Cairns School of Distance Education vs Edge Hill State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.2 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
Edge Hill State School
Edge Hill · Government primary · Prep-6
864 students · ICSEA 1016
| Measure | Cairns School of Distance Education Manunda QLD | Edge Hill State School Edge Hill QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #106 of 275 | #384 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #556 of 1,259 | #2983 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 3,692 | 864 |
| Girls / boys | 2,080 / 1,612 | 442 / 422 |
| Foundation intake | 14 | 105 |
| Year 7 cohort | 168 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 371 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | -24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1024 | 1016 |
| ICSEA percentile | 57th | 54th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 23% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 10.6 | 15.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 163.3 | 54.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 49.4 | 28.1 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 43% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 19% |
| Suburb | Manunda 4870 | Edge Hill 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | cairnssde.eq.edu.au | edgehillss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cairns School of Distance Education scores higher on the Success Index (54.5 vs 46.2).
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 1016), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 15.7).
- •Cairns School of Distance Education is the larger school with 3,692 students compared with 864.
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has grown faster over five years (17% vs -24%).
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 School of Distance Education better than Edge Hill State School?
On the Success Index, Cairns School of Distance Education ranks higher (54.5 vs 46.2 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 Edge Hill State School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Manunda and Edge Hill 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 Edge Hill State School has 15.7.
How do Cairns School of Distance Education and Edge Hill State School rank in QLD?
Cairns School of Distance Education is 106th of 275 and Edge Hill State School is 384th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.