Darling Downs Adventist College vs Harristown State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.8 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
Harristown State High School
Harristown · Government high school · 7-12
1,641 students · ICSEA 929
| Measure | Darling Downs Adventist College Toowoomba QLD | Harristown State High School Harristown QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #94 of 275 | #243 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #498 of 1,259 | #1363 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 362 | 1,641 |
| Girls / boys | 161 / 201 | 854 / 787 |
| Foundation intake | 17 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 49 | 304 |
| Year 12 cohort | 18 | 203 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +84% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1038 | 929 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 18th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 52% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.0 | 135.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 29.2 | 58.1 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 18% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Harristown 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.ddcs.qld.edu.au | harristownshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Darling Downs Adventist College scores higher on the Success Index (57.7 vs 22.9).
- •Darling Downs Adventist College has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 929), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Harristown State High School is the larger school with 1,641 students compared with 362.
- •Darling Downs Adventist College has grown faster over five years (84% vs -10%).
- •Darling Downs Adventist College is a independent school while Harristown State High 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Darling Downs Adventist College better than Harristown State High School?
On the Success Index, Darling Downs Adventist College ranks higher (57.7 vs 22.9 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 Harristown State High School?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Harristown in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Darling Downs Adventist College has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Harristown State High School has 12.1.
How do Darling Downs Adventist College and Harristown State High School rank in QLD?
Darling Downs Adventist College is 94th of 275 and Harristown State High School is 243rd of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.