Harristown State High School vs Newtown State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Harristown State High School
Harristown · Government high school · 7-12
1,641 students · ICSEA 929
Newtown State School
Newtown · Government primary · Prep-6
337 students · ICSEA 900
| Measure | Harristown State High School Harristown QLD | Newtown State School Newtown QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #243 of 269 | #686 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1363 of 1,472 | #4515 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,641 | 337 |
| Girls / boys | 854 / 787 | 168 / 169 |
| Foundation intake | – | 41 |
| Year 7 cohort | 304 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 203 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 929 | 900 |
| ICSEA percentile | 18th | 11th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 135.1 | 27.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 58.1 | 13.9 |
| Language background other than English | 28% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 25% |
| Suburb | Harristown 4350 | Newtown 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | harristownshs.eq.edu.au | newtownss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Newtown State School scores higher on the Success Index (24.8 vs 22.9).
- •Harristown State High School has the higher ICSEA (929 vs 900), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Harristown State High School is the larger school with 1,641 students compared with 337.
- •Harristown State High School has grown faster over five years (-10% vs -19%).
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 Harristown State High School better than Newtown State School?
On the Success Index, Newtown State School ranks higher (24.8 vs 22.9 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 Harristown State High School and Newtown State School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Harristown and Newtown in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Harristown State High School has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Newtown State School has 12.1.
How do Harristown State High School and Newtown State School rank in QLD?
Harristown State High School is 243rd of 269 and Newtown State School is 686th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.