Freshwater Christian College vs Freshwater State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Freshwater Christian College
Brinsmead · Independent combined · Prep-12
562 students · ICSEA 1041
Freshwater State School
Freshwater · Government primary · Prep-6
594 students · ICSEA 1064
| Measure | Freshwater Christian College Brinsmead QLD | Freshwater State School Freshwater QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 53 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #113 of 275 | #174 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #588 of 1,259 | #1696 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 562 | 594 |
| Girls / boys | 259 / 303 | 278 / 316 |
| Foundation intake | 53 | 66 |
| Year 7 cohort | 44 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 35 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1041 | 1064 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 73th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 30% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 14% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 14.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 46.1 | 40.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.7 | 17.4 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 6% |
| Suburb | Brinsmead 4870 | Freshwater 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.fcc.qld.edu.au | freshwaterss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Freshwater State School scores higher on the Success Index (62.5 vs 53.0).
- •Freshwater State School has the higher ICSEA (1064 vs 1041), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Freshwater Christian College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 14.8).
- •Freshwater State School is the larger school with 594 students compared with 562.
- •Freshwater Christian College has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -14%).
- •Freshwater Christian College is a independent school while Freshwater 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 Freshwater Christian College better than Freshwater State School?
On the Success Index, Freshwater State School ranks higher (62.5 vs 53.0 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 Freshwater Christian College and Freshwater State School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Brinsmead and Freshwater in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Freshwater Christian College has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Freshwater State School has 14.8.
How do Freshwater Christian College and Freshwater State School rank in QLD?
Freshwater Christian College is 113th of 275 and Freshwater State School is 174th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.