Brisbane State High School vs St Laurence's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.1 km 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
St Laurence's College
South Brisbane · Catholic combined · 5-12
2,033 students · ICSEA 1117
| Measure | Brisbane State High School South Brisbane QLD | St Laurence's College South Brisbane QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 269 | #55 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #220 of 1,472 | #323 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | 5-12 |
| Students | 3,594 | 2,033 |
| Girls / boys | 1,735 / 1,859 | 0 / 2,033 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 562 | 292 |
| Year 12 cohort | 628 | 264 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1145 | 1117 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 15.6 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 229.5 | 153.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 71.0 | 83.2 |
| Language background other than English | 59% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | South Brisbane 4101 | South Brisbane 4101 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au | www.slc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Brisbane State High School scores higher on the Success Index (72.5 vs 67.2).
- •Brisbane State High School has the higher ICSEA (1145 vs 1117), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Laurence's College has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 15.6).
- •Brisbane State High School is the larger school with 3,594 students compared with 2,033.
- •Brisbane State High School is a government school while St Laurence'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 Brisbane State High School better than St Laurence's College?
On the Success Index, Brisbane State High School ranks higher (72.5 vs 67.2 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 Brisbane State High School and St Laurence's College?
About 1.1 km 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 St Laurence's College has 13.2.
How do Brisbane State High School and St Laurence's College rank in QLD?
Brisbane State High School is 15th of 269 and St Laurence's College is 55th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.