Cairns Hinterland Steiner School vs Kuranda District State College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 3.4 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
Kuranda District State College
Kuranda · Government combined · Prep-12
285 students · ICSEA 862
| Measure | Cairns Hinterland Steiner School Kuranda QLD | Kuranda District State College Kuranda QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #79 of 275 | #263 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #433 of 1,259 | #1199 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-8 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 157 | 285 |
| Girls / boys | 89 / 68 | 123 / 162 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | 13 | 16 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 17 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1059 | 862 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 6th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 10.0 | 10.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.6 | 27.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.7 | 21.4 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 50% |
| Suburb | Kuranda 4881 | Kuranda 4881 |
| Council area | Mareeba | Mareeba |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.chss.qld.edu.au/ | kurandadistrictsc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cairns Hinterland Steiner School scores higher on the Success Index (61.4 vs 23.6).
- •Cairns Hinterland Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1059 vs 862), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kuranda District State College is the larger school with 285 students compared with 157.
- •Cairns Hinterland Steiner School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -22%).
- •Cairns Hinterland Steiner School is a independent school while Kuranda District State College 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 Hinterland Steiner School better than Kuranda District State College?
On the Success Index, Cairns Hinterland Steiner School ranks higher (61.4 vs 23.6 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 Cairns Hinterland Steiner School and Kuranda District State College?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Kuranda and Kuranda in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns Hinterland Steiner School has 10.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kuranda District State College has 10.4.
How do Cairns Hinterland Steiner School and Kuranda District State College rank in QLD?
Cairns Hinterland Steiner School is 79th of 275 and Kuranda District State College is 263rd of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.