Downlands College vs Fairholme College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 2.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Downlands College
Toowoomba · Catholic combined · Prep-12
1,187 students · ICSEA 1060
Fairholme College
Toowoomba · Independent combined · Prep-12
849 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Downlands College Toowoomba QLD | Fairholme College Toowoomba QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 65 Top 50% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #66 of 275 | #28 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #368 of 1,259 | #244 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,187 | 849 |
| Girls / boys | 574 / 613 | 849 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | 129 | 119 |
| Year 12 cohort | 171 | 121 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +32% | +15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 27% | 44% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 105.1 | 78.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 46.7 | 52.2 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 3% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Toowoomba 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.downlands.qld.edu.au/ | www.fairholme.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Fairholme College scores higher on the Success Index (70.9 vs 64.9).
- •Fairholme College has the higher ICSEA (1110 vs 1060), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Downlands College is the larger school with 1,187 students compared with 849.
- •Downlands College has grown faster over five years (32% vs 15%).
- •Downlands College is a catholic school while Fairholme 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 Downlands College better than Fairholme College?
On the Success Index, Fairholme College ranks higher (70.9 vs 64.9 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 Downlands College and Fairholme College?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Toowoomba in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Downlands College has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Fairholme College has 10.8.
How do Downlands College and Fairholme College rank in QLD?
Downlands College is 66th of 275 and Fairholme College is 28th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.