Coolum State High School vs Noosa Pengari Steiner School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 7.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Coolum State High School
Coolum Beach · Government high school · 7-12
1,551 students · ICSEA 1040
Noosa Pengari Steiner School
Doonan · Independent combined · Prep-12
324 students · ICSEA 1089
| Measure | Coolum State High School Coolum Beach QLD | Noosa Pengari Steiner School Doonan QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #48 of 269 | #67 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #443 of 1,472 | #370 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,551 | 324 |
| Girls / boys | 698 / 853 | 179 / 145 |
| Foundation intake | – | 27 |
| Year 7 cohort | 301 | 29 |
| Year 12 cohort | 207 | 16 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1040 | 1089 |
| ICSEA percentile | 64th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 32% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 116.7 | 29.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 40.2 | 20.3 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 24% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 0% |
| Suburb | Coolum Beach 4573 | Doonan 4562 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | coolumshs.eq.edu.au | www.noosasteiner.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Noosa Pengari Steiner School scores higher on the Success Index (64.9 vs 62.9).
- •Noosa Pengari Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1089 vs 1040), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Noosa Pengari Steiner School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 13.3).
- •Coolum State High School is the larger school with 1,551 students compared with 324.
- •Coolum State High School has grown faster over five years (18% vs 0%).
- •Coolum State High School is a government school while Noosa Pengari Steiner School 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.
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 Coolum State High School better than Noosa Pengari Steiner School?
On the Success Index, Noosa Pengari Steiner School ranks higher (64.9 vs 62.9 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 Coolum State High School and Noosa Pengari Steiner School?
About 7.7 km in a straight line, between Coolum Beach and Doonan in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coolum State High School has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Noosa Pengari Steiner School has 11.0.
How do Coolum State High School and Noosa Pengari Steiner School rank in QLD?
Coolum State High School is 48th of 269 and Noosa Pengari Steiner School is 67th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.