Downlands College vs Toowoomba State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.3 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
Toowoomba State High School
Mount Lofty · Government high school · 7-12
775 students · ICSEA 934
| Measure | Downlands College Toowoomba QLD | Toowoomba State High School Mount Lofty QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 65 Top 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #66 of 275 | #208 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #368 of 1,259 | #1218 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,187 | 775 |
| Girls / boys | 574 / 613 | 386 / 389 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 129 | 163 |
| Year 12 cohort | 171 | 86 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +32% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 934 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 19th |
| Top SEA quarter | 27% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 53% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 10.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 105.1 | 73.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 46.7 | 35.4 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 14% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Mount Lofty 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.downlands.qld.edu.au/ | toowoombashs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Downlands College scores higher on the Success Index (64.9 vs 28.5).
- •Downlands College has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 934), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Toowoomba State High School has fewer students per teacher (10.5 vs 11.3).
- •Downlands College is the larger school with 1,187 students compared with 775.
- •Downlands College has grown faster over five years (32% vs -12%).
- •Downlands College is a catholic school while Toowoomba 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 Downlands College better than Toowoomba State High School?
On the Success Index, Downlands College ranks higher (64.9 vs 28.5 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 Toowoomba State High School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Mount Lofty in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Downlands College has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Toowoomba State High School has 10.5.
How do Downlands College and Toowoomba State High School rank in QLD?
Downlands College is 66th of 275 and Toowoomba State High School is 208th of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.