Coolum State School vs Pacific Paradise State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 8.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Coolum State School
Coolum Beach · Government primary · Prep-6
1,004 students · ICSEA 1046
Pacific Paradise State School
Pacific Paradise · Government primary · Prep-6
467 students · ICSEA 1024
| Measure | Coolum State School Coolum Beach QLD | Pacific Paradise State School Pacific Paradise QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 62 Top 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #176 of 804 | #245 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1706 of 4,908 | #2154 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,004 | 467 |
| Girls / boys | 482 / 522 | 225 / 242 |
| Foundation intake | 136 | 63 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1046 | 1024 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 57th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 15% | 25% |
| Students per teacher | 14.9 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.3 | 33.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.8 | 16.4 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 5% |
| Suburb | Coolum Beach 4573 | Pacific Paradise 4564 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | coolumss.eq.edu.au | pacificparadisess.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Coolum State School scores higher on the Success Index (62.3 vs 57.1).
- •Coolum State School has the higher ICSEA (1046 vs 1024), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pacific Paradise State School has fewer students per teacher (13.9 vs 14.9).
- •Coolum State School is the larger school with 1,004 students compared with 467.
- •Coolum State School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -10%).
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 School better than Pacific Paradise State School?
On the Success Index, Coolum State School ranks higher (62.3 vs 57.1 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 School and Pacific Paradise State School?
About 8.8 km in a straight line, between Coolum Beach and Pacific Paradise in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coolum State School has 14.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pacific Paradise State School has 13.9.
How do Coolum State School and Pacific Paradise State School rank in QLD?
Coolum State School is 176th of 804 and Pacific Paradise State School is 245th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.