Atherton State High School vs Hervey Bay State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 1172 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Atherton State High School
Atherton · Government high school · 7-12
781 students · ICSEA 963
Hervey Bay State High School
Pialba · Government high school · 7-12
1,280 students · ICSEA 963
| Measure | Atherton State High School Atherton QLD | Hervey Bay State High School Pialba QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #171 of 269 | #123 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1067 of 1,472 | #788 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 781 | 1,280 |
| Girls / boys | 408 / 373 | 653 / 627 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 141 | 258 |
| Year 12 cohort | 108 | 143 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 963 | 963 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 30th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 11.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 64.8 | 111.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 46.7 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 14% |
| Suburb | Atherton 4883 | Pialba 4655 |
| Council area | Tablelands | Fraser Coast |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | athertonshs.eq.edu.au | herveybayshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Hervey Bay State High School scores higher on the Success Index (47.5 vs 34.8).
- •Hervey Bay State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 12.0).
- •Hervey Bay State High School is the larger school with 1,280 students compared with 781.
- •Hervey Bay State High School has grown faster over five years (3% 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 Atherton State High School better than Hervey Bay State High School?
On the Success Index, Hervey Bay State High School ranks higher (47.5 vs 34.8 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 Atherton State High School and Hervey Bay State High School?
About 1172 km in a straight line, between Atherton and Pialba in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Atherton State High School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Hervey Bay State High School has 11.5.
How do Atherton State High School and Hervey Bay State High School rank in QLD?
Atherton State High School is 171st of 269 and Hervey Bay State High School is 123rd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.