Skip to content
S

Gilston State School vs Nerang State High School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 4.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureGilston State School
Gilston QLD
Nerang State High School
Nerang QLD
Success Index
48
Lower 50%
35
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#358 of 804#169 of 269
National rank (type)#2853 of 4,908#1060 of 1,472
SectorGovernmentGovernment
TypePrimarySecondary
Year rangePrep-67-12
Students484998
Girls / boys240 / 244454 / 544
Foundation intake65–
Year 7 cohort–188
Year 12 cohort–133
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth-17%-14%
ICSEA
Average 1000
1026970
ICSEA percentile58th33th
Top SEA quarter13%5%
Bottom SEA quarter20%43%
Students per teacher16.012.1
Teaching staff (FTE)30.282.5
Non-teaching staff (FTE)13.934.7
Language background other than English9%11%
Indigenous students5%7%
SuburbGilston 4211Nerang 4211
Council areaGold CoastGold Coast
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitegilstonss.eq.edu.aunerangshs.eq.edu.au

The verdict

  • •Gilston State School scores higher on the Success Index (47.8 vs 35.0).
  • •Gilston State School has the higher ICSEA (1026 vs 970), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Nerang State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 16.0).
  • •Nerang State High School is the larger school with 998 students compared with 484.

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 Mount Gravatt East

No cost, no obligation. By submitting you agree to be contacted by Success Tutoring about your enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gilston State School better than Nerang State High School?

On the Success Index, Gilston State School ranks higher (47.8 vs 35.0 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 Gilston State School and Nerang State High School?

About 4.6 km in a straight line, between Gilston and Nerang in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Gilston State School has 16.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Nerang State High School has 12.1.

How do Gilston State School and Nerang State High School rank in QLD?

Gilston State School is 358th of 804 and Nerang State High School is 169th of 269 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.