Burleigh Heads State School vs Palm Beach State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 2.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Burleigh Heads State School
Burleigh Heads · Government primary · Prep-6
458 students · ICSEA 1048
Palm Beach State School
Palm Beach · Government primary · Prep-6
894 students · ICSEA 1059
| Measure | Burleigh Heads State School Burleigh Heads QLD | Palm Beach State School Palm Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 65 Top 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #148 of 804 | #112 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1477 of 4,908 | #1108 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 458 | 894 |
| Girls / boys | 226 / 232 | 406 / 488 |
| Foundation intake | 58 | 138 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | +28% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1048 | 1059 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 22% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.8 | 59.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 34.1 | 20.2 |
| Language background other than English | 17% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 4% |
| Suburb | Burleigh Heads 4220 | Palm Beach 4221 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | burlheadss.eq.edu.au | palmbeachss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Palm Beach State School scores higher on the Success Index (69.0 vs 64.7).
- •Palm Beach State School has the higher ICSEA (1059 vs 1048), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Burleigh Heads State School has fewer students per teacher (13.1 vs 15.1).
- •Palm Beach State School is the larger school with 894 students compared with 458.
- •Palm Beach State School has grown faster over five years (28% vs -12%).
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 Burleigh Heads State School better than Palm Beach State School?
On the Success Index, Palm Beach State School ranks higher (69.0 vs 64.7 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 Burleigh Heads State School and Palm Beach State School?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Burleigh Heads State School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palm Beach State School has 15.1.
How do Burleigh Heads State School and Palm Beach State School rank in QLD?
Burleigh Heads State School is 148th of 804 and Palm Beach State School is 112th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.