Brisbane School of Distance Education vs Kawana Waters State College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 83 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Brisbane School of Distance Education
Coorparoo · Government combined · Prep-12
3,100 students · ICSEA 1038
Kawana Waters State College
Bokarina · Government combined · Prep-12
2,495 students · ICSEA 1034
| Measure | Brisbane School of Distance Education Coorparoo QLD | Kawana Waters State College Bokarina QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 52 Top 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #123 of 275 | #104 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #616 of 1,259 | #545 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 3,100 | 2,495 |
| Girls / boys | 1,883 / 1,217 | 1,339 / 1,156 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | 69 |
| Year 7 cohort | 128 | 246 |
| Year 12 cohort | 776 | 258 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | +40% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1038 | 1034 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 22% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 22% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 9.7 | 12.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 221.6 | 166.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 65.9 | 57.3 |
| Language background other than English | 17% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 6% |
| Suburb | Coorparoo 4151 | Bokarina 4575 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | brisbanesde.eq.edu.au | kawanawaterssc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Kawana Waters State College scores higher on the Success Index (55.1 vs 51.7).
- •Brisbane School of Distance Education has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 1034), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Brisbane School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 12.4).
- •Brisbane School of Distance Education is the larger school with 3,100 students compared with 2,495.
- •Kawana Waters State College has grown faster over five years (40% vs -13%).
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 School of Distance Education better than Kawana Waters State College?
On the Success Index, Kawana Waters State College ranks higher (55.1 vs 51.7 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 School of Distance Education and Kawana Waters State College?
About 83 km in a straight line, between Coorparoo and Bokarina in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Brisbane School of Distance Education has 9.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kawana Waters State College has 12.4.
How do Brisbane School of Distance Education and Kawana Waters State College rank in QLD?
Brisbane School of Distance Education is 123rd of 275 and Kawana Waters State College is 104th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.