When it comes to selecting a high school, parents often seek a balance between academic rigor, extracurricular opportunities, spiritual development, and values-based education.
For many families in Brisbane, Catholic girls’ schools offer this combination in abundance. These schools not only provide high-quality education but also foster a sense of community, leadership, and personal growth in young women.
Catholic girls’ schools in Brisbane are renowned for their commitment to excellence, both academically and spiritually.
The focus is on developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life’s challenges, with an emphasis on faith, service, and social responsibility.
Whether you are looking for a school that offers a challenging academic curriculum, leadership opportunities, or a strong Catholic foundation, Brisbane’s Catholic girls’ schools are designed to help your daughter thrive.
This guide will explore some of the top Catholic girls’ schools in Brisbane, highlighting their unique programs, values, and opportunities for students.
If you are considering a Catholic education for your daughter, read on to learn about some of the best options available in Brisbane.
1. Stuartholme School
Located in Toowong, Stuartholme School, a leading Catholic girls’ school Brisbane, is one of the city’s most prestigious institutions. Founded in 1920 by the Presentation Sisters, Stuartholme is known for its strong academic reputation, commitment to developing leadership skills, and emphasis on spiritual growth.
Key Features of Stuartholme School:
- Academic Excellence: Stuartholme offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to challenge and engage students across a range of subjects. With strong performances in the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) test and consistent high academic results, Stuartholme is regarded as one of the top schools in Brisbane.
- Catholic Faith: As a Catholic institution, Stuartholme places a significant emphasis on the spiritual development of its students. Regular Mass, religious education, and retreats are central to the school’s ethos. The school encourages students to live out their faith in their daily actions and in their relationships with others.
- Leadership Development: Stuartholme offers numerous leadership opportunities through student councils, mentoring programs, and a variety of extracurricular activities. The school actively fosters the development of strong, ethical leaders who will make a positive impact on their communities.
- Extracurricular Programs: With a diverse range of sports, arts, and cultural activities, Stuartholme provides students with ample opportunities to explore their talents and interests outside of the classroom. The school offers everything from elite sports programs to drama and music ensembles.
2. All Hallows’ School
All Hallows’ School, located in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, is one of the oldest Catholic girls’ schools in the region, founded in 1861. Known for its strong academic record, emphasis on holistic development, and commitment to the Catholic faith, All Hallows’ continues to uphold its tradition of excellence.
Key Features of All Hallows’ School:
- Strong Academic Program: All Hallows’ provides a rigorous academic curriculum that is complemented by a broad range of subjects. The school has a reputation for consistently producing high-achieving students who excel in both university and vocational pathways.
- Spiritual Development: Central to All Hallows’ ethos is its Catholic faith-based education. Students regularly participate in Mass, religious education classes, and retreats, which allow them to deepen their relationship with God and their understanding of Catholic teachings.
- Pastoral Care: All Hallows’ places great importance on the well-being and personal development of its students. The school has a strong pastoral care program, offering support in academic, emotional, and social areas, which helps to foster a safe and inclusive environment.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: The school offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and leadership programs. These activities allow students to develop skills beyond the classroom and contribute to their personal growth.
3. St. Rita’s College
Located in Clayfield, St. Rita’s College is a well-regarded Catholic girls’ school with a history spanning nearly a century. Since its founding in 1926, St. Rita’s has built a reputation for its high academic standards and its emphasis on nurturing the personal and spiritual growth of students.
Key Features of St. Rita’s College:
- Academic Excellence: St. Rita’s offers a balanced and challenging academic curriculum. The school is well-known for its outstanding results in the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and its strong preparation for university education.
- Catholic Identity: At St. Rita’s, Catholic values are woven into every aspect of school life. Students are encouraged to develop their faith through religious education, participation in Mass, and community service projects.
- Holistic Development: St. Rita’s takes a holistic approach to education, focusing on the academic, spiritual, and personal development of each student. The school encourages students to participate in various activities that help them develop as well-rounded individuals.
- Extra-Curricular Opportunities: The school offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities, including sports, performing arts, and community engagement programs. These opportunities provide students with a chance to explore their passions and develop leadership skills.
4. Loreto College Coorparoo
Loreto College Coorparoo is a Catholic girls’ school that has been serving the Brisbane community for over 90 years. With a focus on academic achievement, personal growth, and community involvement, Loreto College offers a nurturing environment for young women to flourish.
Key Features of Loreto College Coorparoo:
- Academic Achievement: Loreto College provides a rigorous academic program, with a broad curriculum designed to cater to diverse student interests. The school consistently achieves high academic results, with many students continuing their education at top universities in Australia.
- Catholic Values: Loreto College is grounded in the tradition of the Loreto Sisters, and students are encouraged to live out the values of faith, justice, and service. Religious education and spiritual formation are integral parts of school life.
- Community Engagement: The school places a strong emphasis on service to others. Students are encouraged to take part in social justice projects and community outreach initiatives, both locally and internationally.
- Extracurricular Activities: Loreto offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including sports, music, drama, and leadership programs. These activities allow students to grow in confidence and develop essential life skills.
5. Mt. Alvernia College
Located in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, Mt. Alvernia College is a vibrant Catholic girls’ school known for its commitment to academic excellence, community service, and spiritual development. With a focus on nurturing the potential of each student, Mt. Alvernia College provides a well-rounded education that prepares young women for the future.
Key Features of Mt. Alvernia College:
- Academic Excellence: The school offers a strong academic curriculum, which is complemented by a range of vocational education and training (VET) options. Students are supported in achieving their personal best and are well-prepared for further education or the workforce.
- Catholic Faith Formation: Faith is at the heart of Mt. Alvernia College’s mission. Students are encouraged to grow spiritually through regular Mass, retreats, and faith-based activities.
- Pastoral Care: The school provides excellent pastoral care, ensuring that each student is supported academically, socially, and emotionally. The school aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel safe and valued.
- Extracurricular Activities: Mt. Alvernia College offers a variety of extracurricular activities, from sports and music to drama and community service programs. These activities provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and discover their passions.
Choosing a Catholic girls’ school in Brisbane is about more than just academics—it’s about finding a place that nurtures your daughter’s personal, academic, and spiritual growth.
The schools listed here represent the best that Brisbane has to offer in terms of education, values, and extracurricular opportunities.
Whether you are looking for a school with a strong academic reputation, a focus on Catholic values, or a well-rounded extracurricular program, Brisbane’s Catholic girls’ schools are committed to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in life.
For more information about Catholic education in Queensland, visit the Queensland Catholic Education Commission.
