Broadbeach State School vs Merrimac State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Broadbeach State School
Broadbeach · Government primary · Prep-6
1,204 students · ICSEA 1082
Merrimac State High School
Mermaid Waters · Government high school · 7-12
930 students · ICSEA 1029
| Measure | Broadbeach State School Broadbeach QLD | Merrimac State High School Mermaid Waters QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #96 of 804 | #77 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #986 of 4,908 | #566 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,204 | 930 |
| Girls / boys | 587 / 617 | 458 / 472 |
| Foundation intake | 156 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 148 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 119 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | -25% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1082 | 1029 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 59th |
| Top SEA quarter | 32% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 16.4 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 73.4 | 79.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 32.0 | 41.8 |
| Language background other than English | 42% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Broadbeach 4218 | Mermaid Waters 4218 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | broadbeachss.eq.edu.au | merrimacshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Broadbeach State School scores higher on the Success Index (70.3 vs 57.6).
- •Broadbeach State School has the higher ICSEA (1082 vs 1029), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merrimac State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 16.4).
- •Broadbeach State School is the larger school with 1,204 students compared with 930.
- •Broadbeach State School has grown faster over five years (8% vs -25%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Broadbeach State School better than Merrimac State High School?
On the Success Index, Broadbeach State School ranks higher (70.3 vs 57.6 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 Broadbeach State School and Merrimac State High School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Broadbeach and Mermaid Waters in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Broadbeach State School has 16.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Merrimac State High School has 11.7.
How do Broadbeach State School and Merrimac State High School rank in QLD?
Broadbeach State School is 96th of 804 and Merrimac State High School is 77th of 269 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.