Brisbane State High School vs Somerville House
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 802 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Brisbane State High School
South Brisbane · Government high school · 7-12
3,594 students · ICSEA 1145
Somerville House
South Brisbane · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,377 students · ICSEA 1180
| Measure | Brisbane State High School South Brisbane QLD | Somerville House South Brisbane QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 77 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 269 | #11 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #220 of 1,472 | #151 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 3,594 | 1,377 |
| Girls / boys | 1,735 / 1,859 | 1,377 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | 60 |
| Year 7 cohort | 562 | 153 |
| Year 12 cohort | 628 | 119 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1145 | 1180 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 72% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 15.6 | 11.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 229.5 | 121.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 71.0 | 87.6 |
| Language background other than English | 59% | 39% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | South Brisbane 4101 | South Brisbane 4101 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au | www.somerville.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Somerville House scores higher on the Success Index (77.2 vs 72.5).
- •Somerville House has the higher ICSEA (1180 vs 1145), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Somerville House has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 15.6).
- •Brisbane State High School is the larger school with 3,594 students compared with 1,377.
- •Brisbane State High School is a government school while Somerville House is an independent 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 State High School better than Somerville House?
On the Success Index, Somerville House ranks higher (77.2 vs 72.5 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 State High School and Somerville House?
About 802 m in a straight line, between South Brisbane and South Brisbane in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Brisbane State High School has 15.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Somerville House has 11.3.
How do Brisbane State High School and Somerville House rank in QLD?
Brisbane State High School is 15th of 269 and Somerville House is 11th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.