Thousands of Queensland students, including those in Toowong, are vying for limited spots in the state’s top selective schools, with just over a third making the cut. As competition intensifies, parents are turning to expensive tutoring from as early as age six to improve their children’s chances.
Queensland’s selective state high schools are facing unprecedented demand, with entry rates at an all-time low. Recent figures show that out of nearly 2,500 applicants, only 700 students were accepted into the three Queensland Academy campuses—one of which is located in Toowong, the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology.
Parents are investing heavily in tutoring services, with some enrolling their children in preparation courses years in advance. Experts warn that the extreme competition is not only financially straining families but also putting unnecessary pressure on young students.
Limited Spots, High Costs, and Rising Parental Pressure
The Queensland selective school system currently consists of three state-run institutions:
- Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT)
- Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI)
- Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS)
Each year, thousands of students compete for entry, paying a $250 non-refundable application fee.
- QACI had only 174 places available.
- QAHS offered 179 spots.
- QASMT in Toowong, the most sought-after, admitted just 250 students.
Brisbane State High School (BSHS) also runs an out-of-catchment entrance exam, but of the 524 students who applied last year, only 124 secured a spot, with families paying $420 in processing fees.
Tutoring From Age Six: A Growing Trend in Toowong and Beyond
Education experts report that parents are enrolling children in tutoring from as early as Year 1, hoping to prepare them for the rigorous entrance exams.
E-Yong Lee, founder of Lee Excellence Education Academy, said many parents worry that their children will not get into high-performing schools. He explained that some families start tutoring when their child enters primary school.
Six-year-old Emily Paterson, already enrolled in tutoring, is part of this growing trend. Her mother, Jettie Fan, believes early preparation will give Emily a strong foundation.
Tutor Prabhjot Singh, who prepares students for QASMT entrance exams, has seen a sharp rise in demand. He stated that even Year 5 students are coming in for high school entrance exam tutoring.
Queensland’s Selective Schools Lag Behind NSW
Experts argue that Queensland’s limited number of selective schools is putting regional students at a disadvantage.
Currently, NSW has 17 fully selective schools and 25 partially selective schools, many located outside Sydney. In contrast, Queensland’s three academies are all concentrated in Southeast Queensland, leaving gifted students in regional areas with few options.
Dr Matthew White, an inclusive education expert from Australian Catholic University, believes Queensland should expand its selective school network. However, a Queensland Department of Education spokeswoman confirmed that there are no plans to establish additional selective schools. Instead, she pointed to regional ‘Programs of Excellence’, such as those at Cairns State High School and Rangeville State School in Toowoomba.
Critics argue that while these programs provide enrichment opportunities, they do not match the academic intensity of selective schools.
The Mental Toll of Selective School Exams
While some students thrive in competitive academic environments, experts warn that rejection from selective schools can negatively impact students’ self-esteem.
Dr White highlighted that students who fail to secure a spot often experience lower academic self-confidence. Additionally, the high cost of tutoring and exam fees is placing financial strain on many families, raising concerns that selective schooling is becoming an exclusive opportunity for wealthier students.
What’s Next for Queensland’s Selective Schools?
As pressure mounts on the state government to address Queensland’s selective school shortfall, education experts continue to push for a more inclusive model.
With no immediate plans for new selective schools, the debate will likely intensify as more families turn to expensive tutoring services to boost their children’s chances. For now, students in Toowong and across Queensland face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the state’s most sought-after high schools.
Published 19-Feb-2025