Applethorpe State School vs Thulimbah State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 8.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Applethorpe State School
Applethorpe · Government primary · Prep-6
79 students · ICSEA 952
Thulimbah State School
Thulimbah · Government primary · Prep-6
21 students · ICSEA 904
| Measure | Applethorpe State School Applethorpe QLD | Thulimbah State School Thulimbah QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | – |
| National rank (type) | – | – |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 79 | 21 |
| Girls / boys | 33 / 46 | 12 / 9 |
| Foundation intake | 11 | 2 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +41% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 952 | 904 |
| ICSEA percentile | 26th | 12th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 0% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 18.4 | 8.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 4.3 | 2.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.2 | 1.9 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 24% |
| Suburb | Applethorpe 4378 | Thulimbah 4376 |
| Council area | Southern Downs | Southern Downs |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | applethorpess.eq.edu.au | thulimbahss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Applethorpe State School scores higher on the Success Index (28.7 vs 24.6).
- •Applethorpe State School has the higher ICSEA (952 vs 904), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Thulimbah State School has fewer students per teacher (8.8 vs 18.4).
- •Applethorpe State School is the larger school with 79 students compared with 21.
- •Applethorpe State School has grown faster over five years (41% vs -22%).
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 Applethorpe State School better than Thulimbah State School?
On the Success Index, Applethorpe State School ranks higher (28.7 vs 24.6 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 Applethorpe State School and Thulimbah State School?
About 8.7 km in a straight line, between Applethorpe and Thulimbah in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Applethorpe State School has 18.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thulimbah State School has 8.8.
How do Applethorpe State School and Thulimbah State School rank in QLD?
Applethorpe State School is unranked and Thulimbah State School is unranked among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.