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Blackall Range Independent School vs Burnside State High School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 4.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureBlackall Range Independent School
Kureelpa QLD
Burnside State High School
Burnside QLD
Success Index
53
Top 50%
48
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#116 of 275#120 of 269
National rank (type)#597 of 1,259#777 of 1,472
SectorIndependentGovernment
TypeCombinedSecondary
Year rangePrep-127-12
Students108809
Girls / boys54 / 54410 / 399
Foundation intake12–
Year 7 cohort7108
Year 12 cohort493
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+21%-4%
ICSEA
Average 1000
1039988
ICSEA percentile64th41th
Top SEA quarter15%8%
Bottom SEA quarter14%37%
Students per teacher11.210.0
Teaching staff (FTE)9.680.7
Non-teaching staff (FTE)9.629.1
Language background other than English9%8%
Indigenous students3%6%
SuburbKureelpa 4560Burnside 4560
Council areaSunshine CoastSunshine Coast
RemotenessInner RegionalMajor Cities
Websitewww.brischool.com.au/burnsideshs.eq.edu.au

The verdict

  • •Blackall Range Independent School scores higher on the Success Index (52.7 vs 48.2).
  • •Blackall Range Independent School has the higher ICSEA (1039 vs 988), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Burnside State High School has fewer students per teacher (10.0 vs 11.2).
  • •Burnside State High School is the larger school with 809 students compared with 108.
  • •Blackall Range Independent School has grown faster over five years (21% vs -4%).
  • •Blackall Range Independent School is a independent school while Burnside State High School is a government 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 Blackall Range Independent School better than Burnside State High School?

On the Success Index, Blackall Range Independent School ranks higher (52.7 vs 48.2 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 Blackall Range Independent School and Burnside State High School?

About 4.7 km in a straight line, between Kureelpa and Burnside in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Blackall Range Independent School has 11.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Burnside State High School has 10.0.

How do Blackall Range Independent School and Burnside State High School rank in QLD?

Blackall Range Independent School is 116th of 275 and Burnside State High School is 120th of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.