Carmel College vs Cleveland District State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 3.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Carmel College
Thornlands · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,220 students · ICSEA 1045
Cleveland District State High School
Cleveland · Government high school · 7-12
2,302 students · ICSEA 1026
| Measure | Carmel College Thornlands QLD | Cleveland District State High School Cleveland QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #82 of 269 | #87 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #607 of 1,472 | #631 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,220 | 2,302 |
| Girls / boys | 658 / 562 | 1,126 / 1,176 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 210 | 387 |
| Year 12 cohort | 172 | 304 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1045 | 1026 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 58th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.0 | 166.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 37.1 | 54.3 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 7% |
| Suburb | Thornlands 4164 | Cleveland 4163 |
| Council area | Redland | Redland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.carmelcollege.qld.edu.au | clevelanddistrictshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Carmel College scores higher on the Success Index (55.8 vs 54.7).
- •Carmel College has the higher ICSEA (1045 vs 1026), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cleveland District State High School is the larger school with 2,302 students compared with 1,220.
- •Cleveland District State High School has grown faster over five years (9% vs -1%).
- •Carmel College is a catholic school while Cleveland District State High School is a government 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 Carmel College better than Cleveland District State High School?
On the Success Index, Carmel College ranks higher (55.8 vs 54.7 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 Carmel College and Cleveland District State High School?
About 3.9 km in a straight line, between Thornlands and Cleveland in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carmel College has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Cleveland District State High School has 13.9.
How do Carmel College and Cleveland District State High School rank in QLD?
Carmel College is 82nd of 269 and Cleveland District State High School is 87th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.