Aquinas College vs St John's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 155 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Aquinas College
Ashmore · Catholic high school · 7-12
805 students · ICSEA 1058
St John's College
Nambour · Catholic high school · 7-12
927 students · ICSEA 1059
| Measure | Aquinas College Ashmore QLD | St John's College Nambour QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #62 of 269 | #53 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #509 of 1,472 | #462 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 805 | 927 |
| Girls / boys | 407 / 398 | 473 / 454 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 143 | 175 |
| Year 12 cohort | 116 | 135 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1058 | 1059 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 12.8 | 14.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.8 | 65.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.1 | 30.6 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Ashmore 4214 | Nambour 4560 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.aquinas.qld.edu.au | www.stjohns.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St John's College scores higher on the Success Index (62.1 vs 60.3).
- •St John's College has the higher ICSEA (1059 vs 1058), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Aquinas College has fewer students per teacher (12.8 vs 14.1).
- •St John's College is the larger school with 927 students compared with 805.
- •St John's College has grown faster over five years (10% vs -12%).
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 Aquinas College better than St John's College?
On the Success Index, St John's College ranks higher (62.1 vs 60.3 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 Aquinas College and St John's College?
About 155 km in a straight line, between Ashmore and Nambour in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Aquinas College has 12.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's College has 14.1.
How do Aquinas College and St John's College rank in QLD?
Aquinas College is 62nd of 269 and St John's College is 53rd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.