Laidley State High School vs Sophia College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 9.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Laidley State High School
Laidley · Government high school · 7-12
672 students · ICSEA 923
Sophia College
Plainland · Catholic high school · 7-11
450 students · ICSEA 999
| Measure | Laidley State High School Laidley QLD | Sophia College Plainland QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #251 of 269 | #122 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1403 of 1,472 | #784 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-11 |
| Students | 672 | 450 |
| Girls / boys | 324 / 348 | 243 / 207 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 133 | 112 |
| Year 12 cohort | 86 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 923 | 999 |
| ICSEA percentile | 16th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 57% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 60.9 | 38.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.0 | 22.1 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 7% |
| Suburb | Laidley 4341 | Plainland 4341 |
| Council area | Lockyer Valley | Lockyer Valley |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | laidleyshs.eq.edu.au | www.sophiacollege.qld.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx |
The verdict
- •Sophia College scores higher on the Success Index (47.7 vs 20.8).
- •Sophia College has the higher ICSEA (999 vs 923), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Laidley State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 11.7).
- •Laidley State High School is the larger school with 672 students compared with 450.
- •Laidley State High School is a government school while Sophia College 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 Laidley State High School better than Sophia College?
On the Success Index, Sophia College ranks higher (47.7 vs 20.8 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 Laidley State High School and Sophia College?
About 9.3 km in a straight line, between Laidley and Plainland in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Laidley State High School has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sophia College has 11.7.
How do Laidley State High School and Sophia College rank in QLD?
Laidley State High School is 251st of 269 and Sophia College is 122nd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.