Coolum State High School vs St Andrew's Anglican College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.2 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
St Andrew's Anglican College
Peregian Springs · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,459 students · ICSEA 1143
| Measure | Coolum State High School Coolum Beach QLD | St Andrew's Anglican College Peregian Springs QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #48 of 269 | #42 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #443 of 1,472 | #286 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,551 | 1,459 |
| Girls / boys | 698 / 853 | 767 / 692 |
| Foundation intake | – | 78 |
| Year 7 cohort | 301 | 143 |
| Year 12 cohort | 207 | 131 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1040 | 1143 |
| ICSEA percentile | 64th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 57% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 14.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 116.7 | 101.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 40.2 | 84.0 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Coolum Beach 4573 | Peregian Springs 4573 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | coolumshs.eq.edu.au | www.saac.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Andrew's Anglican College scores higher on the Success Index (68.9 vs 62.9).
- •St Andrew's Anglican College has the higher ICSEA (1143 vs 1040), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Coolum State High School has fewer students per teacher (13.3 vs 14.3).
- •Coolum State High School is the larger school with 1,551 students compared with 1,459.
- •Coolum State High School has grown faster over five years (18% vs 11%).
- •Coolum State High School is a government school while St Andrew's Anglican 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 St Andrew's Anglican College?
On the Success Index, St Andrew's Anglican College ranks higher (68.9 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 St Andrew's Anglican College?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Coolum Beach and Peregian Springs in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coolum State High School has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Andrew's Anglican College has 14.3.
How do Coolum State High School and St Andrew's Anglican College rank in QLD?
Coolum State High School is 48th of 269 and St Andrew's Anglican College is 42nd of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.