Atherton State High School vs Tolga State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 4.2 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
Tolga State School
Tolga · Government primary · Prep-6
269 students · ICSEA 981
| Measure | Atherton State High School Atherton QLD | Tolga State School Tolga QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #171 of 269 | #496 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1067 of 1,472 | #3551 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 781 | 269 |
| Girls / boys | 408 / 373 | 130 / 139 |
| Foundation intake | – | 32 |
| Year 7 cohort | 141 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 108 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 963 | 981 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 32% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 64.8 | 19.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 11.8 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 12% |
| Suburb | Atherton 4883 | Tolga 4882 |
| Council area | Tablelands | Tablelands |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | athertonshs.eq.edu.au | tolgass.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Tolga State School scores higher on the Success Index (38.3 vs 34.8).
- •Tolga State School has the higher ICSEA (981 vs 963), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Atherton State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 13.7).
- •Atherton State High School is the larger school with 781 students compared with 269.
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 Tolga State School?
On the Success Index, Tolga State School ranks higher (38.3 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 Tolga State School?
About 4.2 km in a straight line, between Atherton and Tolga in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Atherton State High School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tolga State School has 13.7.
How do Atherton State High School and Tolga State School rank in QLD?
Atherton State High School is 171st of 269 and Tolga State School is 496th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.