Helensvale State High School vs Pacific Pines State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 5.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Helensvale State High School
Helensvale · Government high school · 7-12
1,875 students · ICSEA 1017
Pacific Pines State High School
Pacific Pines · Government high school · 7-12
2,193 students · ICSEA 1009
| Measure | Helensvale State High School Helensvale QLD | Pacific Pines State High School Pacific Pines QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 50 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #134 of 269 | #111 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #854 of 1,472 | #742 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,875 | 2,193 |
| Girls / boys | 954 / 921 | 1,078 / 1,115 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 325 | 414 |
| Year 12 cohort | 264 | 306 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | +19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1017 | 1009 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 51th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 30% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 145.7 | 161.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 56.9 | 62.9 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 4% |
| Suburb | Helensvale 4212 | Pacific Pines 4211 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | helensvaleshs.eq.edu.au | pacificpinesshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pacific Pines State High School scores higher on the Success Index (50.2 vs 44.2).
- •Helensvale State High School has the higher ICSEA (1017 vs 1009), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Helensvale State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 13.5).
- •Pacific Pines State High School is the larger school with 2,193 students compared with 1,875.
- •Pacific Pines State High School has grown faster over five years (19% vs -21%).
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 Helensvale State High School better than Pacific Pines State High School?
On the Success Index, Pacific Pines State High School ranks higher (50.2 vs 44.2 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 Helensvale State High School and Pacific Pines State High School?
About 5.0 km in a straight line, between Helensvale and Pacific Pines in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Helensvale State High School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pacific Pines State High School has 13.5.
How do Helensvale State High School and Pacific Pines State High School rank in QLD?
Helensvale State High School is 134th of 269 and Pacific Pines State High School is 111th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.