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Immanuel Lutheran College vs The Southport School

A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 150 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureImmanuel Lutheran College
Buderim QLD
The Southport School
Southport QLD
Success Index
68
Top 25%
71
Top 25%
State rank (type)#47 of 275#30 of 275
National rank (type)#306 of 1,259#249 of 1,259
SectorIndependentIndependent
TypeCombinedCombined
Year rangePrep-12Prep-12
Students1,2391,621
Girls / boys646 / 5930 / 1,621
Foundation intake7071
Year 7 cohort130153
Year 12 cohort101193
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+33%+1%
ICSEA
Average 1000
11201118
ICSEA percentile89th89th
Top SEA quarter46%48%
Bottom SEA quarter3%4%
Students per teacher15.110.9
Teaching staff (FTE)81.8149.4
Non-teaching staff (FTE)64.789.4
Language background other than English7%21%
Indigenous students1%2%
SuburbBuderim 4556Southport 4215
Council areaSunshine CoastGold Coast
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitewww.immanuel.qld.edu.auwww.tss.qld.edu.au/

The verdict

  • •The Southport School scores higher on the Success Index (70.8 vs 67.8).
  • •Immanuel Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1120 vs 1118), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •The Southport School has fewer students per teacher (10.9 vs 15.1).
  • •The Southport School is the larger school with 1,621 students compared with 1,239.
  • •Immanuel Lutheran College has grown faster over five years (33% vs 1%).

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 Immanuel Lutheran College better than The Southport School?

On the Success Index, The Southport School ranks higher (70.8 vs 67.8 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 Immanuel Lutheran College and The Southport School?

About 150 km in a straight line, between Buderim and Southport in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Immanuel Lutheran College has 15.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Southport School has 10.9.

How do Immanuel Lutheran College and The Southport School rank in QLD?

Immanuel Lutheran College is 47th of 275 and The Southport School is 30th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.