Revealed: The top SE QLD schools offering scholarships for student athletes
Queensland’s sporting talent has gone to a new level in recent years and these are the factories delivering the goods. SEE THE FULL LIST
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From netball and rugby to cricket and athletics, the calibre of sporting talent in Queensland schools is reaching new levels.
With clubs and associations feeding the grassroot pathways for junior athletes, it is no wonder students are receiving more recognition for their talent.
So which high schools are doing the most work to ensure student-athletes are given the best opportunities?
We reveal the top sporting schools in Greater Brisbane that are offering scholarships for young rising stars.
BRISBANE BOYS’ COLLEGE
Toowong’s BBC is renowned for its sporting excellence, with its 1st VIII only last weekend beating University of Queensland in a prestigious rowing event.
Observers described it as the greatest schoolboy VIII of all time, with some of the boys now on track to the Olympics and preparing to head to England this year for the famous Henley regatta.
BBC provides scholarship opportunities for a range of talented cross-sport athletes.
To be eligible for its Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarship, a student must demonstrate State or National level representation in their chosen sport, as well as regional representative duties in a second sport.
Along with their sporting abilities, scholarship applicants must demonstrate a number of criteria that align with BBC values.
A high standard of behaviour and sound academic achievement are needed for applicants to be considered.
In 2022, BBC excelled in the GPS inter-school competitions across varied sports.
The school’s most commendable achievement was a near clean sweep performance at the annual GPS Senior Cross-Country carnival.
Before applying for this scholarship, potential students must complete the enrolment process.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Chris Scott (Aussie rules)
■ Chris Hartley (cricket)
■ Haimish_Karrasch (rowing)
■ Dane Gagai (rugby league)
■ Will Genia (rugby union)
■ James Horwill (rugby union)
■ Kieren Perkins (swimming)
MORETON BAY COLLEGE
This all-girls school is known across the state as a powerhouse sporting campus.
MBC strives to provide the highest level of education to students while acknowledging their talents.
For young female athletes, there are two types of scholarships available: the Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarship and General Excellence Scholarship.
The Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarship requires students to demonstrate sound academic achievement and excellent conduct while performing at a high level in their chosen sport, music, or an arts pursuit.
The General Excellence Scholarship demands similar standards, but with an added expectation of community service, leadership and high academic achievement.
Both scholarships are worth up to 50 per cent remission in tuition costs.
In recent years, MBC has shone on the track and field stage and are the nine-time reigning QGSSSA Athletics champion school.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Naazmi Johnston (gymnastics)
■ Shannon Parry (rugby union)
■ Jamie Ryan (sailor)
■ Lidiia Iakovleva (gymnastics)
BRISBANE STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Brisbane State High School is home to several talented cross country stars and is also a prominent school for rugby and netball talent.
At the 2022 QGSSSA Cross-Country championships, BSHS won five of the six categories they raced in.
The school is also home to Netball Queensland’s Under 17s state squad member, Kydan Tuapou.
While BSHS require prospective students to live within their catchment area, there are opportunities for talented students to apply for selective entry.
Sport is one of these options and gives local young stars to the chance to be involved in the school’s sporting program.
To apply, prospective sporting students much demonstrate sporting talent to determine if they are eligible for enrolment.
To see which sports are eligible for selective entry from Year 7 to 11 in 2024, visit the Brisbane State High School website.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Cedric Dubler (athletics)
■ Chris Goulding (basketball)
■ Ian Healy (cricket)
■ Marnus Labuschagne (cricket)
■ Lyndsie Fogarty (kayaking)
■ Wally Lewis (rugby league)
■ David Wilson (rugby union)
■ Hayley Lewis (swimming)
BRISBANE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
A part of the Greater Private Schools’ Association of Queensland, the school participates in 12 inter-school sports.
Along with the three carnivals (swimming, cross country, and athletics) BGS competes in basketball, chess, cricket, debating, football, rowing, rugby union, tennis and volleyball.
In order to recognise exceptional talent, the school offers sporting scholarships to boarders and day students entering Years 7-11.
To be eligible, applicants much demonstrate talent in one or more GPS sports at regional level or higher.
Prospective students must also supply their latest academic reports, evidence of good behaviour and two referee reports before attending an interview.
Each scholarship value differs depending on the student’s financial circumstances and potential to add value to Brisbane Grammar School’s sporting reputation.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Roy Emerson (tennis)
■ Dick Johnson (motorsport)
■ Tom Lawton (rugby union)
■ Matt McKay (football)
■ Matt Renshaw (cricket)
■ Keith Winning (rugby union)
■ Joel Macdonald (Aussie rules)
ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE
Long known for its excellence in rugby, it also has produced many stars in other codes.
It offers a range of scholarships including the Jack Ross Bursary for students completing Years 7 to 10 in 2024-26.
Applications close in March 2023, but only one place will be awarded.
There is also a College Bursary for those entering Years 7 to 10 in 2024-26.
Applications also close in March 2023, with just one place available.
Details can be found on the Nudgee website.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Jason Akermanis (Aussie rules)
■ Joe Burns (cricket)
■ Elton Flatley (rugby union)
■ James O’Connor (rugby union)
■ Chris Lynn (cricket)
■ Paul McLean (rugby union)
MATTHEW FLINDERS ANGLICAN COLLEGE
As part of progressing the Matthew Flinders sporting profile, there are two scholarship types available for students who excel in their chosen activity.
The General Excellence scholarship, open this month, is offered to students entering Years 7-11.
It aims to recognise the academic excellence of individuals who also demonstrate significant achievement in either the arts or sport.
For applicants who specifically excel in sport, the Matthew Flinders Sport scholarship is offered to students who demonstrate sound academic achievement and outstanding sporting talent.
This includes evidence of broad involvement in school life.
Both scholarships vary in value, remitting up to 50 per cent of local student tuition fees per year.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Erica Fowler (Aussie rules)
■ Keely Andrew (surfing)
■ Tessa Wallace (athletics)
FAIRHOLME COLLEGE
Toowoomba’s Fairholme College is one of Queensland’s best girls’ boarding schools, with a reputation for sporting prowess.
It offers several opportunities including the Excellence in Sport Performance Scholarship for Years 7 and 10 in 2024.
Scholarship applicants must sit the ACER Examination, which closes early in February, as part of their application.
Prospective students will be required to complete speed, power and strength testing on the day of their interview.
Details can be found on the Fairholme College website.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Emilee Cherry (touch football, rugby sevens)
■ Cathy Freeman (athletics)
■ Sally Kehoe (rowing)
■ Pippa Savage (rowing)
■ Emily Tapp (Paratriathlete)
SOMERSET COLLEGE
Somerset College is home to several junior Queensland sporting stars and the school’s success ranges across codes.
The Somerset Spartans have representatives in the HART Sapphire Series (netball) and are the home grounds for middle distance and triathlon sensation Aspen Anderson.
Despite only 33 years since opening, Somerset College has asserted itself as a premier school in Queensland’s southeast.
To recognise young talent and enhance their sporting profile, the school offers scholarships for those with exceptional skills.
The General Excellence Scholarship is perfect for prospective students wishing to continue their sporting success under the Somerset Spartans banner.
To be eligible, applicants much demonstrate excellence in areas including sport, cultural activity, leadership and service.
Based on applications, short-listed candidates are subject to an interview.
The scholarship is open to students in Years 7, 10 and 11 in 2024.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Alex Beck (athletics)
■ Ben Hudson (Aussie rules)
■ Sara Carrigan (cycling)
■ Bryce Lindores (cycling)
■ Nathan Eyres-Brown (rugby union)
■ Joanna Fargus (swimming)
TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
A leading day and boarding school in regional Queensland and one of the most established in Australia, it is a proud member of the GPS Association and participates in all 12 sports offered annually by the inter-school competition.
To help develop sporting talent in the Toowoomba region, TGS offer two bursaries which encourage young sports stars to attend the school.
In 2023, the All-rounder Bursary is open to students entering Years 8 and 11.
It is offered to students who demonstrate all-round abilities in academics, sport, performance arts or visual arts, and display good character.
The Special Abilities Bursary is available to students from Years 7 to 11, who display talent in co-curricular including art, music, drama or sport.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Martin Love (cricket)
■ Matthew Denny (athletics)
■ Jordan Courtney-Perkins (football)
■ Benny Pike (athletics)
■ Samson Ryan (Aussie rules)
ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL
St Margaret’s prides itself on being a local school with a global outlook and love for sport.
There are a number of scholarships awarded each year for students to attend St Margaret’s, including Academic Excellence, Performing Arts and Sports Performance.
For prospective students who have achieved State or National level in their chosen sport, you may be eligible for the Sports Performance Scholarship.
As part of the application process, candidates must also sit the ACER Scholarship Examination, and acknowledge the results may be used for your application.
Applications for 2024 scholarships close early in February.
STAR ALUMNI
■ Bronte Barratt (swimming)
■ Brittany Elmslie (swimming)
■ Sally Kehoe (rowing)
■ Emily Seebohm (swimming)
■ Emma Jackson (triathlete)
■ Maddie Edmunds (rowing)
WEST MORETON ANGLICAN COLLEGE
The school has a proud tradition of elite sport.
It offers a Sports Scholarship for Year 5-and-above students in 2024.
Applications on February 24.
All applicants must sit the Scholarship Exam in early March.
Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview.
To be considered, applicants must have been selected to compete at regional level in their chosen sport.
Details can be found on the WMAC website.
More Coverage
2025 QRSS calendar released exposing key clashes
The 2025 Queensland Representative School Sport calendar has been released, with some surprise clashes posing questions for many cross-code athletes across the state. View the full list:
100+ names: Queensland footy’s top junior talents revealed
Discover the Suns academy names from across Queensland vying to crack onto draft boards now and in years to come, with the AFL and AFLW drafts upon us.