Atherton State School vs Tolga State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 4.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Atherton State School
Atherton · Government primary · Prep-6
331 students · ICSEA 903
Tolga State School
Tolga · Government primary · Prep-6
269 students · ICSEA 981
| Measure | Atherton State School Atherton QLD | Tolga State School Tolga QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #680 of 804 | #496 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4475 of 4,908 | #3551 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 331 | 269 |
| Girls / boys | 155 / 176 | 130 / 139 |
| Foundation intake | 32 | 32 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -22% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 903 | 981 |
| ICSEA percentile | 11th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 32% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 29.2 | 19.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.6 | 11.8 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 38% | 12% |
| Suburb | Atherton 4883 | Tolga 4882 |
| Council area | Tablelands | Tablelands |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | athertonss.eq.edu.au | tolgass.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Tolga State School scores higher on the Success Index (38.3 vs 25.2).
- •Tolga State School has the higher ICSEA (981 vs 903), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Atherton State School has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 13.7).
- •Atherton State School is the larger school with 331 students compared with 269.
- •Tolga State School has grown faster over five years (-17% 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 Atherton State School better than Tolga State School?
On the Success Index, Tolga State School ranks higher (38.3 vs 25.2 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 School and Tolga State School?
About 4.3 km in a straight line, between Atherton and Tolga in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Atherton State School has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tolga State School has 13.7.
How do Atherton State School and Tolga State School rank in QLD?
Atherton State School is 680th of 804 and Tolga State School is 496th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.