Carmel College vs Thornlands State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.8 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
Thornlands State School
Thornlands · Government primary · Prep-6
800 students · ICSEA 1042
| Measure | Carmel College Thornlands QLD | Thornlands State School Thornlands QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #82 of 269 | #238 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #607 of 1,472 | #2100 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,220 | 800 |
| Girls / boys | 658 / 562 | 391 / 409 |
| Foundation intake | – | 119 |
| Year 7 cohort | 210 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 172 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1045 | 1042 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 65th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 16.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.0 | 49.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 37.1 | 19.5 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 8% |
| Suburb | Thornlands 4164 | Thornlands 4164 |
| Council area | Redland | Redland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.carmelcollege.qld.edu.au | thornlandsss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Thornlands State School scores higher on the Success Index (57.9 vs 55.8).
- •Carmel College has the higher ICSEA (1045 vs 1042), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Carmel College has fewer students per teacher (14.4 vs 16.3).
- •Carmel College is the larger school with 1,220 students compared with 800.
- •Carmel College is a catholic school while Thornlands State 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 Thornlands State School?
On the Success Index, Thornlands State School ranks higher (57.9 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 Thornlands State School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Thornlands and Thornlands in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carmel College has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thornlands State School has 16.3.
How do Carmel College and Thornlands State School rank in QLD?
Carmel College is 82nd of 269 and Thornlands State School is 238th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.