Caloundra Christian College vs Golden Beach State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Caloundra Christian College
Caloundra · Independent combined · Prep-12
438 students · ICSEA 1058
Golden Beach State School
Golden Beach · Government primary · Prep-6
548 students · ICSEA 1015
| Measure | Caloundra Christian College Caloundra QLD | Golden Beach State School Golden Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #71 of 275 | #311 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #385 of 1,259 | #2577 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 438 | 548 |
| Girls / boys | 226 / 212 | 274 / 274 |
| Foundation intake | 35 | 65 |
| Year 7 cohort | 52 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 14 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +41% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1058 | 1015 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 36.9 | 40.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.8 | 22.7 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 9% |
| Suburb | Caloundra 4551 | Golden Beach 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.calcc.qld.edu.au | goldenbeachss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Caloundra Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (64.3 vs 51.6).
- •Caloundra Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1058 vs 1015), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Caloundra Christian College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 13.5).
- •Golden Beach State School is the larger school with 548 students compared with 438.
- •Caloundra Christian College has grown faster over five years (41% vs -10%).
- •Caloundra Christian College is a independent school while Golden Beach State School 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 Caloundra Christian College better than Golden Beach State School?
On the Success Index, Caloundra Christian College ranks higher (64.3 vs 51.6 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 Caloundra Christian College and Golden Beach State School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Caloundra and Golden Beach in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caloundra Christian College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Golden Beach State School has 13.5.
How do Caloundra Christian College and Golden Beach State School rank in QLD?
Caloundra Christian College is 71st of 275 and Golden Beach State School is 311th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.