Fairholme College vs Mater Dei Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 552 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fairholme College
Toowoomba · Independent combined · Prep-12
849 students · ICSEA 1110
Mater Dei Primary School
Toowoomba · Catholic primary · Prep-6
433 students · ICSEA 1116
| Measure | Fairholme College Toowoomba QLD | Mater Dei Primary School Toowoomba QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #28 of 275 | #103 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #244 of 1,259 | #1023 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 849 | 433 |
| Girls / boys | 849 / 0 | 227 / 206 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | 66 |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 121 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1110 | 1116 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 45% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 17.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.3 | 25.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 52.2 | 13.2 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Toowoomba 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.fairholme.qld.edu.au | www.mdpstwb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Fairholme College scores higher on the Success Index (70.9 vs 69.9).
- •Mater Dei Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1116 vs 1110), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fairholme College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 17.0).
- •Fairholme College is the larger school with 849 students compared with 433.
- •Fairholme College has grown faster over five years (15% vs 1%).
- •Fairholme College is a independent school while Mater Dei Primary School is a catholic 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 Fairholme College better than Mater Dei Primary School?
On the Success Index, Fairholme College ranks higher (70.9 vs 69.9 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 Fairholme College and Mater Dei Primary School?
About 552 m in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Toowoomba in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fairholme College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mater Dei Primary School has 17.0.
How do Fairholme College and Mater Dei Primary School rank in QLD?
Fairholme College is 28th of 275 and Mater Dei Primary School is 103rd of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.