Fairholme College vs Toowoomba East State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.2 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
Toowoomba East State School
East Toowoomba · Government primary · Prep-6
867 students · ICSEA 1067
| Measure | Fairholme College Toowoomba QLD | Toowoomba East State School East Toowoomba QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #28 of 275 | #131 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #244 of 1,259 | #1320 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 849 | 867 |
| Girls / boys | 849 / 0 | 413 / 454 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | 116 |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 121 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1110 | 1067 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 16.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.3 | 52.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 52.2 | 21.3 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 6% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | East Toowoomba 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.fairholme.qld.edu.au | toowoombaeastss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Fairholme College scores higher on the Success Index (70.9 vs 66.7).
- •Fairholme College has the higher ICSEA (1110 vs 1067), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fairholme College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 16.5).
- •Toowoomba East State School is the larger school with 867 students compared with 849.
- •Fairholme College has grown faster over five years (15% vs 0%).
- •Fairholme College is a independent school while Toowoomba East State School is a government 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 Toowoomba East State School?
On the Success Index, Fairholme College ranks higher (70.9 vs 66.7 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 Toowoomba East State School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and East Toowoomba in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fairholme College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Toowoomba East State School has 16.5.
How do Fairholme College and Toowoomba East State School rank in QLD?
Fairholme College is 28th of 275 and Toowoomba East State School is 131st of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.