Dalby State High School vs Emerald State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 513 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Dalby State High School
Dalby · Government high school · 7-12
1,090 students · ICSEA 946
Emerald State High School
Emerald · Government high school · 7-12
847 students · ICSEA 945
| Measure | Dalby State High School Dalby QLD | Emerald State High School Emerald QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 33 Lower 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #185 of 269 | #236 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1111 of 1,472 | #1326 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,090 | 847 |
| Girls / boys | 557 / 533 | 419 / 428 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 167 | 151 |
| Year 12 cohort | 157 | 121 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 946 | 945 |
| ICSEA percentile | 23th | 23th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 46% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 87.7 | 70.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 66.3 | 23.6 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 10% |
| Suburb | Dalby 4405 | Emerald 4720 |
| Council area | Western Downs | Central Highlands (Qld) |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | dalbyshs.eq.edu.au | emeraldshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Dalby State High School scores higher on the Success Index (33.1 vs 24.4).
- •Dalby State High School has the higher ICSEA (946 vs 945), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Dalby State High School is the larger school with 1,090 students compared with 847.
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 Dalby State High School better than Emerald State High School?
On the Success Index, Dalby State High School ranks higher (33.1 vs 24.4 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 Dalby State High School and Emerald State High School?
About 513 km in a straight line, between Dalby and Emerald in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dalby State High School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Emerald State High School has 12.1.
How do Dalby State High School and Emerald State High School rank in QLD?
Dalby State High School is 185th of 269 and Emerald State High School is 236th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.