Brisbane Grammar School, Spring Hill | Fees, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

Just want to congratulate this school for the treasurable Grandparents’ Day last week. No detail was left unaddressed, from the entertaining speeches by the students, the thoughtful topics for interaction amongst grandparents and boys, to the beautifully presented morning tea. I am indebted to such a school who values the important things in life and grateful to have my grandsons attend this progressive institution.

BGS truly does excel in some areas, living up to the school motto of “Nil Sine Labore” (Nothing without work) however upon examination below the surface the school falls down significantly in a number of problem areas.

While there are an undeniable quantity of benefits to single sex schooling that need not be listed, and the majority of the student body are respectable individuals the school does very little to curb the presence of discrimination and toxic behaviours, leading to a heavy presence of misogynistic, racist and homophobic mantra.

In regards to school culture BGS is rather quite welcoming with a broad spectrum of students most people can find friends with similar interests to them. The school permeates a competitive culture which can be incredibly beneficial for most however can prove detrimental for those who are not strong academic or athletic achievers.

The school fees have been increased notably within the past few years however these increases have well and truly been reflected in the school as a whole with massive developments in academic, cultural and co-cirricular programs such as the recent completion of the STEAM precinct.

With regards to the boarding program I personally would not recommend it whatsoever, the facilities are quite good and the community of boarding is really quite close knit however for those who are not involved in co-cirricular programs or good academic achievers, the BGS boarding program is a terrible experience.

Boarding not only necessitates essentially abandoning having any social life outside of the boarding house but feels like a constantly hostile experience with every person being strictly monitored and unless you fit in with the majority of your peers you will feel constantly ostracized.

The boarding program also suffers from a lack of accountability for staff and students with the leadership doing very little about issues within the house as well as hiring staff that can be outright antagonistic to boys in the house. I personally have experienced discriminatory treatment by a staff member in the past.

In conclusion I’d say that BGS is a good school overall however consideration should be made about whether it be an appropriate pick for any individual

– Strong co-cirricular, cultural and academic focuses
– Excellent facilities, some of the best in the state and a strong competitor among Australian schools as a whole
– Excellent for establishing connections and pathways for tertiary education and employment
– Very close community
– Lots of events, clubs and groups
– The school is involved in a broad array of public purpose and fundraising initiatives
– excellent staff

– Certain toxic elements to the school culture, essentially nothing done about them
– Very hostile boarding environment
– Those who don’t fit in or don’t excel in any given area will experience a hard time at this school
– High fees (This shouldnt be too much of a consideration given how much this school does for its students)

I would not say I have a negative opinion of BGS, despite the problems it faces anyone should very much value an education here however I just wish to outline some problem areas about the school.

P.S. Good luck getting here any way other than car, the school bans bikes for some reason and does everything in their power to incentivise staff parents and students to drive into school

Good School, Rugby needs to be a higher priority than it is right now I don’t enjoy watching our 1st 15 come last or 2nd last every year.

Ive only gone here about 1 and a half terms, and I would strongly reccomend it. (also the garlic bread is great 😀 )

Fredy five bears sold me fentynal at the back of this school
great quality.