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Good Shepherd Lutheran College vs Sunshine Beach State High School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 5.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureGood Shepherd Lutheran College
Noosaville QLD
Sunshine Beach State High School
Sunshine Beach QLD
Success Index
67
Top 25%
62
Top 50%
State rank (type)#53 of 275#52 of 269
National rank (type)#321 of 1,259#459 of 1,472
SectorIndependentGovernment
TypeCombinedSecondary
Year rangePrep-127-12
Students1,1211,405
Girls / boys579 / 542687 / 718
Foundation intake52–
Year 7 cohort132212
Year 12 cohort109233
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+2%-11%
ICSEA
Average 1000
11171043
ICSEA percentile88th66th
Top SEA quarter45%18%
Bottom SEA quarter3%18%
Students per teacher14.511.6
Teaching staff (FTE)77.3121.2
Non-teaching staff (FTE)57.844.6
Language background other than English11%16%
Indigenous students2%3%
SuburbNoosaville 4566Sunshine Beach 4567
Council areaNoosaNoosa
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitewww.gslc.qld.edu.ausunshinebeachhigh.eq.edu.au

The verdict

  • •Good Shepherd Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (67.3 vs 62.2).
  • •Good Shepherd Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1117 vs 1043), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Sunshine Beach State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 14.5).
  • •Sunshine Beach State High School is the larger school with 1,405 students compared with 1,121.
  • •Good Shepherd Lutheran College has grown faster over five years (2% vs -11%).
  • •Good Shepherd Lutheran College is a independent school while Sunshine Beach State High School is a government 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 Good Shepherd Lutheran College better than Sunshine Beach State High School?

On the Success Index, Good Shepherd Lutheran College ranks higher (67.3 vs 62.2 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 Good Shepherd Lutheran College and Sunshine Beach State High School?

About 5.1 km in a straight line, between Noosaville and Sunshine Beach in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Good Shepherd Lutheran College has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sunshine Beach State High School has 11.6.

How do Good Shepherd Lutheran College and Sunshine Beach State High School rank in QLD?

Good Shepherd Lutheran College is 53rd of 275 and Sunshine Beach State High School is 52nd of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.