Gilston State School vs Highland Reserve State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 17 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gilston State School
Gilston · Government primary · Prep-6
484 students · ICSEA 1026
Highland Reserve State School
Upper Coomera · Government primary · Prep-6
899 students · ICSEA 1026
| Measure | Gilston State School Gilston QLD | Highland Reserve State School Upper Coomera QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #358 of 804 | #275 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #2853 of 4,908 | #2373 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 484 | 899 |
| Girls / boys | 240 / 244 | 475 / 424 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | 126 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | -5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 1026 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 58th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 16.0 | 14.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.2 | 63.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.9 | 25.4 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 5% |
| Suburb | Gilston 4211 | Upper Coomera 4209 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | gilstonss.eq.edu.au | highlandreservess.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Highland Reserve State School scores higher on the Success Index (54.4 vs 47.8).
- •Highland Reserve State School has fewer students per teacher (14.2 vs 16.0).
- •Highland Reserve State School is the larger school with 899 students compared with 484.
- •Highland Reserve State School has grown faster over five years (-5% vs -17%).
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 Gilston State School better than Highland Reserve State School?
On the Success Index, Highland Reserve State School ranks higher (54.4 vs 47.8 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 Gilston State School and Highland Reserve State School?
About 17 km in a straight line, between Gilston and Upper Coomera in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gilston State School has 16.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Highland Reserve State School has 14.2.
How do Gilston State School and Highland Reserve State School rank in QLD?
Gilston State School is 358th of 804 and Highland Reserve State School is 275th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.