Brisbane Boys' College vs Ironside State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Brisbane Boys' College
Toowong · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,393 students · ICSEA 1164
Ironside State School
St Lucia · Government primary · Prep-6
895 students · ICSEA 1178
| Measure | Brisbane Boys' College Toowong QLD | Ironside State School St Lucia QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 79 Top 10% | 76 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #8 of 275 | #43 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #124 of 1,259 | #481 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,393 | 895 |
| Girls / boys | 0 / 1,393 | 445 / 450 |
| Foundation intake | 27 | 109 |
| Year 7 cohort | 147 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 185 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -3% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1164 | 1178 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 67% | 72% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 10.2 | 16.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 137.1 | 54.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 95.5 | 18.3 |
| Language background other than English | 30% | 74% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Toowong 4066 | St Lucia 4067 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.bbc.qld.edu.au/ | ironsidess.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Brisbane Boys' College scores higher on the Success Index (78.9 vs 75.7).
- •Ironside State School has the higher ICSEA (1178 vs 1164), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Brisbane Boys' College has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 16.3).
- •Brisbane Boys' College is the larger school with 1,393 students compared with 895.
- •Brisbane Boys' College has grown faster over five years (-3% vs -19%).
- •Brisbane Boys' College is a independent school while Ironside State 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 Brisbane Boys' College better than Ironside State School?
On the Success Index, Brisbane Boys' College ranks higher (78.9 vs 75.7 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 Brisbane Boys' College and Ironside State School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Toowong and St Lucia in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Brisbane Boys' College has 10.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Ironside State School has 16.3.
How do Brisbane Boys' College and Ironside State School rank in QLD?
Brisbane Boys' College is 8th of 275 and Ironside State School is 43rd of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.