Tag: BBC Toowong

Brisbane Boys’ College Claims Basketball, Rowing and Cross Country Honours

Photo Credit: BBC Co-curricular/Instagram

Brisbane Boys’ College Toowong has capped off an extraordinary run of results on the national and state stage, with its First V Basketball team winning bronze at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland (CBSQ) State Championship, Year 9 rower Magnus Steemson placing second at the South Queensland Schools Championship Regatta, and Year 8 runner Ben Schinard crowned Australian School Sport Cross Country Champion.

Read: Karting Star from Brisbane Boys’ College Makes National Mark

Basketballers secure CBSQ bronze

The First V Basketball side delivered a strong performance at the CBSQ State Championship, Queensland’s leading school basketball competition. After advancing through the draw, BBC met Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) in the bronze medal playoff. In a commanding match, the Toowong boys prevailed 97-82 to secure third place overall.

The result follows their championship win in 2023, reinforcing BBC’s reputation as one of the state’s most consistent school basketball programs. BBC Co-Curricular highlighted the boys’ skill, determination and teamwork in a performance that energised their school community.

Rowing podium for Year 9 competitor

On the water, BBC’s rowing shed also celebrated success. Magnus Steemson, a Year 9 competitor, raced in the single scull against 27 other rowers at the South Queensland Schools Championship Regatta. He powered into second place, adding another strong result for the college in the sport.

The performance reflected both his individual commitment and the breadth of rowing opportunities available through the school’s program.

National cross country crown for Schinard

Perhaps the most eye-catching achievement came in cross country, where Year 8 student Ben Schinard emerged as the 14 years Australian School Sport Champion. Racing in the 4km event against the country’s best, he claimed gold to secure his first national title.

The college also celebrated the efforts of Hugh White, a Year 12 student and BBC’s 2025 Cross Country Captain, who ran a determined race to place fourth in the 18–19 years 8km event. The school described both efforts as a reflection of dedication and hard work that set the tone for the program’s future.

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College Duo to Represent Queensland in Gymnastics

Community pride in Toowong

The triple success across basketball, rowing and cross country has reinforced the central role of sport at Brisbane Boys’ College. Families, staff and students in Toowong have expressed pride at seeing the green, white and black colours represented with distinction at the highest levels.

These podium finishes not only highlight athletic achievement but also showcase the community spirit that comes from collective effort, coaching support and the friendships forged through school sport.

Published 26-Sept-2025

BBC Parents Question Rising Fees as Toowong Campus Vision Unveiled

Parents at Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong are questioning the value of significant fee increases, citing concerns about existing facilities even as the school unveils a long-term Campus Vision Master Plan.

Read: Australia Day Policy Reversal Puts Regatta Hotel in Focus

Fee Increases and Parent Reactions

For 2025, the school has announced that domestic day student fees for Years 7–12 will rise to $34,500, with boarding families paying over $69,000 annually. Fees for international students who board will climb to $94,110. 

Parents have voiced concerns about the steep rise in costs, with the fee increase now totalling more than $10,000 in just three years.

Several parents have described the timing of the fee hikes, announced late in the school year, as problematic. They argue it leaves them little time to consider alternative schools without disrupting their children’s education. 

Brisbane Boys’ College Toowong
Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/YouTube

Complaints also extend to the state of the school’s facilities, particularly its sporting amenities, which some families have labelled “embarrassing” compared to other Greater Public Schools institutions.

One parent remarked that the fee hikes feel unjustified given the condition of the facilities, adding that while the school excels in academics and music, other areas lack the resources expected for such fees.

Master Plan Campus Vision

In late Sept 2024, the school introduced its Master Plan Campus Vision, a comprehensive roadmap for campus development that looks ahead to 2035 and even 2050. The plan promises state-of-the-art classrooms, new co-curricular spaces, extensive refurbishments, and improved campus connectivity.

Central to the vision is a thoroughfare linking Goldicott House, a heritage-listed building on the northern edge of campus, to Toowong Creek to the south. The plan aims to foster greater connectivity across the school grounds, creating spaces that encourage interaction and reinforce a sense of community and mateship.

BBC Toowong
Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College

BBC also highlighted its consultation process, stating that extensive engagement with students, staff, families, and alumni informed the plan. This collaborative approach was intended to ensure that the Campus Vision reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire school community.

Balancing Long-Term Vision with Current Concerns

While some families recognise the potential of the long-term Master Plan to enhance the school’s offerings, others remain focused on the current state of facilities. Critics have pointed out that while the plan looks promising, it may take years before students see tangible benefits.

In the meantime, families are left paying higher fees for what they perceive as underwhelming facilities. Some have expressed frustration that the plan does not address immediate shortcomings, particularly in areas like sporting infrastructure.

The debate around fees reflects broader concerns about the affordability of private education in Queensland. While some argue that private schooling offers unparalleled opportunities, others believe the rising costs are becoming unsustainable for many families.

Read: Petition Launched to Halt Auction of Sylvan Road Greenspace

The question of value—whether the facilities, programs, and opportunities justify the investment—is central to these discussions. Parents at Brisbane Boys’ College say they are committed to their children’s education but hope for greater transparency and more immediate improvements as the school implements its long-term vision.

Published 5-Dec-2024