Baringa State Secondary College vs Caloundra City Private School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Baringa State Secondary College
Baringa · Government high school · 7-12
677 students · ICSEA 1007
Caloundra City Private School
Pelican Waters · Independent combined · Prep-12
228 students · ICSEA 1095
| Measure | Baringa State Secondary College Baringa QLD | Caloundra City Private School Pelican Waters QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #84 of 269 | #54 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #615 of 1,472 | #322 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 677 | 228 |
| Girls / boys | 351 / 326 | 107 / 121 |
| Foundation intake | – | 16 |
| Year 7 cohort | 125 | 9 |
| Year 12 cohort | 67 | 18 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1007 | 1095 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 39% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 11.1 | 11.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 61.1 | 20.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.1 | 13.6 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 22% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 4% |
| Suburb | Baringa 4551 | Pelican Waters 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | baringassc.eq.edu.au | www.ccps.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Caloundra City Private School scores higher on the Success Index (67.2 vs 55.4).
- •Caloundra City Private School has the higher ICSEA (1095 vs 1007), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Baringa State Secondary College is the larger school with 677 students compared with 228.
- •Baringa State Secondary College is a government school while Caloundra City Private School is an independent school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
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 Baringa State Secondary College better than Caloundra City Private School?
On the Success Index, Caloundra City Private School ranks higher (67.2 vs 55.4 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 Baringa State Secondary College and Caloundra City Private School?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Baringa and Pelican Waters in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Baringa State Secondary College has 11.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Caloundra City Private School has 11.3.
How do Baringa State Secondary College and Caloundra City Private School rank in QLD?
Baringa State Secondary College is 84th of 269 and Caloundra City Private School is 54th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.