Beerwah State High School vs Forest Lake State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 85 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Beerwah State High School
Beerwah · Government high school · 7-12
855 students · ICSEA 970
Forest Lake State High School
Forest Lake · Government high school · 7-12
1,673 students · ICSEA 969
| Measure | Beerwah State High School Beerwah QLD | Forest Lake State High School Forest Lake QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #147 of 269 | #184 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #925 of 1,472 | #1108 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 855 | 1,673 |
| Girls / boys | 421 / 434 | 810 / 863 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 165 | 321 |
| Year 12 cohort | 87 | 228 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -5% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 970 | 969 |
| ICSEA percentile | 33th | 33th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 41% | 43% |
| Students per teacher | 10.7 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 79.8 | 129.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 33.0 | 48.5 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 52% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 7% |
| Suburb | Beerwah 4519 | Forest Lake 4078 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | beerwahshs.eq.edu.au | forestlakeshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Beerwah State High School scores higher on the Success Index (41.1 vs 33.2).
- •Beerwah State High School has the higher ICSEA (970 vs 969), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Beerwah State High School has fewer students per teacher (10.7 vs 12.9).
- •Forest Lake State High School is the larger school with 1,673 students compared with 855.
- •Forest Lake State High School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -5%).
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 Beerwah State High School better than Forest Lake State High School?
On the Success Index, Beerwah State High School ranks higher (41.1 vs 33.2 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 Beerwah State High School and Forest Lake State High School?
About 85 km in a straight line, between Beerwah and Forest Lake in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Beerwah State High School has 10.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Forest Lake State High School has 12.9.
How do Beerwah State High School and Forest Lake State High School rank in QLD?
Beerwah State High School is 147th of 269 and Forest Lake State High School is 184th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.