Coombabah State High School vs James Nash State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 207 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Coombabah State High School
Coombabah · Government high school · 7-12
1,113 students · ICSEA 977
James Nash State High School
Gympie · Government high school · 7-12
1,027 students · ICSEA 976
| Measure | Coombabah State High School Coombabah QLD | James Nash State High School Gympie QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 41 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #167 of 269 | #148 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1055 of 1,472 | #929 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,113 | 1,027 |
| Girls / boys | 483 / 630 | 508 / 519 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 199 | 168 |
| Year 12 cohort | 140 | 119 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 977 | 976 |
| ICSEA percentile | 36th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 40% | 38% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 91.0 | 88.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 37.7 | 47.1 |
| Language background other than English | 17% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 12% |
| Suburb | Coombabah 4216 | Gympie 4570 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gympie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | coombabashs.eq.edu.au | jamesnashshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •James Nash State High School scores higher on the Success Index (41.0 vs 35.3).
- •Coombabah State High School has the higher ICSEA (977 vs 976), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •James Nash State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 12.2).
- •Coombabah State High School is the larger school with 1,113 students compared with 1,027.
- •Coombabah State High School has grown faster over five years (-7% vs -18%).
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 Coombabah State High School better than James Nash State High School?
On the Success Index, James Nash State High School ranks higher (41.0 vs 35.3 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 Coombabah State High School and James Nash State High School?
About 207 km in a straight line, between Coombabah and Gympie in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coombabah State High School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and James Nash State High School has 11.4.
How do Coombabah State High School and James Nash State High School rank in QLD?
Coombabah State High School is 167th of 269 and James Nash State High School is 148th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.