Gilston State School vs Silkwood School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 4.5 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
Silkwood School
Mount Nathan · Independent combined · Prep-12
765 students · ICSEA 1073
| Measure | Gilston State School Gilston QLD | Silkwood School Mount Nathan QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #358 of 804 | #78 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #2853 of 4,908 | #429 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 484 | 765 |
| Girls / boys | 240 / 244 | 392 / 373 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | 63 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 66 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 56 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 1073 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 76th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 16.0 | 12.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.2 | 61.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.9 | 49.0 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 2% |
| Suburb | Gilston 4211 | Mount Nathan 4211 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | gilstonss.eq.edu.au | www.silkwood.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Silkwood School scores higher on the Success Index (61.6 vs 47.8).
- •Silkwood School has the higher ICSEA (1073 vs 1026), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Silkwood School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 16.0).
- •Silkwood School is the larger school with 765 students compared with 484.
- •Silkwood School has grown faster over five years (16% vs -17%).
- •Gilston State School is a government school while Silkwood School 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Gilston State School better than Silkwood School?
On the Success Index, Silkwood School ranks higher (61.6 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 Silkwood School?
About 4.5 km in a straight line, between Gilston and Mount Nathan in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gilston State School has 16.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Silkwood School has 12.4.
How do Gilston State School and Silkwood School rank in QLD?
Gilston State School is 358th of 804 and Silkwood School is 78th of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.