Carmel College vs Sheldon College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.3 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
Sheldon College
Sheldon · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,481 students · ICSEA 1124
| Measure | Carmel College Thornlands QLD | Sheldon College Sheldon QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #82 of 269 | #43 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #607 of 1,472 | #290 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,220 | 1,481 |
| Girls / boys | 658 / 562 | 706 / 775 |
| Foundation intake | – | 95 |
| Year 7 cohort | 210 | 141 |
| Year 12 cohort | 172 | 90 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1045 | 1124 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 48% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.0 | 109.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 37.1 | 89.7 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 44% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Thornlands 4164 | Sheldon 4157 |
| Council area | Redland | Redland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.carmelcollege.qld.edu.au | www.sheldoncollege.com |
The verdict
- •Sheldon College scores higher on the Success Index (68.8 vs 55.8).
- •Sheldon College has the higher ICSEA (1124 vs 1045), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sheldon College has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 14.4).
- •Sheldon College is the larger school with 1,481 students compared with 1,220.
- •Sheldon College has grown faster over five years (16% vs -1%).
- •Carmel College is a catholic 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 Carmel College better than Sheldon College?
On the Success Index, Sheldon College ranks higher (68.8 vs 55.8 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 Sheldon College?
About 3.3 km in a straight line, between Thornlands and Sheldon in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carmel College has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sheldon College has 13.5.
How do Carmel College and Sheldon College rank in QLD?
Carmel College is 82nd of 269 and Sheldon College is 43rd of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.