Caloundra Christian College vs Meridan State College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 3.3 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
Meridan State College
Meridan Plains · Government combined · Prep-12
1,795 students · ICSEA 1013
| Measure | Caloundra Christian College Caloundra QLD | Meridan State College Meridan Plains QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #71 of 275 | #188 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #385 of 1,259 | #887 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 438 | 1,795 |
| Girls / boys | 226 / 212 | 917 / 878 |
| Foundation intake | 35 | 52 |
| Year 7 cohort | 52 | 191 |
| Year 12 cohort | 14 | 160 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +41% | -34% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1058 | 1013 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 36.9 | 145.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.8 | 58.4 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 6% |
| Suburb | Caloundra 4551 | Meridan Plains 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.calcc.qld.edu.au | meridansc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Caloundra Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (64.3 vs 38.5).
- •Caloundra Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1058 vs 1013), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Meridan State College is the larger school with 1,795 students compared with 438.
- •Caloundra Christian College has grown faster over five years (41% vs -34%).
- •Caloundra Christian College is a independent school while Meridan State College 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 Meridan State College?
On the Success Index, Caloundra Christian College ranks higher (64.3 vs 38.5 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 Meridan State College?
About 3.3 km in a straight line, between Caloundra and Meridan Plains in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caloundra Christian College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Meridan State College has 12.3.
How do Caloundra Christian College and Meridan State College rank in QLD?
Caloundra Christian College is 71st of 275 and Meridan State College is 188th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.