Atherton State High School vs Sunnybank State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 1385 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
Sunnybank State High School
Sunnybank · Government high school · 7-12
641 students · ICSEA 963
| Measure | Atherton State High School Atherton QLD | Sunnybank State High School Sunnybank QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #171 of 269 | #142 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1067 of 1,472 | #885 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 781 | 641 |
| Girls / boys | 408 / 373 | 287 / 354 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 141 | 116 |
| Year 12 cohort | 108 | 76 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | -5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 963 | 963 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 30th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 64.8 | 56.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 29.2 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 66% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 5% |
| Suburb | Atherton 4883 | Sunnybank 4109 |
| Council area | Tablelands | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | athertonshs.eq.edu.au | sunnybankshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sunnybank State High School scores higher on the Success Index (43.0 vs 34.8).
- •Sunnybank State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 12.0).
- •Atherton State High School is the larger school with 781 students compared with 641.
- •Sunnybank State High School has grown faster over five years (-5% vs -12%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Atherton State High School better than Sunnybank State High School?
On the Success Index, Sunnybank State High School ranks higher (43.0 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 Sunnybank State High School?
About 1385 km in a straight line, between Atherton and Sunnybank in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Atherton State High School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sunnybank State High School has 11.4.
How do Atherton State High School and Sunnybank State High School rank in QLD?
Atherton State High School is 171st of 269 and Sunnybank State High School is 142nd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.