Cairns Hinterland Steiner School vs Caloundra Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 1355 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cairns Hinterland Steiner School
Kuranda · Independent combined · Prep-8
157 students · ICSEA 1059
Caloundra Christian College
Caloundra · Independent combined · Prep-12
438 students · ICSEA 1058
| Measure | Cairns Hinterland Steiner School Kuranda QLD | Caloundra Christian College Caloundra QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #79 of 275 | #71 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #433 of 1,259 | #385 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-8 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 157 | 438 |
| Girls / boys | 89 / 68 | 226 / 212 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | 13 | 52 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 14 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | +41% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1059 | 1058 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 71th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 23% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 10.0 | 11.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.6 | 36.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.7 | 28.8 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 4% |
| Suburb | Kuranda 4881 | Caloundra 4551 |
| Council area | Mareeba | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.chss.qld.edu.au/ | www.calcc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Caloundra Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (64.3 vs 61.4).
- •Cairns Hinterland Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1059 vs 1058), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns Hinterland Steiner School has fewer students per teacher (10.0 vs 11.8).
- •Caloundra Christian College is the larger school with 438 students compared with 157.
- •Caloundra Christian College has grown faster over five years (41% vs -2%).
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 Cairns Hinterland Steiner School better than Caloundra Christian College?
On the Success Index, Caloundra Christian College ranks higher (64.3 vs 61.4 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 Hinterland Steiner School and Caloundra Christian College?
About 1355 km in a straight line, between Kuranda and Caloundra in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns Hinterland Steiner School has 10.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Caloundra Christian College has 11.8.
How do Cairns Hinterland Steiner School and Caloundra Christian College rank in QLD?
Cairns Hinterland Steiner School is 79th of 275 and Caloundra Christian College is 71st of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.