The school employs a variety of selection criteria for prospective students, maintaining a quota for local area enrolments, however also using academic, sporting, cultural and artistic talents as means of determining the annual intake.

Mr Isaac Waddle, the Brisbane State High School's first Principal, served for 24 years and devised the school's motto "Scientia est Potestas" (Knowledge is Power) whilst overseeing the establishment of the house system in the patriotic days of the Second World War.

[13] The headmastership of David Sutton (1998–2008) witnessed a revival in ceremony and tradition coupled with continual academic improvement.

[15] Sutton's successor, Richard Morrison, reformed the selection process for academic-merit entrants, introduced the 'Aspire' program and led the re-branding of the school.

A wide range of activities are offered in the GPS including, Australian Rules Football, athletics, basketball, chess, cricket, cross country, debating, rowing, rugby union, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball.

[citation needed] A wide range of sporting and other similar activities are offered Queensland Girls' Secondary Schools' Sports Association competitions, including Australian Rules Football, athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross country, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics, field hockey, netball, softball, touch football, waterpolo, and fencing.

The school performs exceedingly well in these fields, with the Symphony Orchestra coming first in Australia in Fanfare 2005 held in Melbourne, and first in Queensland in 2007.

[citation needed] Brisbane State High School ensembles have been grand finalists in the Creative Generation Instrumental Fanfare every year since 2006, and winning the Erica Brindley Memorial Trophy in 2006, 2012, 2014 and 2022.

[25] The school also hosts musical productions and offers vocal ensembles, dance, and drama programs.

[citation needed] In 2021, the Bellissima choir was a grand finalist in the Creative Generation Choral Fanfare.

The Upper Campus is the site of the school's original building and central administrative block constructed in 1920s brick architecture.

The upper quadrangle extends out from this building with the library and the two storey computer block forming frontal wings.

In addition, the Upper Campus houses the mathematics rooms, the science laboratories, the manual arts complex, sports facility, tennis courts and oval.

In 2008/09, massive redevelopment projects totaling $20.5 million saw the performing arts block moved to a new and larger facility at the other end of the Lower Campus.

Cricket, rugby and football are large users of the facilities, with games taking place on weekends and on various afternoons.

Founded in 1996 as a gift from that year's departing seniors, the museum contains documents, photographs and other memorabilia charting the school from its inception to its recent past.