Lighthouse Christian School vs Mount Archer State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lighthouse Christian School
Norman Gardens · Independent combined · Prep-12
593 students · ICSEA 984
Mount Archer State School
Koongal · Government primary · Prep-6
531 students · ICSEA 895
| Measure | Lighthouse Christian School Norman Gardens QLD | Mount Archer State School Koongal QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 15 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #205 of 275 | #797 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #967 of 1,259 | #4893 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 593 | 531 |
| Girls / boys | 330 / 263 | 242 / 289 |
| Foundation intake | 38 | 65 |
| Year 7 cohort | 55 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 31 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +85% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 984 | 895 |
| ICSEA percentile | 39th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 35% | 63% |
| Students per teacher | 15.4 | 14.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 38.4 | 36.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 46.1 | 20.4 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 29% |
| Suburb | Norman Gardens 4701 | Koongal 4701 |
| Council area | Rockhampton | Rockhampton |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.lighthousebaptist.com.au | mtarcherss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Lighthouse Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (35.0 vs 14.9).
- •Lighthouse Christian School has the higher ICSEA (984 vs 895), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mount Archer State School has fewer students per teacher (14.7 vs 15.4).
- •Lighthouse Christian School is the larger school with 593 students compared with 531.
- •Lighthouse Christian School has grown faster over five years (85% vs -16%).
- •Lighthouse Christian School is a independent school while Mount Archer State School is a government 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 Lighthouse Christian School better than Mount Archer State School?
On the Success Index, Lighthouse Christian School ranks higher (35.0 vs 14.9 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 Lighthouse Christian School and Mount Archer State School?
About 2.4 km in a straight line, between Norman Gardens and Koongal in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lighthouse Christian School has 15.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mount Archer State School has 14.7.
How do Lighthouse Christian School and Mount Archer State School rank in QLD?
Lighthouse Christian School is 205th of 275 and Mount Archer State School is 797th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.