Fernvale State School vs Lowood State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 6.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fernvale State School
Fernvale · Government primary · Prep-6
447 students · ICSEA 974
Lowood State High School
Lowood · Government high school · 7-12
643 students · ICSEA 915
| Measure | Fernvale State School Fernvale QLD | Lowood State High School Lowood QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 37 Lower 50% | 22 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #515 of 804 | #247 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #3653 of 4,908 | #1384 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 447 | 643 |
| Girls / boys | 234 / 213 | 305 / 338 |
| Foundation intake | 49 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 116 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 86 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -20% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 974 | 915 |
| ICSEA percentile | 35th | 14th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 63% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 59.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.6 | 29.4 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 16% |
| Suburb | Fernvale 4306 | Lowood 4311 |
| Council area | Somerset | Somerset |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | fernvaless.eq.edu.au | lowoodshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Fernvale State School scores higher on the Success Index (36.8 vs 21.7).
- •Fernvale State School has the higher ICSEA (974 vs 915), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lowood State High School has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 12.7).
- •Lowood State High School is the larger school with 643 students compared with 447.
- •Lowood State High School has grown faster over five years (-13% vs -20%).
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 Fernvale State School better than Lowood State High School?
On the Success Index, Fernvale State School ranks higher (36.8 vs 21.7 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 Fernvale State School and Lowood State High School?
About 6.5 km in a straight line, between Fernvale and Lowood in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fernvale State School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lowood State High School has 10.8.
How do Fernvale State School and Lowood State High School rank in QLD?
Fernvale State School is 515th of 804 and Lowood State High School is 247th of 269 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.