Heights College vs Lighthouse Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 2.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Heights College
North Rockhampton · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,040 students · ICSEA 1009
Lighthouse Christian School
Norman Gardens · Independent combined · Prep-12
593 students · ICSEA 984
| Measure | Heights College North Rockhampton QLD | Lighthouse Christian School Norman Gardens QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 36 Lower 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #200 of 275 | #205 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #947 of 1,259 | #967 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,040 | 593 |
| Girls / boys | 525 / 515 | 330 / 263 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | 38 |
| Year 7 cohort | 105 | 55 |
| Year 12 cohort | 72 | 31 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +24% | +85% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1009 | 984 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 39th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 35% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 15.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 74.6 | 38.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 59.6 | 46.1 |
| Language background other than English | 21% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 11% |
| Suburb | North Rockhampton 4701 | Norman Gardens 4701 |
| Council area | Rockhampton | Rockhampton |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.heights.qld.edu.au | www.lighthousebaptist.com.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (35.6 vs 35.0).
- •Heights College has the higher ICSEA (1009 vs 984), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Heights College has fewer students per teacher (13.9 vs 15.4).
- •Heights College is the larger school with 1,040 students compared with 593.
- •Lighthouse Christian School has grown faster over five years (85% vs 24%).
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 Heights College better than Lighthouse Christian School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Heights College and Lighthouse Christian School?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between North Rockhampton and Norman Gardens in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Heights College has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lighthouse Christian School has 15.4.
How do Heights College and Lighthouse Christian School rank in QLD?
Heights College is 200th of 275 and Lighthouse Christian School is 205th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.