Caloundra City Private School vs Unity College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 2.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Caloundra City Private School
Pelican Waters · Independent combined · Prep-12
228 students · ICSEA 1095
Unity College
Caloundra West · Catholic combined · Prep-12
1,450 students · ICSEA 1065
| Measure | Caloundra City Private School Pelican Waters QLD | Unity College Caloundra West QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #54 of 275 | #122 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #322 of 1,259 | #615 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 228 | 1,450 |
| Girls / boys | 107 / 121 | 753 / 697 |
| Foundation intake | 16 | 75 |
| Year 7 cohort | 9 | 148 |
| Year 12 cohort | 18 | 132 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +13% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1095 | 1065 |
| ICSEA percentile | 83th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 39% | 24% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.1 | 103.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.6 | 54.1 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 4% |
| Suburb | Pelican Waters 4551 | Caloundra West 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ccps.qld.edu.au/ | www.uc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Caloundra City Private School scores higher on the Success Index (67.2 vs 51.9).
- •Caloundra City Private School has the higher ICSEA (1095 vs 1065), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Caloundra City Private School has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 14.0).
- •Unity College is the larger school with 1,450 students compared with 228.
- •Caloundra City Private School has grown faster over five years (13% vs -1%).
- •Caloundra City Private School is a independent school while Unity College is a catholic 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 City Private School better than Unity College?
On the Success Index, Caloundra City Private School ranks higher (67.2 vs 51.9 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 City Private School and Unity College?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Pelican Waters and Caloundra West in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caloundra City Private School has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Unity College has 14.0.
How do Caloundra City Private School and Unity College rank in QLD?
Caloundra City Private School is 54th of 275 and Unity College is 122nd of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.