Cairns State High School vs Helensvale State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 1446 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cairns State High School
Cairns North · Government high school · 7-12
1,636 students · ICSEA 1019
Helensvale State High School
Helensvale · Government high school · 7-12
1,875 students · ICSEA 1017
| Measure | Cairns State High School Cairns North QLD | Helensvale State High School Helensvale QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 44 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #106 of 269 | #134 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #718 of 1,472 | #854 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,636 | 1,875 |
| Girls / boys | 846 / 790 | 954 / 921 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 283 | 325 |
| Year 12 cohort | 234 | 264 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 1017 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 55th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 124.1 | 145.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 50.3 | 56.9 |
| Language background other than English | 42% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 3% |
| Suburb | Cairns North 4870 | Helensvale 4212 |
| Council area | Cairns | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | cairnsshs.eq.edu.au | helensvaleshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cairns State High School scores higher on the Success Index (51.1 vs 44.2).
- •Cairns State High School has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 1017), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Helensvale State High School is the larger school with 1,875 students compared with 1,636.
- •Cairns State High School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -21%).
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 State High School better than Helensvale State High School?
On the Success Index, Cairns State High School ranks higher (51.1 vs 44.2 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 State High School and Helensvale State High School?
About 1446 km in a straight line, between Cairns North and Helensvale in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns State High School has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Helensvale State High School has 12.9.
How do Cairns State High School and Helensvale State High School rank in QLD?
Cairns State High School is 106th of 269 and Helensvale State High School is 134th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.