A B Paterson College vs Sheldon College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 42 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
Sheldon College
Sheldon · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,481 students · ICSEA 1124
| Measure | A B Paterson College Arundel QLD | Sheldon College Sheldon QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #56 of 275 | #43 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #324 of 1,259 | #290 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,652 | 1,481 |
| Girls / boys | 864 / 788 | 706 / 775 |
| Foundation intake | 112 | 95 |
| Year 7 cohort | 150 | 141 |
| Year 12 cohort | 137 | 90 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1123 | 1124 |
| ICSEA percentile | 90th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 47% | 48% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 113.2 | 109.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 76.4 | 89.7 |
| Language background other than English | 49% | 44% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Arundel 4214 | Sheldon 4157 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Redland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.abpat.qld.edu.au | www.sheldoncollege.com |
The verdict
- •Sheldon College scores higher on the Success Index (68.8 vs 67.1).
- •Sheldon College has the higher ICSEA (1124 vs 1123), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sheldon College has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 14.6).
- •A B Paterson College is the larger school with 1,652 students compared with 1,481.
- •Sheldon College has grown faster over five years (16% vs 9%).
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 Sheldon College?
On the Success Index, Sheldon College ranks higher (68.8 vs 67.1 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 Sheldon College?
About 42 km in a straight line, between Arundel and Sheldon in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
A B Paterson College has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sheldon College has 13.5.
How do A B Paterson College and Sheldon College rank in QLD?
A B Paterson College is 56th of 275 and Sheldon College is 43rd of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.