Caloundra State High School vs Meridan State College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.2 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
Meridan State College
Meridan Plains · Government combined · Prep-12
1,795 students · ICSEA 1013
| Measure | Caloundra State High School Caloundra QLD | Meridan State College Meridan Plains QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 50 Top 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #109 of 269 | #188 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #737 of 1,472 | #887 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,316 | 1,795 |
| Girls / boys | 539 / 777 | 917 / 878 |
| Foundation intake | – | 52 |
| Year 7 cohort | 173 | 191 |
| Year 12 cohort | 191 | 160 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -5% | -34% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1004 | 1013 |
| ICSEA percentile | 49th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 99.7 | 145.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 45.8 | 58.4 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 6% |
| Suburb | Caloundra 4551 | Meridan Plains 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | caloundrashs.eq.edu.au | meridansc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Caloundra State High School scores higher on the Success Index (50.3 vs 38.5).
- •Meridan State College has the higher ICSEA (1013 vs 1004), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Caloundra State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 12.3).
- •Meridan State College is the larger school with 1,795 students compared with 1,316.
- •Caloundra State High School has grown faster over five years (-5% vs -34%).
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 Meridan State College?
On the Success Index, Caloundra State High School ranks higher (50.3 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 State High School and Meridan State College?
About 3.2 km in a straight line, between Caloundra and Meridan Plains in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caloundra State High School has 11.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Meridan State College has 12.3.
How do Caloundra State High School and Meridan State College rank in QLD?
Caloundra State High School is 109th of 269 and Meridan State College is 188th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.