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Brisbane South State Secondary College

Australia, Brisbane

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 204
Type Co-educational
Opened 2021
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 23
Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Brisbane South State Secondary College is a co-educational independent public secondary school at 179 Annerley Road, Dutton Park, Brisbane. It offers the Australian Curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP). In Years 7–10, Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum is taught, while senior years follow Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority models integrated with IB. Four Senior Secondary Pathways are available: Queensland general, Queensland blended, IB Diploma Programme, and IB Career-Related Programme. English is the language of instruction; Chinese and Spanish are offered, with mother-tongue support for IB. Notable features include two Excellence Programs: AFL Academy (delivered with Brisbane Lions and AFL Queensland) and Biomedical Science Academy (with UQ). Facilities include flexible learning spaces, a Learning Street with Wellbeing Centre, a Resource Centre, on-site cafe, and access to UQ facilities. The college lies in Brisbane's Knowledge Corridor, collaborating with UQ to broaden opportunities.

The Essentials

Brisbane South State Secondary College has 204 pupils, typical class sizes of 23, instruction in English.

Location
179 Annerley Road, Dutton Park, Brisbane 4102, Australia. The college is located in Brisbane's inner-south in the Dutton Park area. The area is well serviced by public transport, including bus and rail services. There is limited on-site parking, so public transport is encouraged.

Stages
Year 7 to Year 12

Type
Co-educational independent public secondary school

Additional learning support
Support for students with diverse needs is provided through inclusive education practices and a dedicated team of educators. The college works with families, feeder schools and community organisations to plan transitions and learning.

School day structure
Classes start at 8:40am and finish at 2:50pm. Breaks are 11:10am–11:50am and 1:20pm–1:50pm, Monday to Friday. Students should not be on campus before 8:10am.

Bus service
Public bus services and rail access are available in the area; there is limited on-site parking; end-of-trip facilities are provided (showers, lockers and bicycle storage).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Formal uniform is worn daily to and from school and during all school activities, including excursions and photos. Senior students (Years 10–12) wear the school tie; the blazer is compulsory on Assembly days and for official events during Terms 2 and 3, and all uniform items (except shoes) are purchased from Noone; sport uniforms may be worn on Wednesdays and for timetabled PE or Dance/Drama classes with changes back to the formal uniform at breaks; hats for sun safety include the formal hat with the formal uniform and a bucket hat with the sport uniform. Shoes must be black leather.

Food Options
There is an on-campus cafe available for students. The cafe provides on-site food and beverage services.

House System
The school has a house system with inter-house sport competitions. Intra-school sport occurs weekly on Thursdays as part of the timetable, with inter-house competitions in WBSSSA contexts.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a government school owned by the Queensland Government and administered by the Department of Education. For international students, the college operates under Education Queensland International (EQI).
Fees
Application fees

- Biomedical Explorers (selective early‑entry program): non‑refundable application processing fee AUD 400.00. Successful applicants who accept a conditional offer pay a Biomedical Explorers Program fee of AUD 150.00 and a Biomedical Science Academy confirmation fee of AUD 200.00 (the confirmation fee is credited toward Year 7 Academy program fees where applicable).

- Biomedical Science Academy (selective pathway): out‑of‑catchment administration fee AUD 250.00 (in‑catchment applicants: no fee). All application fees required for academy or excellence‑program applications are non‑refundable.

- Excellence program and academy application fees (AFL Academy, other selective programs): application and confirmation fees are charged where stated for each program and are non‑refundable; specific program application amounts are shown on each program page when published.

Tuition and compulsory resource charges by year group

- Domestic (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, and eligible dependants): Queensland state schools do not charge tuition for domestic students. Instead, the college operates a voluntary Student Resource Scheme (SRS) that covers year‑level curriculum resources and consumables. The SRS is a separate participation charge (not a tuition fee).

- Student Resource Scheme (SRS) 2026 flat participation fees (annual amounts charged to participating families):
- Years 7–9: AUD 210.00 per year (per‑term equivalent AUD 52.50).
- Year 10: AUD 310.00 per year (per‑term equivalent AUD 77.50).
- Years 11–12: AUD 60.00 per year (per‑term equivalent AUD 15.00).
These SRS fees are issued as a single annual invoice for families. The Queensland Government Textbook and Resource Allowance (TRA) is applied where eligible and reduces the effective SRS cost for Years 7–12 (TRA 2026 rates: Years 7–10 AUD 164.00 per student; Years 11–12 AUD 357.00 per student).

- International (full‑fee paying) students: the college is accredited to accept international students through Education Queensland International (EQI). The college publishes an International Costs and Fees table that lists which items are included and not included in EQI enrolment packages (for example: SRS inclusions, music and sport levies, homestay and camps may be treated separately). Specific per‑year international tuition amounts are invoiced under EQI arrangements and are not included as domestic SRS charges. (School program documents list inclusions/exclusions for international enrolments and link to the EQI program administration.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- SRS billing: SRS is billed as a single annual invoice for families (one invoice covering the full year). Per‑program or subject costs that must be billed separately (for example some electives or academy program charges) may be invoiced at different times as required. Payment timing for particular activities (for example, music program invoices) is specified on those program letters and invoices.

- Timing examples: music program participation invoices have previously been issued in March with payment required to continue participation into the following term; excellence‑program application and confirmation fees are charged at application or offer stages as stated on each program page.

- Payment terms and arrangements: standard Queensland state‑school practice applies: invoices include due dates and families may set up payment plans or instalments where allowed by the school. If a payment plan is not agreed, invoice due‑dates are expected to be met; unpaid balances may be managed under the school's debt‑management procedures. For TRA‑eligible students the TRA is applied to SRS or refunded where families opt out of SRS participation.

Boarding and accommodation

- On‑campus boarding: the college does not operate on‑site boarding facilities. Residential boarding is not a standard provision at this college.

- Homestay for international students: a school‑administered homestay program is in place for international students; host families are screened and supported by the college's international team. Homestay placement arrangements and related fees (placement fee, weekly homestay rates, holiday homestay) are managed through the international program/EQI arrangements and are billed separately.

Other costs and routine charges

- Uniforms: uniforms are provided through the college's authorised supplier NOONE (uniform shop on campus with online ordering available). Uniform purchases are an additional family cost; opening hours and online shopping details are published by the uniform provider. No fixed uniform price is printed in the SRS notice itself; families purchase uniforms directly from the supplier.

- Music / Instrumental program: participation carries an annual participation fee (example previous SRS/year program amount: AUD 150.00 per year) and instrument hire is available for an additional annual fee (example previously published: AUD 120.00 per year). Program invoices are issued in term‑time and payment is required to maintain participation.

- Elective or subject‑specific costs: certain electives and academy elective costs (for example, Biomedical Science Academy elective elements, specialist workshops, artist incursions within Instrumental Music) must be charged separately to comply with departmental policy; these costs are invoiced as required.

- Excursions, camps and extracurricular activities: these are charged on a cost‑recovery basis; invoices are issued per activity and refunds (see below) depend on costs already incurred for the activity.

Refund information

- Excursions, camps and extra‑curricular activity refunds: a parent may request a refund for payments made for these activities where a student will not participate; refunds depend on whether the college has already incurred costs for the activity. Where possible refundable amounts are credited to the student's account to offset future charges. A formal Request for Refund form is used.

- Student Resource Scheme (SRS) refunds and leaving the school mid‑year: SRS refund arrangements follow the Student Resource Scheme procedure and the school's SRS information; the TRA is applied as required for eligible students. Specific SRS refund mechanics (for example deductions for non‑returned or damaged hired resources) are managed under the SRS participation agreement and school practice.

- Program application and confirmation fees: application processing fees and non‑refundable program application fees (for selective programs) are non‑refundable as stated on each program page. Confirmation fees may be credited toward later program charges where specified.

Fee payment options (methods commonly accepted for school invoices)

- Accepted payment methods for SRS and school invoices include the Department's secure online card gateway (BPOINT / QParents links on emailed invoices), BPAY, EFT (electronic bank transfer), EFTPOS (on‑site card), cheque, and Centrepay where applicable. Families may arrange payment plans or direct debit/instalment arrangements through the finance office. For program‑specific payments (uniforms, NOONE online shop, homestay placement fees) the supplier or program invoice will list the accepted payment methods for that charge.

Practical notes (straightforward points for parents)

- Tuition for domestic students: no tuition charge; budget for the annual SRS participation fee by year level and for program‑specific charges (music, electives, academy fees, excursions, uniforms, homestay if applicable).

- SRS invoice timing: the college issues one annual invoice for the SRS; elective, program and activity invoices appear at program deadlines or when activities are confirmed. Families may request payment arrangements through the college finance office.

- International students: international tuition and homestay arrangements are administered through EQI and the college's international office; international packages treat some school charges differently (inclusions/exclusions) to domestic SRS arrangements. Specific international tuition tariffs are set and invoiced under EQI arrangements.
Academics

Brisbane South State Secondary College teaches Australian Curriculum, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme).

Curriculum
Brisbane South State Secondary College offers four Senior Secondary Pathways: Queensland curriculum general pathway; Queensland curriculum blended pathway; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; and International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme. Subject offerings include International Baccalaureate, General, Applied and VET courses. In Years 7–10 the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 is used, and in the senior years the college uses Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and IB-based curriculum models. English is the language of instruction, with Chinese and Spanish offered as languages; mother-tongue support is provided for IB programmes. The college runs two Excellence Programs: AFL Academy (delivered in partnership with Brisbane Lions and AFL Queensland) and Biomedical Science Academy (in collaboration with The University of Queensland).

Higher Education Progression
IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification that prepares students for success at university and beyond.

Gifted and Talented
AFL Academy and Biomedical Science Academy.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Chaplains provide individual and group support to students for social and emotional wellbeing in areas such as peer relationships, social skills and self-esteem, engagement at school, grief and loss, and family breakdown. Chaplains engage in positive lunchtime and holiday activities and community involvement.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Head of Inclusive Practices provides a comprehensive student support program within the school environment aligned to the Inclusive Education Policy; they liaise with students, parents/guardians, teachers, learning partners/teacher aides or external providers as needed to best support students. Teaching and support take into account individual circumstances including disability, mental health and wellbeing, religious and cultural considerations, home environment and care arrangements when teaching expectations or applying disciplinary consequences.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Language Equity Programme bridges inequities in English language access and development by providing focused support to English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) students. It develops personalised learning plans and includes strategies to learn English, learn through English and learn about English; EALD students receive language development to access the curriculum. English is the primary language of instruction and social interaction, with Chinese and Spanish offered as language options.

Mental Wellbeing
The college uses the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework to promote positive relationships and wellbeing for all students, staff and visitors, and learning is optimised when students feel connected, safe and respected. The Concordium Leadership Program strengthens wellbeing through student leadership and collaboration with college staff to foster an inclusive, respectful culture and safe online and physical environments. Student voice and partnerships with families and community support wellbeing and leadership development.

Safeguarding
Head of Inclusive Practices provides a comprehensive student support program aligned to the Inclusive Education Policy and liaises with students, parents/guardians, teachers, learning partners/teacher aides or external providers to support students. Consideration of individual circumstances including disability, mental health and wellbeing, religious and cultural considerations, home environment and care arrangements is applied when teaching expectations and disciplinary consequences. A restorative practices approach addresses conflict and repairs relationships, and the college uses the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework to promote safe, respectful learning environments, with policies and procedures for bullying prevention and cyberbullying response.
Parent Experience

History
Foundation Principal Kirsten Ferdinands was appointed in September 2019. The college commenced its first intake of Foundation Year 7 students in January 2021, delivering an innovative curriculum in collaboration with The University of Queensland. In January 2024 Brisbane South State Secondary College began Senior Secondary education. The college is located at the heart of Brisbane's Knowledge Corridor and collaborates with The University of Queensland and other leading research facilities and institutions to provide enriched learning opportunities and additional enrolment capacity within the inner Brisbane secondary schools network.

Community
Brisbane South State Secondary College is South East Queensland's newest secondary school, positioned at the heart of Brisbane's Knowledge Corridor. The collaboration with The University of Queensland provides on-campus experiences and access to resources from across UQ faculties, including premium university sporting facilities. Learning opportunities extend internationally through connections with organisations such as the Translational Research Institute (TRI) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The school maintains active community involvement through partnerships and the Parents and Citizens' Association, which supports school activities, resources and fundraising.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents and Citizens' Association works in productive partnership with Brisbane South State Secondary College and the wider community to promote the interests of the school and support its development and improvement. P&Cs provide feedback and advice on school policies and activities, assist in providing resources to enhance student outcomes, and are involved in fundraising and school functions. To become a member, complete the P&C Membership Form. P&C meetings are held regularly, including 2026 meeting dates, and meetings take place at 5:30pm in the Research & Innovation Centre, Level 3, Creative Hub. The P&C Executive Team includes President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Secondhand uniforms are provided through the BSSSC Uniform Pool rather than a school-run shop, and the contact details for the P&C are info@brisbanesouthsscpandc.org.au.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Individual and group learning areas, quiet spaces, and flexible study spaces support learning. Students have access to the latest equipment and device connectivity across the campus for mobile learning. The campus includes performance spaces and sporting facilities, plus an on-campus cafe and uniform shop. The Learning Street concept provides a holistic support structure with a Wellbeing Centre and access to counsellors and guidance officers. A Resource Centre with ICT support, library resources and flexible student workspaces supports student learning, alongside a dedicated Student Services Centre.

Sports Facilities
The school uses sporting facilities at The University of Queensland's St Lucia campus under an agreement through 2028. Intra-school sport is conducted weekly as a timetabled activity, using school grounds and UQ facilities. Students can trial for West Brisbane Secondary School Sport Association competitions, with training and trials offered within and after school hours. Originally, off-site playing fields were planned at Rocklea, but the site cannot be feasibly remediated and is being disposed.

Academic Facilities
Campus features include individual and group learning areas, quiet spaces, and flexible study spaces to support independent and collaborative work. Students have access to latest equipment and device connectivity across the campus for mobile learning. The campus includes performance spaces and sporting facilities; a Learning Street provides a holistic wellbeing support with access to counsellors and guidance officers. The Resource Centre offers ICT support, library resources, and flexible student workspaces, and there is a dedicated Student Services Centre to assist with student enquiries. An on-campus cafe and uniform shop support student life on campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Intra-school sport is held weekly, with inter-house competition and access to facilities on site and at the University of Queensland. Students can trial for WBSSSA competitions, with training during and after school hours. The AFL Academy provides additional pathways for interested students. The Instrumental Music Program offers ensembles and tuition, including Strings Orchestra, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and String Ensemble, with weekly rehearsals and opportunities for performances, camps, workshops and competitions. All ensembles are a compulsory part of the program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. AFL Academy is a selective-entry program. The Biomedical Science Academy is offered in collaboration with The University of Queensland, and the Biomedical Explorers Program provides an early-entry pathway for current Year 5 students.

Arts & Creative
The school runs an Instrumental Music Program with group tuition and ensembles (Strings Orchestra, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble) and two weekly contact times for students. Students participate in performances, camps, workshops and competitions as part of the program. The Open Day and Arts Soiree showcase drama workshopping, music and visual arts, highlighting the school's arts emphasis. Extra-curricular pathways focus on artistic development as part of the school's broader program.

Social & Hobbies
Propel, the school's Student Leadership Program, offers opportunities for junior leaders to develop leadership skills and lead positive change. The Chaplain runs lunchtime and holiday activities and supports student wellbeing and community involvement. Arts and music activities provide social engagement and opportunities to perform and collaborate with peers.

Community & Service
The Chaplain supports charitable and community involvement through lunchtime and holiday activities. The P&C Association partners with the school to promote community engagement and fundraising activities. Propel Leaders collaborate on Legacy Projects to promote connection, wellbeing and inclusivity within the school and the wider community.

Leadership & Professional
Propel is the school's formal Student Leadership Program, fostering leadership development from junior years. The leadership structure includes Local Leadership (Class Representatives), State Leadership (Propel Leaders) and Federal Leadership (Captains and Prefects), with students taking active roles in shaping school culture. The program emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning and community impact.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
All students engage in Intra-School Sport on a weekly basis as part of a regular timetabled lesson. Sporting clubs and extracurricular activities run before, during (lunch) and after school, with a wide range of sports offered and opportunities to trial for WBSSSA competitions. The school also hosts programs such as the AFL Academy to support sport and physical activity, and offers access to sport facilities and training as part of its wellbeing focus.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. The college teaches Chinese and Spanish; Years 7–10 offer Chinese and Spanish, and Years 11–12 provide Language B options in Spanish and Chinese, including ab initio. English as an Additional Language supports students whose home language is not English, and General English and English Language A: Language and Literature are offered in senior years. Mother Tongue Support is provided within the IB Diploma and IB Career-Related Programmes.
Reputation

Accreditations
International Baccalaureate World School – authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
CRICOS Provider Code: 00608A.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enrolment Guidelines and Enrolment Management Plan. Enrolment follows the Education (General Provisions) Act and Department of Education guidelines. The Enrolment Management Plan sets out how enrolments are allocated and may restrict out-of-catchment enrolments to manage capacity. The Executive Principal is responsible for all decisions on selective entry enrolment, and the decision will be final.

2. Enrolments for 2026 and 2027. Applications are open for Years 7 to 12 in 2026 and 2027; families residing within the designated catchment area are invited to apply via the In-Catchment Enrolment form. As part of the application, you must upload supporting documentation to verify your residential address to comply with the Enrolment Management Plan. Evidence of residency documents is required to proceed with the application. For further information, contact the Enrolments Team. turn1view0turn3view0

3. International and International Baccalaureate Programme. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Applications for the 2026 IB Programme have now closed, with information for 2027 applications to be posted when available. IB admissions are governed by criteria outlined in the Admissions Policy, and new-student criteria are published there. Applications for the Diploma Programme must include report cards and a suitability letter.

4. Selective Entry Programs. The college offers Selective Entry Programs, including the Biomedical Science Academy and the AFL Academy; All students, both within catchment and out-of-catchment, are entitled to apply for a Selective Entry Program. The Principal makes all final decisions on selective entry enrolment. How to Apply: Applications for the 2027 AFL Academy and Biomedical Science Academy are now open. Biomedical Explorers Program is an early-entry pathway for younger students. For inquiries, contact the Administration Hub or email selectiveentry@brisbanesouthssc.eq.edu.au.

5. Selective Entry Information Sessions and Open Day. Information sessions for selective entry will be held in Term 1 2027, with dates advertised in advance. The 2026 Open Day was held on 12 May 2026, with a similar date expected in 2027. Open Day and information sessions provide insight into each program and the application process.

6. International Students and Admissions Considerations. International students are welcome; Education Queensland International (EQI) requires AEAS testing for international entrants. Newly arrived domestic international students may need to provide language-proficiency evidence, and AEAS results help determine readiness for entry, including for IB programmes. The AEAS test must be completed prior to an offer of admission, and results are considered with other information. The Admissions Policy also outlines criteria for IBDP and IBCP admissions for new students. The college publishes international costs and fees tables for 2026.

7. Contacting Enrolments. For questions about enrolment, the Enrolments Team can be reached at enrolments@brisbanesouthssc.eq.edu.au.
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