’ of the school include former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, Home & Away actor Ray Meagher and Brisbane Broncos player Billy Walters.
10. Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)
NAPLAN State Rank: #33
NAPLAN Average: 608.2
The second most expensive boarding school in Queensland with tuition and boarding fees of $67,564 per annum, Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) ranked 33rd in the state in NAPLAN for 2023, an increase from their position at 43rd in 2022.
With a median ATAR of 89 in 2023, BBC enrols 1550 students from prep to Year 12, including 150 boarding students.
Established in 1902 with just four students, BBC has housed a number of notable ‘Old Collegians’ since opening more than 100 years ago, including Lachlan Gillespie of The Wiggles and former Olympic swimmer Kieren Perkins OAM.
11. John Paul College
NAPLAN State Rank: #34
NAPLAN Average: 607.8
One of Logan’s most prestigious schools, John Paul College ranked 34th in NAPLAN in 2023 with an average mark of 607.8
John Paul College also achieved a great result in ATARs for 2023 with 71 per cent of students achieving an ATAR of 80 or more.
Situated in Daisy Hill in Logan City, John Paul College (JPC) is one of the state’s largest independent K-12 coeducational boarding colleges with nearly 2000 students.
12. Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
NAPLAN State Rank: #35
NAPLAN Average: 607
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School finished up 2023 with a ranking of 35th in the state for NAPLAN, a decrease from their 25th position in 2022.
Costing upwards of $43,200 for boarding students each year, 82 per cent of Year 12 students in 2023 achieved an ATAR of more than 80, producing a median ATAR of 88.80.
Ipswich Girls’ welcomed a new principal Marie Perry in 2023 with main priorities of diversifying opportunities for students, expanding the technology and innovation space, and providing more opportunity for e-sports.
Notable alumni of the non-denominational all-girls school include MP for Nanango Deborah Frecklington and Australian poet Zora Cross.
13. Fairholme College
NAPLAN State Rank: #46
NAPLAN Average: 602.8
Toowoomba’s Fairholme College recorded the best secondary school result in NAPLAN for 2023 in the Toowoomba area, ranking 46th in the state after previously ranking 20th in 2022 and 32nd in 2021.
An all-girls boarding school with annual boarding and tuition costs of $44,990 to $46,700, notable ‘Old Girls’ of the 116-year old private school include former Olympic sprinter and gold medallist Cathy Freeman OAM, jeweller Margot McKinney and designer fashion label Aje creative director Edwina Forest.
14. St John’s Anglican College
NAPLAN State Rank: #47
NAPLAN Average: 602.2
One of Brisbane’s most prestigious coeducational private schools, St John’s Anglican College costs $32,340 to $34,174 a year for its boarding students and ranked 47th in the state for NAPLAN in 2023, a drastic improvement from their 83rd placement in 2022.
Founded in 1994 with just 66 students, St John’s welcomes students from kindergarten to Year 12 and have educated notable figures such as Neighbours actor Ashleigh Brewer and sprinter Trae Williams.
15. St Hilda’s School
NAPLAN State Rank: #50
NAPLAN Average: 600.2
The fifth most expensive all-girls boarding school in the state, St Hilda’s School costs $48,443 to $50,012 in boarding and tuition fees and most recently ranked 50th in the state in NAPLAN after previously ranking 64th in 2022 and 26th in 2021.
In 2023, 44 per cent of St Hilda’s students achieved ATARs of more than 90, and in 2024, the 112-year-old educational institution welcomed its 12th principal, Virginia Warner.
St Hilda’s was the sixth best-performing school for NAPLAN in the Gold Coast region for 2023, falling behind Somerset College, A B Paterson College, Emmanuel College, All Saints Anglican School and Tamborine Mountain State High School.
16. Townsville Grammar School
NAPLAN State Rank: #51
NAPLAN Average: 599
Ranking at 51st in the state, Townsville Grammar School was the second best performing secondary school for NAPLAN in 2023 in the Townsville region, beat only by Annandale Christian College.
Achieving a median ATAR of 90.6 for 2023, the coeducational school has performed better in NAPLAN in previous years, ranking 24th in the state in 2022 and 22nd in 2021.
Founded in 1888, notable alumni or former ‘Grammarians’ include Colin from Accounts actor Harriet Dyer, golfer and multi-millionaire businessman Greg Norman, and Liberal MP for McPherson Karen Andrews.
17. The Glennie School
NAPLAN State Rank: #53
NAPLAN Average: 598.6
Toowoomba’s The Glennie School ranked 53rd in the state for NAPLAN in 2023, a drop from their position at 46th in 2022.
One of the region’s most prestigious private schools, The Glennie recently lodged plans with Toowoomba Regional Council to demolish half of its administration building to introduce a new creative hub with a student lounge area, studio rooms and a ‘social pantry’.
In 2023, 51 per cent of The Glennie’s students received an ATAR above 85.
18. Clayfield College
NAPLAN State Rank: #62
NAPLAN Average: 595.6
With less than 500 students enrolled at the school, Clayfield College ranked 62nd in NAPLAN for 2023, the same year that they announced that the more than 100-year-old all-girls college would be going co-ed.
Clayfield College noted a 29 per cent decrease in enrolment rates from 2018 to 2022, with enrolment numbers going from 565 to 400 respectively.
In its time as one of the most expensive girls boarding schools in the state at $51,411 in boarding and tuition fees per year, Clayfield College has produced many famous alumni, including singer Grace Shaw, better known as Mallrat, three-time Olympic gold medallist swimmer Stephanie Rice and former Labor Senator Jan McLucas.
19. Concordia Lutheran College
NAPLAN State Rank: #78
NAPLAN Average: 592
A coeducational school charging $36,752 to $41,222 in boarding and tuition fees each year, Concordia Lutheran College ranked 78th in Queensland NAPLAN for 2023.
Founded in 1946, former students of the Harristown private school include Local Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki and writer and illustrator Kathleen Jennings.
20. St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba
NAPLAN State Rank: #79
NAPLAN Average: 591
An all-girls Catholic school situated in Toowoomba, St Ursula’s College ranked 79th in the state in 2023 as well as fifth in the Toowoomba region.
Founded in 1931 by Ursuline nuns, a notable alumni of the school is Neighbours actor Charlotte Chimes.
21. St Joseph’s Nudgee College
NAPLAN State Rank: #91
NAPLAN Average: 586.8
A Catholic school that enrols 1600 students including 300 boarders, St Joseph’s Nudgee College in Boondall ranked 91st in the state for NAPLAN in 2023.
Boasting a median ATAR of 85 for the year 2023, St Joseph’s also has a number of notable former ‘Old Boys’ including former mayor of Cairns Kevin Byrne, businessman Terry White and Saltburn actor Jacob Elordi.
22. The Cathedral College
NAPLAN State Rank: #99
NAPLAN Average: 585
A co-ed Catholic school, The Cathedral College in Rockhampton was only founded in 1991 and ranked 99th in the state for NAPLAN in 2023.
The Cathedral College is one of the less expensive boarding schools in Queensland, charging $23,545 to $24,529 in total boarding and tuition fees per year.
Former students include journalist and radio host Anna Daniels and former Senator Barry O’Sullivan.
23. St Augustine’s College
NAPLAN State Rank: #104
NAPLAN Average: 584
Charging its Year 7 to 12 all-boys students upwards of $31,000 in boarding and tuition fees per year, St Augustine’s College ranked at 104th in the state for NAPLAN in 2023.
Situated in Augustine Heights in Springfield, St Augustine’s College is the former Catholic school of notable alumni such as media personality Karl Stefanovic and former Socceroos player and coach Frank Farina.
24. The Southport School
NAPLAN State Rank: #105
NAPLAN Average: 583.2
The only all-boys boarding school on the Gold Coast, The Southport School ranked 105th in NAPLAN for 2023.
Established in 1901, the oldest Anglican boys’ boarding school in the state is one of the most expensive, charging $49,081 to $51,433 in tuition and boarding fees per annum.
Notable alumni of the prestigious school include journalist Paul Whittaker, professional tennis player Bernard Tomic, and former Premier of Queensland Rob Borbidge.
25. Toowoomba Anglican School
NAPLAN State Rank: #106
NAPLAN Average: 583
A co-ed Anglican school first founded in 1911 with 17 students, Toowoomba Anglican School ranked 106th in NAPLAN state results, an improvement from their 137th ranking in 2022.
With more than 650 students including 115 boarders, Toowoomba Anglican School charges upwards of $39,000 in tuition and school fees per year and had 15 per cent of their Year 12 students achieve an ATAR greater than 98 in 2023.
Notable alumni include sports journalist Steve Hadden and three-time Olympic rower Sally Kehoe.
26. Toowoomba Grammar School
NAPLAN State Rank: #111
NAPLAN Average: 581.6
Toowoomba’s most expensive boarding school with fees upward of $50,000 per year, Toowoomba Grammar School came 111th in the state in NAPLAN for 2023, after previously placing 137th in 2022 and 63rd in 2021. With a median ATAR of 88.25, Toowoomba Grammar School had 42.3 per cent of its students record an ATAR of more than 90 in 2023, and has a total boarding population of 300 students.
One of Toowoomba’s most prestigious all-boys private schools, noteworthy alumni of the non-denominational college include radio broadcaster Alan Jones, Don’s Party actor Harold Hopkins and former Liberal politician Reginald Swartz KBE.
27. The Cathedral School
NAPLAN State Rank: #114
NAPLAN Average: 581
Also recognised as The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James, the Townsville-based Anglican co-ed school ranked 114th in the state for 2023 NAPLAN, a drastic drop from their ranking as 65th in 2022 and 89th in 2021.
Originally established as an all-girls school in 1917, The Cathedral College houses 150 boarding students from Years 7 to 12 and once enrolled notable figures such as AFLW Brisbane Lions captain Breanna Koenen and former North Queensland Cowboys NRL player Justin O’Neill.
28. Downlands College
NAPLAN State Rank: #150
NAPLAN Average: 573
Founded by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1931, Downlands College in Toowoomba is Queensland’s only Catholic coeducational boarding school for Years 4 to 12 and ranked 150th in NAPLAN for 2023.
Situated in Harlaxton, the Toowoomba college houses approximately 290 boarders and boasts noteworthy alumni including former Premier of Queensland Michael Ahern AO, former professional boxer Michael Katsidis and former Queensland Reds rugby union player Tim Horan AM.
29. St Patrick’s College
NAPLAN State Rank: #154
NAPLAN Average: 572.8
Founded in 1878, St Patrick’s College is a Catholic all-girls college in Townsville that ranked 154th in NAPLAN for 2023, a dramatic improvement from their 2022 rank of #230.
Costing its boarding students upwards of $29,220 to attend, St Patrick’s College has produced notable alumni including A Clockwork Orange actor Madge Ryan and news presenter Sharyn Ghidella.
30. Dalby Christian College
NAPLAN State Rank: #155
NAPLAN Average: 572.6
With a student body of just 392 students in 2023, Dalby Christian College ranked 155th in NAPLAN for 2023 in Queensland and is one of the most affordable boarding schools in the state with annual fees of $20,760 to $21,900 for a full time boarder.
Founded in 1981, Dalby Christian College welcomes Prep to Year 12 students and was the third best performing South West Queensland secondary school for NAPLAN in 2023, ranking behind Bell State School and Border Rivers Christian College respectively.
31. St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon
NAPLAN State Rank: #161
NAPLAN Average: 570.8
The only all-girls Catholic boarding school in Central Queensland, St Ursula’s College in Yeppoon ranked 161st in Queensland for NAPLAN in 2023 and is one of the state’s more affordable boarding options at approximately $22,000 a year for a full-time boarding student.
St Ursula’s was founded in 1918 and offers a ‘holistic, comprehensive, faith-filled’ secondary education for its students in Years 7 to 12.
32. The Rockhampton Grammar School
NAPLAN State Rank: #163
NAPLAN Average: 570.2
Previously ranking 80th and 120th in the state for NAPLAN in 2022 and 2021 respectively, The Rockhampton Grammar School ranked 163rd in the state for NAPLAN in 2023.
The largest co-ed boarding school in Queensland with 350 boarding students, Rockhampton Grammar School charges $37,316 per year in tuition and boarding fees.
Alumni of Rockhampton Grammar School include S.W.A.T actor Alex Russell, Manly Sea Eagles NRL player Ben Condon, and former politician Stuart Robert.
33. Peace Lutheran College
NAPLAN State Rank: #221
NAPLAN Average: 558.6
Situated in Kamerunga, Peace Lutheran College ranked 12th in the Cairns region and 221st in the state for secondary schools in their 2023 NAPLAN results, a drop from their #130 ranking in 2022.
Established in 1994, Peace Lutheran College enrols more than 800 students from Prep to Year 12 and had 28.57 per cent of its Year 12 students achieve an ATAR of 85 or above in 2023.
Recently the coeducational college was embroiled in a legal stoush after suing a builder over a new $5m auditorium for the educational institution.
34. SCOTS PGC College
NAPLAN State Rank: #264
NAPLAN Average: 548.4
Costing $37,355 to $41,041 in tuition and boarding fees per year, SCOTS PGC College in Warwick was the fourth best performing secondary school in the Southern Downs for NAPLAN 2023 and 264th in the state.
Established as two separate schools in 1918 and 1918 before amalgamating into a coeducational college in 1970, Scots PGC boards 180 students and boasts notable alumni such as Alien: Covenant actor Benjamin Rigby and former professional netball player Laura Geitz.
35. Rockhampton Girls Grammar School
NAPLAN State Rank: #268
NAPLAN Average: 548
Situated in Rockhampton’s The Range, Rockhampton Girls Grammar School came 268th in Queensland NAPLAN in 2023, a drop from 167th in 2022.
The prestigious girls school placed 11th overall in the Rockhampton area, placing behind other private schools including The Cathedral College, St Ursula’s College and The Rockhampton Grammar School, as well as government schools such as Theodore State School and Springsure State School.
One of the fastest growing schools in the area, Rockhampton Girls Grammar noted a 28 per cent increase in enrolments from 2018 to 2022, a shift from 281 to 359 students.
36. St Brendan’s College
NAPLAN State Rank: #277
NAPLAN Average: 546.8
A Catholic all-boys boarding school known for producing successful rugby league players, St Brendan’s College ranked 277th in NAPLAN for 2023.
A boarding school since 1940, St Brendan’s College noted a 42 per cent increase in enrolments from 2018 to 2022, a change from 614 students to 872.
The Yeppoon secondary school has a number of noteworthy alumni including journalist and author Shannon Molloy and NRL players Dave ‘Coal Train’ Taylor, Ben Hunt, Peter-John ‘PJ’ Marsh and Matthew ‘Thumper’ Scott.
37. Hills College
NAPLAN State Rank: #279
NAPLAN Average: 546.2
An international college in Jimboomba, Hills College ranked 13th in the Logan area for NAPLAN for 2023 and 279th in the state, a drop from 185th in 2022.
Hills College charges between $35,545 to $37,047 for full-time domestic boarding students and enrols approximately 600 students.
38. Dalby State High School
NAPLAN State Rank: #295
NAPLAN Average: 542.4
Dalby State High School ranked 295th in the state for 2023 NAPLAN and eighth in the South West Queensland region, falling behind government schools Bell State School and Oakey State High School and private colleges Border Rivers Christian College and Dalby Christian College among others.
The heritage-listed state high school is among the cheapest boarding schools in the country, only costing $16,536 for full-time boarding and tuition fees.
39. All Souls & St Gabriels School
NAPLAN State Rank: #408
NAPLAN Average: 516.6
Ranked 19th in the North Queensland region, Anglican coeducational college All Souls & St Gabriel’s School ranked 408th in the state for 2023 NAPLAN, an improvement from their #451 ranking in 2022.
Established in 1920, 240 boarders and staff live on the campus with costs ranging from $25,670 to $27,524 for full-time domestic boarders.
40. Columba Catholic College
NAPLAN State Rank: #424
NAPLAN Average: 511.2
A school of the Diocese of Townsville, Columba Catholic College in Charters Towers ranked 424th in the state in NAPLAN for 2023 after previously placing 338th in 2022.
Operating for more than 140 years, the coeducational college has two single-sex campuses with boarding and tuition fees of approximately $27,000 per annum.
41. Blackheath & Thornburgh College
NAPLAN State Rank: #435
NAPLAN Average: 508
Founded in 1911, Blackheath & Thornburgh College is a day and boarding school in Charters Towers that ranked 435th in the state for NAPLAN in 2023.
Originally a Methodist and Presbyterian boarding school, the college became non-denominational in 1978 and was one of the first coeducational boarding schools in Queensland.
Notable alumni of the college North Queensland college NRL Dolphins assistant coach Nathan Fien and Toulouse Olympique rugby league player Zac Santo.
42. Mount St Bernard College
NAPLAN State Rank: #440
NAPLAN Average: 505
Located in Herberton in the Tablelands Region, Mount St Bernard College is a 1140-year-old Catholic coeducational college that ranked 440th in NAPLAN for 2023.
The school was founded in 1921 by the Sisters of Mercy and enrols students from Years 7 to 12.
43. Spinifex State College
NAPLAN State Rank: #452
NAPLAN Average: 500.8
Situated in Mount Isa, Spinifex State College ranked 452nd in the state for NAPLAN in 2023 after ranking 438th in 2022.
Opened in 2003, Spinifex State College is one of the only state schools that offers boarding, costing $25,000 a year for a full-time boarding student, inclusive of tuition fees.
44. St Teresa’s College, Abergowrie
NAPLAN State Rank: #496
NAPLAN Average: 415
Costing approximately $35,000 a year for full-time boarding and tuition, St Teresa’s Catholic College in Abergowrie ranked 496th in the state for NAPLAN in 2023, a decrease from #485 in 2022.
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