Baringa State Secondary College vs Unity College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.3 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
Unity College
Caloundra West · Catholic combined · Prep-12
1,450 students · ICSEA 1065
| Measure | Baringa State Secondary College Baringa QLD | Unity College Caloundra West QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #84 of 269 | #122 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #615 of 1,472 | #615 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 677 | 1,450 |
| Girls / boys | 351 / 326 | 753 / 697 |
| Foundation intake | – | 75 |
| Year 7 cohort | 125 | 148 |
| Year 12 cohort | 67 | 132 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1007 | 1065 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 24% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 11.1 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 61.1 | 103.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.1 | 54.1 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 4% |
| Suburb | Baringa 4551 | Caloundra West 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | baringassc.eq.edu.au | www.uc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Baringa State Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (55.4 vs 51.9).
- •Unity College has the higher ICSEA (1065 vs 1007), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Baringa State Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 14.0).
- •Unity College is the larger school with 1,450 students compared with 677.
- •Baringa State Secondary College is a government school while Unity College is a catholic 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 Unity College?
On the Success Index, Baringa State Secondary College ranks higher (55.4 vs 51.9 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 Unity College?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Baringa and Caloundra West in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Baringa State Secondary College has 11.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Unity College has 14.0.
How do Baringa State Secondary College and Unity College rank in QLD?
Baringa State Secondary College is 84th of 269 and Unity College is 122nd of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.