Coolum State High School vs Tamborine Mountain State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 159 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
Tamborine Mountain State High School
Tamborine Mountain · Government high school · 7-12
943 students · ICSEA 1039
| Measure | Coolum State High School Coolum Beach QLD | Tamborine Mountain State High School Tamborine Mountain QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #48 of 269 | #89 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #443 of 1,472 | #636 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,551 | 943 |
| Girls / boys | 698 / 853 | 448 / 495 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 301 | 175 |
| Year 12 cohort | 207 | 126 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1040 | 1039 |
| ICSEA percentile | 64th | 64th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 13.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 116.7 | 70.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 40.2 | 40.1 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 5% |
| Suburb | Coolum Beach 4573 | Tamborine Mountain 4272 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Scenic Rim |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | coolumshs.eq.edu.au | tamborinemtnshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Coolum State High School scores higher on the Success Index (62.9 vs 54.7).
- •Coolum State High School has the higher ICSEA (1040 vs 1039), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Coolum State High School is the larger school with 1,551 students compared with 943.
- •Coolum State High School has grown faster over five years (18% vs -9%).
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 Tamborine Mountain State High School?
On the Success Index, Coolum State High School ranks higher (62.9 vs 54.7 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 Tamborine Mountain State High School?
About 159 km in a straight line, between Coolum Beach and Tamborine Mountain in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coolum State High School has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tamborine Mountain State High School has 13.3.
How do Coolum State High School and Tamborine Mountain State High School rank in QLD?
Coolum State High School is 48th of 269 and Tamborine Mountain State High School is 89th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.