Cairns Hinterland Steiner School vs Noosa Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 1309 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
Noosa Christian College
Cooroy · Independent combined · Prep-12
478 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | Cairns Hinterland Steiner School Kuranda QLD | Noosa Christian College Cooroy QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #79 of 275 | #73 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #433 of 1,259 | #402 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-8 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 157 | 478 |
| Girls / boys | 89 / 68 | 268 / 210 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 31 |
| Year 7 cohort | 13 | 52 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 25 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | +99% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1059 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 23% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 10.0 | 12.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.6 | 38.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.7 | 28.3 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 4% |
| Suburb | Kuranda 4881 | Cooroy 4563 |
| Council area | Mareeba | Noosa |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.chss.qld.edu.au/ | www.nac.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Noosa Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (63.4 vs 61.4).
- •Noosa Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 1059), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns Hinterland Steiner School has fewer students per teacher (10.0 vs 12.6).
- •Noosa Christian College is the larger school with 478 students compared with 157.
- •Noosa Christian College has grown faster over five years (99% vs -2%).
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 Noosa Christian College?
On the Success Index, Noosa Christian College ranks higher (63.4 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 Noosa Christian College?
About 1309 km in a straight line, between Kuranda and Cooroy in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns Hinterland Steiner School has 10.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Noosa Christian College has 12.6.
How do Cairns Hinterland Steiner School and Noosa Christian College rank in QLD?
Cairns Hinterland Steiner School is 79th of 275 and Noosa Christian College is 73rd of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.