Helensvale State High School vs Saint Stephen's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.7 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
Saint Stephen's College
Coomera · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,315 students · ICSEA 1109
| Measure | Helensvale State High School Helensvale QLD | Saint Stephen's College Coomera QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 66 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #134 of 269 | #62 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #854 of 1,472 | #349 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,875 | 1,315 |
| Girls / boys | 954 / 921 | 680 / 635 |
| Foundation intake | – | 78 |
| Year 7 cohort | 325 | 124 |
| Year 12 cohort | 264 | 98 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1017 | 1109 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 42% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 13.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 145.7 | 98.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 56.9 | 58.0 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 36% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Helensvale 4212 | Coomera 4209 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | helensvaleshs.eq.edu.au | www.saintstephenscollege.net.au |
The verdict
- •Saint Stephen's College scores higher on the Success Index (65.7 vs 44.2).
- •Saint Stephen's College has the higher ICSEA (1109 vs 1017), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Helensvale State High School is the larger school with 1,875 students compared with 1,315.
- •Saint Stephen's College has grown faster over five years (11% vs -21%).
- •Helensvale State High School is a government school while Saint Stephen's College is an independent 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 Helensvale State High School better than Saint Stephen's College?
On the Success Index, Saint Stephen's College ranks higher (65.7 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 Saint Stephen's College?
About 3.7 km in a straight line, between Helensvale and Coomera in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Helensvale State High School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Saint Stephen's College has 13.3.
How do Helensvale State High School and Saint Stephen's College rank in QLD?
Helensvale State High School is 134th of 269 and Saint Stephen's College is 62nd of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.