In this blog, we break down the Top 10 Queensland schools based on key ATAR indicators, including the percentage of students achieving an ATAR of 99+, 95+, 90+, and 80+, as well as each school’s median ATAR. These metrics offer a clear picture of academic achievement across Queensland’s leading independent and faith-based institutions.
QCE 2024 Overview
In 2024, more than 55,000 Queensland students completed their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), with around 37,500 of those students receiving an ATAR. As Queensland’s senior schooling system continues to mature under the ATAR-based tertiary admissions model (introduced in 2020), this year’s results reflect both academic strength and the growing competitiveness of Year 12 outcomes across the state.
Statewide ATAR Highlights:
- The median ATAR across Queensland in 2024 was estimated to be around 74.00, slightly above the national average and consistent with previous years.
- Approximately 10% of students received an ATAR of 95 or higher, placing them in the top 5% of QLD candidates.
- Roughly 20% of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, reflecting high performance across a significant portion of the state’s cohort.
- An estimated 50% of ATAR-eligible students achieved an ATAR of 80 or above, showing a strong middle band of achievers.
Subject Achievement Data:
In terms of General Subject performance (which contributes directly to ATAR calculations), the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) reported:
- Over 25,000 students received a VHA (Very High Achievement) or HA (High Achievement) across their General subjects.
- Subjects such as Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, and English saw strong median grades across the state, while Specialist Mathematics and Physics were among the most competitive.
- Internal assessments and external exams continued to be weighted at 50% each in most subjects, reinforcing a balanced approach to student evaluation.
Top-End ATAR Achievement:
- Around 900 students across Queensland earned an ATAR of 99.00 or above, placing them in the top 1% of the cohort.
- Approximately 40–50 students were reported to have achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.95, which aligns with historical averages since Queensland adopted ATAR scaling in 2020.
These outcomes highlight the diversity and strength of academic performance across the state—particularly in independent and high-performing faith-based schools. While rankings focus on top-tier results, it's important to recognise the wide range of pathways, from university entry to vocational education and apprenticeships, that the QCE supports.
How Are ATAR Results Used to Rank Queensland Schools?
Unlike NAPLAN or internal assessments, the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) offers a standardised and comparable measure of academic performance across all Queensland schools. When ranking schools based on QCE results, several key indicators derived from ATAR data are typically used to assess performance and distinguish top performers.
Key Metrics in School Rankings:
- ATAR 99+ (%)
- This figure shows the percentage of students at a school who achieved an ATAR of 99 or higher, placing them in the top 1% of Queensland. Schools with high 99+ percentages often have strong academic cultures, experienced teachers, and selective enrolment policies.
- ATAR 95+ (%)
- Students in this category rank within the top 5% statewide. A high percentage here indicates consistent high achievement across multiple subject areas and strong internal assessment moderation processes.
- ATAR 90+ (%) and 80+ (%)
- These broader bands provide a more comprehensive picture of performance across the whole student cohort. Schools with strong percentages in these bands are not just producing a few top scorers—they’re delivering consistently strong outcomes for a large portion of their students.
- Median ATAR
- The median ATAR is the middle score when all ATARs at a school are listed from highest to lowest. A median above 90 typically indicates strong performance across the majority of the cohort—not just a few standout students.
These statistics are collected and publicly reported by individual schools, as the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) does not publish ATAR results by school. As such, ranking lists are often compiled from voluntary disclosures, media reports, and internal school publications.
While these rankings are useful for comparison, they should always be viewed in context—factors like cohort size, subject selection, school resources, and student wellbeing also play critical roles in shaping outcomes.
Top 10 Performing Schools in the 2024 QCE by Median ATAR
Top 10 School Analysis
1. Brisbane Girls Grammar School
Ranked first with a median ATAR of 96.2, this school leads Queensland in both high-end and cohort-wide performance, with nearly 98.4% of students scoring above 80. It's a consistent top performer with a strong academic culture and exceptional support systems.
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2. Brisbane Grammar School
With a remarkable 19.2% of students achieving ATARs of 99+, BGS also maintains an impressive median of 95.4. These results reflect its long-standing academic tradition and focus on excellence across all subjects.
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3. St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School
St Aidan’s stands out for its balance of top-end results (18% with ATARs 99+) and strong overall performance (94% above 80). Its high median of 94.1 speaks to consistency across its relatively small but high-achieving cohort.
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4. Anglican Church Grammar School (“Churchie”)
With 15% of students scoring 99+ and a median ATAR of 93.35, Churchie remains one of Queensland’s most competitive boys’ schools. Its results highlight both academic depth and breadth.
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5. St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace
Matching Churchie’s median of 93.35, Gregory Terrace demonstrated strong overall performance, particularly in the 90+ range (63%). A solid all-rounder with room for continued improvement at the very top.
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6. All Hallows’ School
A top-performing Catholic girls’ school, All Hallows’ achieved 65% ATARs above 90 and a median of 93.15. Their strong results reflect a well-supported and high-expectation learning environment.
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7. Somerset College
Somerset’s estimated 8% with 99+ ATARs and strong showing across all performance bands make it a standout on the Gold Coast. A median of 92.9 shows impressive consistency.
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8. Whitsunday Anglican School
With 22% of students scoring ATARs of 99+, this North Queensland school had the highest top-end percentage statewide. Though its overall ATAR 90+ rate is slightly lower, its results are exceptional for a regional school.
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9. St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
St Margaret’s reports a strong mix of high achievers and widespread academic success, with a 97.5% ATAR 80+ rate and median of 91.9, making it one of the most consistent performers in the state.
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10. Mount Alvernia College
A standout Catholic girls’ school, Mount Alvernia delivered impressive numbers: 60% ATARs above 95 and a median of 91.85, indicating strong preparation and academic support.
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High-Performing QCE Schools Outside the Top 10 (Based on Median ATAR)
While the spotlight often falls on the top 10 schools, several other Queensland schools posted exceptional 2024 QCE results—especially when it comes to median ATAR. A strong median score suggests not just individual excellence but consistent academic achievement across the broader student body.
Here are some notable mentions:
How Did 2024 QCE Results Compare to 2023?
As Queensland’s senior schooling and ATAR system continues to mature, year-on-year comparisons provide valuable insights into performance trends across schools, subjects, and the broader state cohort. While the top-performing schools in 2024 remain largely consistent with those from 2023, there are some notable changes and developments worth highlighting.
Key Comparisons:
- Median ATAR Stability Across the State:
- In both 2023 and 2024, Queensland’s statewide median ATAR hovered around 74.00, indicating stable overall performance. While minor fluctuations are natural, this reflects consistent standards across the system.
- Growth in Top-End Achievement:
- More schools in 2024 reported 10% or more of their students scoring ATARs of 99+, compared to 2023. For example, Whitsunday Anglican School (22%), Mount Alvernia College (18.5%), and St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School (18%) led the charge in top-tier achievement—some of which were not featured as prominently last year.
- Median ATAR Increases at Specific Schools:
- Several schools improved their median ATAR in 2024. Brisbane Girls Grammar School rose to a median of 96.2, while St Aidan’s climbed to 94.1, reflecting not just top scorers but a strong academic performance across their entire cohort.
- Stronger Results from Regional Schools:
- Whitsunday Anglican School and Sheldon College represent the rising strength of regional and outer-metro schools. Their strong performances highlight improved access to high-quality education beyond Brisbane.
- Emerging Schools on the Rise:
- Schools like Mount Alvernia College and Hillbrook Anglican School posted standout median ATARs (91.85 and 91.35 respectively) despite not typically appearing in top 10 rankings in previous years. This suggests a broader distribution of academic excellence across the state.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 QCE results showcase the depth of talent, commitment, and academic excellence found across Queensland’s schools. From long-standing leaders like Brisbane Girls Grammar School to rising stars in regional areas, this year’s outcomes reflect a shared pursuit of educational quality.
While rankings and ATAR bands help tell the story, it’s important to remember that success comes in many forms. Whether a student achieved a 99.95 ATAR or worked hard to complete their QCE, every milestone reached in Year 12 deserves recognition.
As this cohort looks to the future—through university, training, or career pathways—their achievements speak to more than academic scores. They highlight resilience, adaptability, and the growing strength of Queensland’s education system.
