Downlands College vs Toowoomba West Special School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.2 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 West Special School
Newtown · Government special · Prep-6
140 students · ICSEA 953
| Measure | Downlands College Toowoomba QLD | Toowoomba West Special School Newtown QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 65 Top 50% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #66 of 275 | – |
| National rank (type) | #368 of 1,259 | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Special |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,187 | 140 |
| Girls / boys | 574 / 613 | 42 / 98 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | 129 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 171 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +32% | +35% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 953 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 27% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 42% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 3.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 105.1 | 37.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 46.7 | 42.2 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 27% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Newtown 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.downlands.qld.edu.au/ | toowoombawestspecs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Downlands College has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 953), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Toowoomba West Special School has fewer students per teacher (3.7 vs 11.3).
- •Downlands College is the larger school with 1,187 students compared with 140.
- •Downlands College is a catholic school while Toowoomba West Special 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 West Special School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Downlands College and Toowoomba West Special School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Newtown in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Downlands College has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Toowoomba West Special School has 3.7.
How do Downlands College and Toowoomba West Special School rank in QLD?
Downlands College is 66th of 275 and Toowoomba West Special School is unranked among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.