Capalaba State College vs Sheldon College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 5.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Capalaba State College
Capalaba · Government combined · Prep-12
1,022 students · ICSEA 982
Sheldon College
Sheldon · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,481 students · ICSEA 1124
| Measure | Capalaba State College Capalaba QLD | Sheldon College Sheldon QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #178 of 275 | #43 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #849 of 1,259 | #290 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,022 | 1,481 |
| Girls / boys | 478 / 544 | 706 / 775 |
| Foundation intake | 59 | 95 |
| Year 7 cohort | 93 | 141 |
| Year 12 cohort | 68 | 90 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 982 | 1124 |
| ICSEA percentile | 39th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 48% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 38% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 94.8 | 109.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 49.9 | 89.7 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 44% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 1% |
| Suburb | Capalaba 4157 | Sheldon 4157 |
| Council area | Redland | Redland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | capalabasc.eq.edu.au | www.sheldoncollege.com |
The verdict
- •Sheldon College scores higher on the Success Index (68.8 vs 40.5).
- •Sheldon College has the higher ICSEA (1124 vs 982), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Capalaba State College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 13.5).
- •Sheldon College is the larger school with 1,481 students compared with 1,022.
- •Capalaba State College is a government school while Sheldon College is an independent 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 Capalaba State College better than Sheldon College?
On the Success Index, Sheldon College ranks higher (68.8 vs 40.5 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 Capalaba State College and Sheldon College?
About 5.7 km in a straight line, between Capalaba and Sheldon in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Capalaba State College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sheldon College has 13.5.
How do Capalaba State College and Sheldon College rank in QLD?
Capalaba State College is 178th of 275 and Sheldon College is 43rd of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.