Cairns Adventist College vs Gordonvale State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cairns Adventist College
Gordonvale · Independent combined · Prep-6
63 students · ICSEA 885
Gordonvale State High School
Gordonvale · Government high school · 7-12
623 students · ICSEA 883
| Measure | Cairns Adventist College Gordonvale QLD | Gordonvale State High School Gordonvale QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 12 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #269 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1468 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 63 | 623 |
| Girls / boys | 39 / 24 | 327 / 296 |
| Foundation intake | 8 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 109 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 75 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | -21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 885 | 883 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 47% | 55% |
| Students per teacher | 9.5 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.6 | 51.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.4 | 27.1 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 60% | 40% |
| Suburb | Gordonvale 4865 | Gordonvale 4865 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.cas.qld.edu.au | gordonvalehigh.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cairns Adventist College scores higher on the Success Index (29.2 vs 12.3).
- •Cairns Adventist College has the higher ICSEA (885 vs 883), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns Adventist College has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 12.2).
- •Gordonvale State High School is the larger school with 623 students compared with 63.
- •Cairns Adventist College has grown faster over five years (-12% vs -21%).
- •Cairns Adventist College is a independent school while Gordonvale State High School is a government 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 Cairns Adventist College better than Gordonvale State High School?
On the Success Index, Cairns Adventist College ranks higher (29.2 vs 12.3 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 Cairns Adventist College and Gordonvale State High School?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Gordonvale and Gordonvale in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns Adventist College has 9.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Gordonvale State High School has 12.2.
How do Cairns Adventist College and Gordonvale State High School rank in QLD?
Cairns Adventist College is unranked and Gordonvale State High School is 269th of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.