Gilston State School vs William Duncan State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 3.8 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
William Duncan State School
Highland Park · Government primary · Prep-6
580 students · ICSEA 975
| Measure | Gilston State School Gilston QLD | William Duncan State School Highland Park QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 41 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #358 of 804 | #453 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #2853 of 4,908 | #3333 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 484 | 580 |
| Girls / boys | 240 / 244 | 276 / 304 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | 73 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 975 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 39% |
| Students per teacher | 16.0 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.2 | 44.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.9 | 17.6 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 11% |
| Suburb | Gilston 4211 | Highland Park 4211 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | gilstonss.eq.edu.au | williamduncanss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Gilston State School scores higher on the Success Index (47.8 vs 41.4).
- •Gilston State School has the higher ICSEA (1026 vs 975), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •William Duncan State School has fewer students per teacher (13.1 vs 16.0).
- •William Duncan State School is the larger school with 580 students compared with 484.
- •William Duncan State School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -17%).
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Gilston State School better than William Duncan State School?
On the Success Index, Gilston State School ranks higher (47.8 vs 41.4 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 William Duncan State School?
About 3.8 km in a straight line, between Gilston and Highland Park in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gilston State School has 16.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and William Duncan State School has 13.1.
How do Gilston State School and William Duncan State School rank in QLD?
Gilston State School is 358th of 804 and William Duncan State School is 453rd of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.