Highlands Christian College vs St Thomas More's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Highlands Christian College
Toowoomba · Independent combined · Prep-12
670 students · ICSEA 1060
St Thomas More's Primary School
Toowoomba · Catholic primary · Prep-6
319 students · ICSEA 1032
| Measure | Highlands Christian College Toowoomba QLD | St Thomas More's Primary School Toowoomba QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 50 Top 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #133 of 275 | #366 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #659 of 1,259 | #2877 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 670 | 319 |
| Girls / boys | 359 / 311 | 141 / 178 |
| Foundation intake | 46 | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | 73 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 41 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | -26% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 1032 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 61th |
| Top SEA quarter | 22% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 12% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 15.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.6 | 20.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 41.5 | 8.9 |
| Language background other than English | 28% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 6% |
| Suburb | Toowoomba 4350 | Toowoomba 4350 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.highlands.qld.edu.au | www.stmtwb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Highlands Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (50.0 vs 47.5).
- •Highlands Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 1032), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Highlands Christian College has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 15.8).
- •Highlands Christian College is the larger school with 670 students compared with 319.
- •Highlands Christian College has grown faster over five years (12% vs -26%).
- •Highlands Christian College is a independent school while St Thomas More's Primary School is a catholic 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 Highlands Christian College better than St Thomas More's Primary School?
On the Success Index, Highlands Christian College ranks higher (50.0 vs 47.5 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 Highlands Christian College and St Thomas More's Primary School?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between Toowoomba and Toowoomba in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Highlands Christian College has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas More's Primary School has 15.8.
How do Highlands Christian College and St Thomas More's Primary School rank in QLD?
Highlands Christian College is 133rd of 275 and St Thomas More's Primary School is 366th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.