Drayton State School vs Highlands Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Drayton State School
Drayton · Government primary · Prep-6
165 students · ICSEA 929
Highlands Christian College
Toowoomba · Independent combined · Prep-12
670 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | Drayton State School Drayton QLD | Highlands Christian College Toowoomba QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #733 of 804 | #133 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #4712 of 4,908 | #659 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 165 | 670 |
| Girls / boys | 75 / 90 | 359 / 311 |
| Foundation intake | 31 | 46 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 73 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 41 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -37% | +12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 929 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 18th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 22% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 53% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 15.1 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.9 | 51.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.2 | 41.5 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 21% | 2% |
| Suburb | Drayton 4350 | Toowoomba 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | draytonss.eq.edu.au | www.highlands.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Highlands Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (50.0 vs 21.4).
- •Highlands Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 929), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Highlands Christian College has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 15.1).
- •Highlands Christian College is the larger school with 670 students compared with 165.
- •Highlands Christian College has grown faster over five years (12% vs -37%).
- •Drayton 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 Drayton State School better than Highlands Christian College?
On the Success Index, Highlands Christian College ranks higher (50.0 vs 21.4 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 Drayton State School and Highlands Christian College?
About 3.9 km in a straight line, between Drayton and Toowoomba in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Drayton State School has 15.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Highlands Christian College has 13.0.
How do Drayton State School and Highlands Christian College rank in QLD?
Drayton State School is 733rd of 804 and Highlands Christian College is 133rd of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.