Capricornia School of Distance Education vs Emerald State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Capricornia School of Distance Education
Emerald · Government combined · Prep-12
5,463 students · ICSEA 960
Emerald State High School
Emerald · Government high school · 7-12
847 students · ICSEA 945
| Measure | Capricornia School of Distance Education Emerald QLD | Emerald State High School Emerald QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 36 Lower 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #199 of 275 | #236 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #946 of 1,259 | #1326 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 5,463 | 847 |
| Girls / boys | 2,702 / 2,761 | 419 / 428 |
| Foundation intake | 17 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 330 | 151 |
| Year 12 cohort | 105 | 121 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +51% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 960 | 945 |
| ICSEA percentile | 29th | 23th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 39% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 14.1 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 107.9 | 70.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.5 | 23.6 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 10% |
| Suburb | Emerald 4720 | Emerald 4720 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Central Highlands (Qld) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | capricorniasde.eq.edu.au | emeraldshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education scores higher on the Success Index (35.6 vs 24.4).
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education has the higher ICSEA (960 vs 945), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Emerald State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 14.1).
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education is the larger school with 5,463 students compared with 847.
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education has grown faster over five years (51% vs 4%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Capricornia School of Distance Education better than Emerald State High School?
On the Success Index, Capricornia School of Distance Education ranks higher (35.6 vs 24.4 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 Capricornia School of Distance Education and Emerald State High School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Emerald and Emerald in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Capricornia School of Distance Education has 14.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Emerald State High School has 12.1.
How do Capricornia School of Distance Education and Emerald State High School rank in QLD?
Capricornia School of Distance Education is 199th of 275 and Emerald State High School is 236th of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.