Coolum Beach Christian College vs St Philomena School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 132 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Coolum Beach Christian College
Coolum Beach · Independent combined · Prep-12
491 students · ICSEA 1081
St Philomena School
Park Ridge · Independent combined · Prep-12
244 students · ICSEA 1082
| Measure | Coolum Beach Christian College Coolum Beach QLD | St Philomena School Park Ridge QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #74 of 275 | #76 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #403 of 1,259 | #417 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 491 | 244 |
| Girls / boys | 252 / 239 | 121 / 123 |
| Foundation intake | 46 | 17 |
| Year 7 cohort | 52 | 19 |
| Year 12 cohort | 15 | 17 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +28% | +8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1081 | 1082 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 79th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 32% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 11.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 36.2 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 31.9 | 11.0 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 0% |
| Suburb | Coolum Beach 4573 | Park Ridge 4125 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Logan |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cbcc.qld.edu.au | www.stphilomena.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (63.3 vs 62.4).
- •St Philomena School has the higher ICSEA (1082 vs 1081), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Philomena School has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 13.6).
- •Coolum Beach Christian College is the larger school with 491 students compared with 244.
- •Coolum Beach Christian College has grown faster over five years (28% vs 8%).
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 Coolum Beach Christian College better than St Philomena School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Coolum Beach Christian College and St Philomena School?
About 132 km in a straight line, between Coolum Beach and Park Ridge in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coolum Beach Christian College has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Philomena School has 11.5.
How do Coolum Beach Christian College and St Philomena School rank in QLD?
Coolum Beach Christian College is 74th of 275 and St Philomena School is 76th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.