Schools & Childcare in Brisbane
An independent analysis of school quality and childcare ratings across 1,779 schools and 3,168 childcare services in QLD.
Total Schools
1,779
Total Childcare
3,168
Mean ICSEA
984
Exceeding NQS
14.8%
Queensland has the lowest ICSEA mean (984) of any mainland state, but this reflects demographics and remoteness rather than teaching quality. Only 2.4% of QLD suburbs qualify as triple-strong, compared to 7.0% in Victoria. The western corridor from Bardon to Indooroopilly is Brisbane's only continuous band of high-ICSEA suburbs.
Analysis
Why Queensland's ICSEA Looks Lower Than It Is
Queensland's state ICSEA mean of 984 is the lowest on the mainland, but this is driven by remote and regional schools, not Brisbane. Urban Brisbane suburbs like Bardon, Indooroopilly, and Ashgrove score above 1,100, comparable to strong suburbs in Melbourne and Sydney. The state average is pulled down by a long tail of remote schools with ICSEA values below 800. When comparing like-for-like urban suburbs, Brisbane's school quality is competitive with other capitals.
The Western Corridor: Brisbane's School Belt
The western corridor from Bardon through Toowong to Indooroopilly is Brisbane's only continuous band of high-ICSEA suburbs. This narrow strip concentrates most of Brisbane's top-ranking government schools. Outside this corridor, high-ICSEA pockets exist in isolation, such as Ascot and Hamilton in the inner north. For families seeking school quality with neighbourhood depth, the western corridor is the most reliable choice in Brisbane.
Growth Corridors and New Schools
South-east Queensland is one of Australia's fastest-growing regions. New suburbs in the Gold Coast hinterland, Logan, and Moreton Bay are receiving new schools, but ICSEA data for these schools is limited due to their short history. Early indicators suggest growth corridor schools cluster around the 950-1,000 ICSEA range. Childcare in these areas is expanding rapidly, though NQS ratings are not yet available for many new centres.
Above ICSEA 1,050
22.0%
Above ICSEA 1,100
10.5%
Childcare Exceeding
14.8%
Top Suburbs by School Quality
Ranked by average ICSEA score (minimum 3 schools per suburb). National average is 1,000.
| Rank | Suburb | ICSEA | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bardon | 1,173 | 4 |
| 02 | Toowong | 1,162 | 6 |
| 03 | Ashgrove | 1,156 | 5 |
| 04 | Brisbane | 1,153 | 5 |
| 05 | Clayfield | 1,150 | 4 |
| 06 | Indooroopilly | 1,149 | 6 |
| 07 | South Brisbane | 1,147 | 3 |
| 08 | Kenmore | 1,141 | 4 |
| 09 | Kelvin Grove | 1,140 | 3 |
| 10 | Enoggera | 1,135 | 3 |
| 11 | The Gap | 1,132 | 5 |
| 12 | Dutton Park | 1,131 | 3 |
| 13 | Fig Tree Pocket | 1,127 | 3 |
| 14 | Buderim | 1,124 | 3 |
| 15 | Corinda | 1,115 | 4 |
| 16 | Kedron | 1,113 | 5 |
| 17 | Cannon Hill | 1,112 | 3 |
| 18 | Carindale | 1,110 | 3 |
| 19 | Camp Hill | 1,102 | 3 |
| 20 | Mansfield | 1,101 | 3 |
Top Suburbs by Childcare Quality
Ranked by percentage of services rated "Exceeding NQS" (minimum 5 services).
| Rank | Suburb | Rating | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Tewantin | 60% | 5 |
| 02 | Bulimba | 60% | 5 |
| 03 | Hervey Bay | 57% | 7 |
| 04 | Biloela | 50% | 6 |
| 05 | Beerwah | 50% | 6 |
| 06 | Murrumba Downs | 50% | 6 |
| 07 | Eatons Hill | 50% | 6 |
| 08 | Gladstone | 47% | 17 |
| 09 | Yeppoon | 44% | 9 |
| 10 | St Lucia | 43% | 7 |
| 11 | Ascot | 60% | 5 |
| 12 | Tannum Sands | 40% | 5 |
| 13 | Fortitude Valley | 40% | 5 |
| 14 | Ferny Grove | 40% | 5 |
| 15 | Ferny Hills | 40% | 5 |
Childcare Quality Areas
How QLD childcare services perform across the seven NQS quality areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good ICSEA score in Brisbane?
The national average is 1,000. Queensland's state average is 984, lower than other mainland states due to remote schools. In Brisbane, an ICSEA above 1,050 is strong, and above 1,100 is top-tier. The highest-scoring Brisbane suburbs are Bardon, Indooroopilly, and Ashgrove in the western corridor.
How do school catchment zones work in Queensland?
Queensland government schools have designated catchment areas. Students living within the catchment have guaranteed enrolment. You can check your catchment on the interactive map on this page. Queensland also operates a Prep year starting at age 5, one year earlier than some states. Independent and Catholic schools are not bound by catchment boundaries.
Which Brisbane suburbs have the best schools?
The western corridor from Bardon to Indooroopilly has the highest concentration of top-ICSEA suburbs. Only 2.4% of Queensland suburbs qualify as triple-strong (above median in primary, secondary, and childcare). Use the suburb rankings on this page to compare specific areas.
Is childcare quality lower in Queensland?
Queensland's childcare Exceeding rate is close to the national average. The variation within Queensland is larger than the gap between states. Regional centres often outperform urban ones on NQS ratings, a pattern consistent across Australia. The seven quality areas are assessed by the same national framework regardless of state.
How often is the school data updated?
School ICSEA data comes from ACARA and is updated annually. Childcare NQS ratings are sourced from the ACECQA National Register and updated as services are re-assessed. School catchment boundaries are published by the Queensland Department of Education.
Explore Brisbane Schools on the Map
Search any address to see nearby schools colour-coded by ICSEA score, childcare services by NQS rating, and school catchment zone boundaries.