Kawana Waters State College vs Meridan State College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 4.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kawana Waters State College
Bokarina · Government combined · Prep-12
2,495 students · ICSEA 1034
Meridan State College
Meridan Plains · Government combined · Prep-12
1,795 students · ICSEA 1013
| Measure | Kawana Waters State College Bokarina QLD | Meridan State College Meridan Plains QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #104 of 275 | #188 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #545 of 1,259 | #887 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 2,495 | 1,795 |
| Girls / boys | 1,339 / 1,156 | 917 / 878 |
| Foundation intake | 69 | 52 |
| Year 7 cohort | 246 | 191 |
| Year 12 cohort | 258 | 160 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +40% | -34% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1034 | 1013 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 166.0 | 145.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 57.3 | 58.4 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 6% |
| Suburb | Bokarina 4575 | Meridan Plains 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | kawanawaterssc.eq.edu.au | meridansc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Kawana Waters State College scores higher on the Success Index (55.1 vs 38.5).
- •Kawana Waters State College has the higher ICSEA (1034 vs 1013), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kawana Waters State College is the larger school with 2,495 students compared with 1,795.
- •Kawana Waters State College has grown faster over five years (40% vs -34%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Kawana Waters State College better than Meridan State College?
On the Success Index, Kawana Waters State College ranks higher (55.1 vs 38.5 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 Kawana Waters State College and Meridan State College?
About 4.3 km in a straight line, between Bokarina and Meridan Plains in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kawana Waters State College has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Meridan State College has 12.3.
How do Kawana Waters State College and Meridan State College rank in QLD?
Kawana Waters State College is 104th of 275 and Meridan State College is 188th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.