Darling Downs Adventist College vs Drayton State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Darling Downs Adventist College
Toowoomba · Independent combined · Prep-12
362 students · ICSEA 1038
Drayton State School
Drayton · Government primary · Prep-6
165 students · ICSEA 929
| Measure | Darling Downs Adventist College Toowoomba QLD | Drayton State School Drayton QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #94 of 275 | #733 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #498 of 1,259 | #4712 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 362 | 165 |
| Girls / boys | 161 / 201 | 75 / 90 |
| Foundation intake | 17 | 31 |
| Year 7 cohort | 49 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 18 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +84% | -37% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1038 | 929 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 18th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 53% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.0 | 10.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 29.2 | 10.2 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 21% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Drayton 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.ddcs.qld.edu.au | draytonss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Darling Downs Adventist College scores higher on the Success Index (57.7 vs 21.4).
- •Darling Downs Adventist College has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 929), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Darling Downs Adventist College has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 15.1).
- •Darling Downs Adventist College is the larger school with 362 students compared with 165.
- •Darling Downs Adventist College has grown faster over five years (84% vs -37%).
- •Darling Downs Adventist College is a independent school while Drayton State School is a government 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Chermside
Frequently asked questions
Is Darling Downs Adventist College better than Drayton State School?
On the Success Index, Darling Downs Adventist College ranks higher (57.7 vs 21.4 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 Darling Downs Adventist College and Drayton State School?
About 3.8 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Drayton in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Darling Downs Adventist College has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Drayton State School has 15.1.
How do Darling Downs Adventist College and Drayton State School rank in QLD?
Darling Downs Adventist College is 94th of 275 and Drayton State School is 733rd of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.