Highfields State Secondary College vs Toowoomba Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 4.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Highfields State Secondary College
Highfields · Government high school · 7-12
795 students · ICSEA 1001
Toowoomba Christian College
Highfields · Independent combined · Prep-12
810 students · ICSEA 1066
| Measure | Highfields State Secondary College Highfields QLD | Toowoomba Christian College Highfields QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #141 of 269 | #100 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #884 of 1,472 | #531 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 795 | 810 |
| Girls / boys | 385 / 410 | 397 / 413 |
| Foundation intake | – | 38 |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | 83 |
| Year 12 cohort | 113 | 52 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | +14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1001 | 1066 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 15.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.1 | 53.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.8 | 41.8 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 3% |
| Suburb | Highfields 4352 | Highfields 4352 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au | www.tccollege.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Toowoomba Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (56.0 vs 43.0).
- •Toowoomba Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1066 vs 1001), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Highfields State Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 15.3).
- •Toowoomba Christian College is the larger school with 810 students compared with 795.
- •Toowoomba Christian College has grown faster over five years (14% vs -18%).
- •Highfields State Secondary College is a government school while Toowoomba Christian 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 Highfields State Secondary College better than Toowoomba Christian College?
On the Success Index, Toowoomba Christian College ranks higher (56.0 vs 43.0 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 Highfields State Secondary College and Toowoomba Christian College?
About 4.7 km in a straight line, between Highfields and Highfields in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Highfields State Secondary College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Toowoomba Christian College has 15.3.
How do Highfields State Secondary College and Toowoomba Christian College rank in QLD?
Highfields State Secondary College is 141st of 269 and Toowoomba Christian College is 100th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.