Elanora State High School vs Palm Beach State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Elanora State High School
Elanora · Government high school · 7-12
949 students · ICSEA 1023
Palm Beach State School
Palm Beach · Government primary · Prep-6
894 students · ICSEA 1059
| Measure | Elanora State High School Elanora QLD | Palm Beach State School Palm Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #71 of 269 | #112 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #541 of 1,472 | #1108 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 949 | 894 |
| Girls / boys | 425 / 524 | 406 / 488 |
| Foundation intake | – | 138 |
| Year 7 cohort | 195 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 112 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | +28% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1023 | 1059 |
| ICSEA percentile | 57th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 22% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 11.9 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 80.0 | 59.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 37.7 | 20.2 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 4% |
| Suburb | Elanora 4221 | Palm Beach 4221 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | elanorashs.eq.edu.au | palmbeachss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Palm Beach State School scores higher on the Success Index (69.0 vs 58.9).
- •Palm Beach State School has the higher ICSEA (1059 vs 1023), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Elanora State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 15.1).
- •Elanora State High School is the larger school with 949 students compared with 894.
- •Palm Beach State School has grown faster over five years (28% vs 0%).
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 Elanora State High School better than Palm Beach State School?
On the Success Index, Palm Beach State School ranks higher (69.0 vs 58.9 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 Elanora State High School and Palm Beach State School?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between Elanora and Palm Beach in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Elanora State High School has 11.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palm Beach State School has 15.1.
How do Elanora State High School and Palm Beach State School rank in QLD?
Elanora State High School is 71st of 269 and Palm Beach State School is 112th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.