Fairholme College vs St Joseph's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fairholme College
Toowoomba · Independent combined · Prep-12
849 students · ICSEA 1110
St Joseph's College
Rangeville · Catholic high school · 7-12
913 students · ICSEA 1044
| Measure | Fairholme College Toowoomba QLD | St Joseph's College Rangeville QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #28 of 275 | #61 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #244 of 1,259 | #506 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 849 | 913 |
| Girls / boys | 849 / 0 | 506 / 407 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | 164 |
| Year 12 cohort | 121 | 142 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1110 | 1044 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.3 | 66.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 52.2 | 37.9 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 5% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Rangeville 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.fairholme.qld.edu.au | www.sjc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Fairholme College scores higher on the Success Index (70.9 vs 60.5).
- •Fairholme College has the higher ICSEA (1110 vs 1044), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fairholme College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 13.7).
- •St Joseph's College is the larger school with 913 students compared with 849.
- •Fairholme College has grown faster over five years (15% vs 3%).
- •Fairholme College is a independent school while St Joseph's College 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Chermside
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairholme College better than St Joseph's College?
On the Success Index, Fairholme College ranks higher (70.9 vs 60.5 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 Fairholme College and St Joseph's College?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Rangeville in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fairholme College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's College has 13.7.
How do Fairholme College and St Joseph's College rank in QLD?
Fairholme College is 28th of 275 and St Joseph's College is 61st of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.