Freshwater State School vs Peace Lutheran College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Freshwater State School
Freshwater · Government primary · Prep-6
594 students · ICSEA 1064
Peace Lutheran College
Kamerunga · Independent combined · Prep-12
544 students · ICSEA 1054
| Measure | Freshwater State School Freshwater QLD | Peace Lutheran College Kamerunga QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #174 of 804 | #109 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #1696 of 4,908 | #569 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 594 | 544 |
| Girls / boys | 278 / 316 | 267 / 277 |
| Foundation intake | 66 | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 42 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 63 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -14% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1064 | 1054 |
| ICSEA percentile | 73th | 70th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 40.1 | 46.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.4 | 24.5 |
| Language background other than English | 21% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 13% |
| Suburb | Freshwater 4870 | Kamerunga 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | freshwaterss.eq.edu.au | www.plc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Freshwater State School scores higher on the Success Index (62.5 vs 53.8).
- •Freshwater State School has the higher ICSEA (1064 vs 1054), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Peace Lutheran College has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 14.8).
- •Freshwater State School is the larger school with 594 students compared with 544.
- •Freshwater State School is a government school while Peace Lutheran College is an independent 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Freshwater State School better than Peace Lutheran College?
On the Success Index, Freshwater State School ranks higher (62.5 vs 53.8 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 State School and Peace Lutheran College?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between Freshwater and Kamerunga in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Freshwater State School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Peace Lutheran College has 11.6.
How do Freshwater State School and Peace Lutheran College rank in QLD?
Freshwater State School is 174th of 804 and Peace Lutheran College is 109th of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.