Burnside State High School vs Nambour State College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Burnside State High School
Burnside · Government high school · 7-12
809 students · ICSEA 988
Nambour State College
Nambour · Government combined · Prep-12
1,469 students · ICSEA 977
| Measure | Burnside State High School Burnside QLD | Nambour State College Nambour QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #120 of 269 | #206 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #777 of 1,472 | #968 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 809 | 1,469 |
| Girls / boys | 410 / 399 | 730 / 739 |
| Foundation intake | – | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 108 | 195 |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | 153 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 988 | 977 |
| ICSEA percentile | 41th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 39% |
| Students per teacher | 10.0 | 10.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 80.7 | 141.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 29.1 | 68.1 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 10% |
| Suburb | Burnside 4560 | Nambour 4560 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | burnsideshs.eq.edu.au | namboursc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Burnside State High School scores higher on the Success Index (48.2 vs 35.0).
- •Burnside State High School has the higher ICSEA (988 vs 977), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Nambour State College is the larger school with 1,469 students compared with 809.
- •Burnside State High School has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -12%).
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 North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Burnside State High School better than Nambour State College?
On the Success Index, Burnside State High School ranks higher (48.2 vs 35.0 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 Burnside State High School and Nambour State College?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Burnside and Nambour in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Burnside State High School has 10.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Nambour State College has 10.4.
How do Burnside State High School and Nambour State College rank in QLD?
Burnside State High School is 120th of 269 and Nambour State College is 206th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.