Skip to content
S

Malanda State High School vs Ripley Valley State Secondary College

A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 1367 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureMalanda State High School
Malanda QLD
Ripley Valley State Secondary College
South Ripley QLD
Success Index
60
Top 50%
46
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#64 of 269#130 of 269
National rank (type)#513 of 1,472#825 of 1,472
SectorGovernmentGovernment
TypeSecondarySecondary
Year range7-127-12
Students5381,268
Girls / boys288 / 250669 / 599
Foundation intake––
Year 7 cohort84282
Year 12 cohort77102
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+10%+723%
ICSEA
Average 1000
994996
ICSEA percentile44th45th
Top SEA quarter12%8%
Bottom SEA quarter30%32%
Students per teacher10.413.4
Teaching staff (FTE)51.894.7
Non-teaching staff (FTE)23.346.5
Language background other than English8%24%
Indigenous students8%7%
SuburbMalanda 4885South Ripley 4306
Council areaTablelandsIpswich
RemotenessOuter RegionalMajor Cities
Websitemalandashs.eq.edu.auripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au

The verdict

  • •Malanda State High School scores higher on the Success Index (60.1 vs 46.0).
  • •Ripley Valley State Secondary College has the higher ICSEA (996 vs 994), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Malanda State High School has fewer students per teacher (10.4 vs 13.4).
  • •Ripley Valley State Secondary College is the larger school with 1,268 students compared with 538.
  • •Ripley Valley State Secondary College has grown faster over five years (723% vs 10%).

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

No cost, no obligation. By submitting you agree to be contacted by Success Tutoring about your enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is Malanda State High School better than Ripley Valley State Secondary College?

On the Success Index, Malanda State High School ranks higher (60.1 vs 46.0 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 Malanda State High School and Ripley Valley State Secondary College?

About 1367 km in a straight line, between Malanda and South Ripley in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Malanda State High School has 10.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Ripley Valley State Secondary College has 13.4.

How do Malanda State High School and Ripley Valley State Secondary College rank in QLD?

Malanda State High School is 64th of 269 and Ripley Valley State Secondary College is 130th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.