Coolum State High School vs Peregian Beach College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.1 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
Peregian Beach College
Peregian Beach · Independent combined · Prep-12
347 students · ICSEA 1069
| Measure | Coolum State High School Coolum Beach QLD | Peregian Beach College Peregian Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #48 of 269 | #68 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #443 of 1,472 | #371 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,551 | 347 |
| Girls / boys | 698 / 853 | 114 / 233 |
| Foundation intake | – | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | 301 | 37 |
| Year 12 cohort | 207 | 27 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +71% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1040 | 1069 |
| ICSEA percentile | 64th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 24% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 10.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 116.7 | 34.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 40.2 | 25.8 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 2% |
| Suburb | Coolum Beach 4573 | Peregian Beach 4573 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | coolumshs.eq.edu.au | www.pbc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Peregian Beach College scores higher on the Success Index (64.9 vs 62.9).
- •Peregian Beach College has the higher ICSEA (1069 vs 1040), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Peregian Beach College has fewer students per teacher (10.0 vs 13.3).
- •Coolum State High School is the larger school with 1,551 students compared with 347.
- •Peregian Beach College has grown faster over five years (71% vs 18%).
- •Coolum State High School is a government school while Peregian Beach 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 Coolum State High School better than Peregian Beach College?
On the Success Index, Peregian Beach College 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 Peregian Beach College?
About 3.1 km in a straight line, between Coolum Beach and Peregian Beach in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coolum State High School has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Peregian Beach College has 10.0.
How do Coolum State High School and Peregian Beach College rank in QLD?
Coolum State High School is 48th of 269 and Peregian Beach College is 68th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.