Fairholme College vs Toowoomba State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.7 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 State High School
Mount Lofty · Government high school · 7-12
775 students · ICSEA 934
| Measure | Fairholme College Toowoomba QLD | Toowoomba State High School Mount Lofty QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #28 of 275 | #208 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #244 of 1,259 | #1218 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 849 | 775 |
| Girls / boys | 849 / 0 | 386 / 389 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | 163 |
| Year 12 cohort | 121 | 86 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1110 | 934 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 19th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 53% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 10.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.3 | 73.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 52.2 | 35.4 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 14% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Mount Lofty 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.fairholme.qld.edu.au | toowoombashs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Fairholme College scores higher on the Success Index (70.9 vs 28.5).
- •Fairholme College has the higher ICSEA (1110 vs 934), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fairholme College is the larger school with 849 students compared with 775.
- •Fairholme College has grown faster over five years (15% vs -12%).
- •Fairholme College is a independent school while Toowoomba State High 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 State High School?
On the Success Index, Fairholme College ranks higher (70.9 vs 28.5 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 Toowoomba State High School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Mount Lofty in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fairholme College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Toowoomba State High School has 10.5.
How do Fairholme College and Toowoomba State High School rank in QLD?
Fairholme College is 28th of 275 and Toowoomba State High School is 208th of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.