Darling Heights State School vs Highlands Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Darling Heights State School
Darling Heights · Government primary · Prep-6
607 students · ICSEA 944
Highlands Christian College
Toowoomba · Independent combined · Prep-12
670 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | Darling Heights State School Darling Heights QLD | Highlands Christian College Toowoomba QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 32 Lower 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #568 of 804 | #133 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #3961 of 4,908 | #659 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 607 | 670 |
| Girls / boys | 307 / 300 | 359 / 311 |
| Foundation intake | 92 | 46 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 73 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 41 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | +12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 944 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 23th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 22% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 48.0 | 51.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.7 | 41.5 |
| Language background other than English | 55% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 2% |
| Suburb | Darling Heights 4350 | Toowoomba 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | darlingheightsss.eq.edu.au | www.highlands.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Highlands Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (50.0 vs 32.3).
- •Highlands Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 944), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Highlands Christian College is the larger school with 670 students compared with 607.
- •Highlands Christian College has grown faster over five years (12% vs -10%).
- •Darling Heights State School is a government school while Highlands Christian College is an independent 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 Heights State School better than Highlands Christian College?
On the Success Index, Highlands Christian College ranks higher (50.0 vs 32.3 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 Darling Heights State School and Highlands Christian College?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Darling Heights and Toowoomba in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Darling Heights State School has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Highlands Christian College has 13.0.
How do Darling Heights State School and Highlands Christian College rank in QLD?
Darling Heights State School is 568th of 804 and Highlands Christian College is 133rd of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.