Back Plains State School vs Ballandean State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 101 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Back Plains State School
Back Plains · Government primary · Prep-6
28 students · ICSEA 992
Ballandean State School
Ballandean · Government primary · Prep-6
60 students · ICSEA 992
| Measure | Back Plains State School Back Plains QLD | Ballandean State School Ballandean QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | – |
| National rank (type) | – | – |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 28 | 60 |
| Girls / boys | 9 / 19 | 27 / 33 |
| Foundation intake | 6 | 7 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +33% | +88% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 992 | 992 |
| ICSEA percentile | 43th | 43th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 8.5 | 12.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 3.3 | 4.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 4.5 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 13% |
| Suburb | Back Plains 4361 | Ballandean 4382 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Southern Downs |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | backplainsss.eq.edu.au | ballandeanss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Ballandean State School scores higher on the Success Index (46.4 vs 43.8).
- •Back Plains State School has fewer students per teacher (8.5 vs 12.8).
- •Ballandean State School is the larger school with 60 students compared with 28.
- •Ballandean State School has grown faster over five years (88% vs 33%).
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 Back Plains State School better than Ballandean State School?
On the Success Index, Ballandean State School ranks higher (46.4 vs 43.8 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 Back Plains State School and Ballandean State School?
About 101 km in a straight line, between Back Plains and Ballandean in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Back Plains State School has 8.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Ballandean State School has 12.8.
How do Back Plains State School and Ballandean State School rank in QLD?
Back Plains State School is unranked and Ballandean State School is unranked among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.