Caloundra State High School vs Golden Beach State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Caloundra State High School
Caloundra · Government high school · 7-12
1,316 students · ICSEA 1004
Golden Beach State School
Golden Beach · Government primary · Prep-6
548 students · ICSEA 1015
| Measure | Caloundra State High School Caloundra QLD | Golden Beach State School Golden Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 50 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #109 of 269 | #311 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #737 of 1,472 | #2577 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,316 | 548 |
| Girls / boys | 539 / 777 | 274 / 274 |
| Foundation intake | – | 65 |
| Year 7 cohort | 173 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 191 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -5% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1004 | 1015 |
| ICSEA percentile | 49th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 99.7 | 40.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 45.8 | 22.7 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 9% |
| Suburb | Caloundra 4551 | Golden Beach 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | caloundrashs.eq.edu.au | goldenbeachss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Golden Beach State School scores higher on the Success Index (51.6 vs 50.3).
- •Golden Beach State School has the higher ICSEA (1015 vs 1004), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Caloundra State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 13.5).
- •Caloundra State High School is the larger school with 1,316 students compared with 548.
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 State High School better than Golden Beach State School?
On the Success Index, Golden Beach State School ranks higher (51.6 vs 50.3 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 State High School and Golden Beach State School?
About 2.4 km in a straight line, between Caloundra and Golden Beach in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caloundra State High School has 11.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Golden Beach State School has 13.5.
How do Caloundra State High School and Golden Beach State School rank in QLD?
Caloundra State High School is 109th of 269 and Golden Beach State School is 311th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.