Is Ipswich State High School as as bad as they say?

Since moving to Ipswich 4 years ago I have been researching High Schools. My children go to Brassall and frankly untill 18months ago the Ipswich High kids scared me. There have been noticable changes in the school, the new uniform is well enforced. After talking to teachers, parents of the school and looking at the programs they offer, I have come to this conclusion: If your child is interested in learning and you are interested in what they are up to and what friends they make, then Ippy High is not that bad, not that bad at all

Im trying to find that out too....I'm very worried as it's the school my child will have to goto (via locality) - 5 x locals have said they wouldn't send their children there...