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Blackall Range Independent School vs St John's College

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 4.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureBlackall Range Independent School
Kureelpa QLD
St John's College
Nambour QLD
Success Index
53
Top 50%
62
Top 50%
State rank (type)#116 of 275#53 of 269
National rank (type)#597 of 1,259#462 of 1,472
SectorIndependentCatholic
TypeCombinedSecondary
Year rangePrep-127-12
Students108927
Girls / boys54 / 54473 / 454
Foundation intake12–
Year 7 cohort7175
Year 12 cohort4135
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+21%+10%
ICSEA
Average 1000
10391059
ICSEA percentile64th72th
Top SEA quarter15%21%
Bottom SEA quarter14%10%
Students per teacher11.214.1
Teaching staff (FTE)9.665.9
Non-teaching staff (FTE)9.630.6
Language background other than English9%3%
Indigenous students3%3%
SuburbKureelpa 4560Nambour 4560
Council areaSunshine CoastSunshine Coast
RemotenessInner RegionalMajor Cities
Websitewww.brischool.com.au/www.stjohns.qld.edu.au

The verdict

  • •St John's College scores higher on the Success Index (62.1 vs 52.7).
  • •St John's College has the higher ICSEA (1059 vs 1039), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Blackall Range Independent School has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 14.1).
  • •St John's College is the larger school with 927 students compared with 108.
  • •Blackall Range Independent School has grown faster over five years (21% vs 10%).
  • •Blackall Range Independent School is a independent school while St John's 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 Blackall Range Independent School better than St John's College?

On the Success Index, St John's College ranks higher (62.1 vs 52.7 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 St John's College?

About 4.9 km in a straight line, between Kureelpa and Nambour in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Blackall Range Independent School has 11.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's College has 14.1.

How do Blackall Range Independent School and St John's College rank in QLD?

Blackall Range Independent School is 116th of 275 and St John's College is 53rd of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.