Forest Lake State High School vs Pallara State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Forest Lake State High School
Forest Lake · Government high school · 7-12
1,673 students · ICSEA 969
Pallara State School
Pallara · Government primary · Prep-6
1,337 students · ICSEA 1062
| Measure | Forest Lake State High School Forest Lake QLD | Pallara State School Pallara QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 33 Lower 50% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #184 of 269 | #119 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1108 of 1,472 | #1196 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,673 | 1,337 |
| Girls / boys | 810 / 863 | 656 / 681 |
| Foundation intake | – | 225 |
| Year 7 cohort | 321 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 228 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | +95% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 969 | 1062 |
| ICSEA percentile | 33th | 73th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 16.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 129.4 | 80.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 48.5 | 22.6 |
| Language background other than English | 52% | 76% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 2% |
| Suburb | Forest Lake 4078 | Pallara 4110 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | forestlakeshs.eq.edu.au | pallarass.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pallara State School scores higher on the Success Index (68.1 vs 33.2).
- •Pallara State School has the higher ICSEA (1062 vs 969), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Forest Lake State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 16.6).
- •Forest Lake State High School is the larger school with 1,673 students compared with 1,337.
- •Pallara State School has grown faster over five years (95% vs 6%).
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 Forest Lake State High School better than Pallara State School?
On the Success Index, Pallara State School ranks higher (68.1 vs 33.2 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 Forest Lake State High School and Pallara State School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Forest Lake and Pallara in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Forest Lake State High School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pallara State School has 16.6.
How do Forest Lake State High School and Pallara State School rank in QLD?
Forest Lake State High School is 184th of 269 and Pallara State School is 119th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.