A B Paterson College vs Coombabah State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
A B Paterson College
Arundel · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,652 students · ICSEA 1123
Coombabah State High School
Coombabah · Government high school · 7-12
1,113 students · ICSEA 977
| Measure | A B Paterson College Arundel QLD | Coombabah State High School Coombabah QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 35 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #56 of 275 | #167 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #324 of 1,259 | #1055 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,652 | 1,113 |
| Girls / boys | 864 / 788 | 483 / 630 |
| Foundation intake | 112 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 150 | 199 |
| Year 12 cohort | 137 | 140 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | -7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1123 | 977 |
| ICSEA percentile | 90th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 47% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 40% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 113.2 | 91.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 76.4 | 37.7 |
| Language background other than English | 49% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 8% |
| Suburb | Arundel 4214 | Coombabah 4216 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.abpat.qld.edu.au | coombabashs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •A B Paterson College scores higher on the Success Index (67.1 vs 35.3).
- •A B Paterson College has the higher ICSEA (1123 vs 977), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Coombabah State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 14.6).
- •A B Paterson College is the larger school with 1,652 students compared with 1,113.
- •A B Paterson College has grown faster over five years (9% vs -7%).
- •A B Paterson College is a independent school while Coombabah State High School is a government school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is A B Paterson College better than Coombabah State High School?
On the Success Index, A B Paterson College ranks higher (67.1 vs 35.3 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are A B Paterson College and Coombabah State High School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Arundel and Coombabah in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
A B Paterson College has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Coombabah State High School has 12.2.
How do A B Paterson College and Coombabah State High School rank in QLD?
A B Paterson College is 56th of 275 and Coombabah State High School is 167th of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.