Cairns School of Distance Education vs Calamvale Community College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 1406 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cairns School of Distance Education
Manunda · Government combined · Prep-12
3,692 students · ICSEA 1024
Calamvale Community College
Calamvale · Government combined · Prep-12
2,461 students · ICSEA 1026
| Measure | Cairns School of Distance Education Manunda QLD | Calamvale Community College Calamvale QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #106 of 275 | #168 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #556 of 1,259 | #806 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 3,692 | 2,461 |
| Girls / boys | 2,080 / 1,612 | 1,164 / 1,297 |
| Foundation intake | 14 | 125 |
| Year 7 cohort | 168 | 221 |
| Year 12 cohort | 371 | 214 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1024 | 1026 |
| ICSEA percentile | 57th | 58th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 10.6 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 163.3 | 177.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 49.4 | 67.3 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 65% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 4% |
| Suburb | Manunda 4870 | Calamvale 4116 |
| Council area | Cairns | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | cairnssde.eq.edu.au | calamvalecc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cairns School of Distance Education scores higher on the Success Index (54.5 vs 42.8).
- •Calamvale Community College has the higher ICSEA (1026 vs 1024), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 13.9).
- •Cairns School of Distance Education is the larger school with 3,692 students compared with 2,461.
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has grown faster over five years (17% vs 4%).
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 School of Distance Education better than Calamvale Community College?
On the Success Index, Cairns School of Distance Education ranks higher (54.5 vs 42.8 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 School of Distance Education and Calamvale Community College?
About 1406 km in a straight line, between Manunda and Calamvale in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns School of Distance Education has 10.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Calamvale Community College has 13.9.
How do Cairns School of Distance Education and Calamvale Community College rank in QLD?
Cairns School of Distance Education is 106th of 275 and Calamvale Community College is 168th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.