Earnshaw State College vs Meridan State College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 67 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Earnshaw State College
Banyo · Government combined · Prep-12
803 students · ICSEA 1010
Meridan State College
Meridan Plains · Government combined · Prep-12
1,795 students · ICSEA 1013
| Measure | Earnshaw State College Banyo QLD | Meridan State College Meridan Plains QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #150 of 275 | #188 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #730 of 1,259 | #887 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 803 | 1,795 |
| Girls / boys | 392 / 411 | 917 / 878 |
| Foundation intake | 40 | 52 |
| Year 7 cohort | 57 | 191 |
| Year 12 cohort | 105 | 160 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -5% | -34% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1010 | 1013 |
| ICSEA percentile | 52th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 27% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 10.5 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 71.9 | 145.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.9 | 58.4 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 6% |
| Suburb | Banyo 4014 | Meridan Plains 4551 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | earnshawsc.eq.edu.au | meridansc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Earnshaw State College scores higher on the Success Index (46.5 vs 38.5).
- •Meridan State College has the higher ICSEA (1013 vs 1010), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Earnshaw State College has fewer students per teacher (10.5 vs 12.3).
- •Meridan State College is the larger school with 1,795 students compared with 803.
- •Earnshaw State College has grown faster over five years (-5% vs -34%).
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 Earnshaw State College better than Meridan State College?
On the Success Index, Earnshaw State College ranks higher (46.5 vs 38.5 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 Earnshaw State College and Meridan State College?
About 67 km in a straight line, between Banyo and Meridan Plains in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Earnshaw State College has 10.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Meridan State College has 12.3.
How do Earnshaw State College and Meridan State College rank in QLD?
Earnshaw State College is 150th of 275 and Meridan State College is 188th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.