Maleny State High School vs Merrimac State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 152 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Maleny State High School
Maleny · Government high school · 7-12
647 students · ICSEA 1029
Merrimac State High School
Mermaid Waters · Government high school · 7-12
930 students · ICSEA 1029
| Measure | Maleny State High School Maleny QLD | Merrimac State High School Mermaid Waters QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #81 of 269 | #77 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #600 of 1,472 | #566 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 647 | 930 |
| Girls / boys | 331 / 316 | 458 / 472 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 103 | 148 |
| Year 12 cohort | 83 | 119 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -25% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 1029 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 59th |
| Top SEA quarter | 17% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 11.5 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.2 | 79.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.6 | 41.8 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 3% |
| Suburb | Maleny 4552 | Mermaid Waters 4218 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | malenyshs.eq.edu.au | merrimacshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Merrimac State High School scores higher on the Success Index (57.6 vs 56.2).
- •Merrimac State High School is the larger school with 930 students compared with 647.
- •Maleny State High School has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -25%).
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 Maleny State High School better than Merrimac State High School?
On the Success Index, Merrimac State High School ranks higher (57.6 vs 56.2 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 Maleny State High School and Merrimac State High School?
About 152 km in a straight line, between Maleny and Mermaid Waters in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Maleny State High School has 11.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Merrimac State High School has 11.7.
How do Maleny State High School and Merrimac State High School rank in QLD?
Maleny State High School is 81st of 269 and Merrimac State High School is 77th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.