Meridan State College vs Pacific Lutheran College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Meridan State College
Meridan Plains · Government combined · Prep-12
1,795 students · ICSEA 1013
Pacific Lutheran College
Meridan Plains · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,204 students · ICSEA 1114
| Measure | Meridan State College Meridan Plains QLD | Pacific Lutheran College Meridan Plains QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #188 of 275 | #46 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #887 of 1,259 | #305 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,795 | 1,204 |
| Girls / boys | 917 / 878 | 599 / 605 |
| Foundation intake | 52 | 67 |
| Year 7 cohort | 191 | 131 |
| Year 12 cohort | 160 | 90 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -34% | +20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1013 | 1114 |
| ICSEA percentile | 53th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 46% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 145.8 | 91.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 58.4 | 55.4 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 3% |
| Suburb | Meridan Plains 4551 | Meridan Plains 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | meridansc.eq.edu.au | www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pacific Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (67.9 vs 38.5).
- •Pacific Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1114 vs 1013), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Meridan State College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 13.2).
- •Meridan State College is the larger school with 1,795 students compared with 1,204.
- •Pacific Lutheran College has grown faster over five years (20% vs -34%).
- •Meridan State College is a government school while Pacific Lutheran College is an independent 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 Meridan State College better than Pacific Lutheran College?
On the Success Index, Pacific Lutheran College ranks higher (67.9 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 Meridan State College and Pacific Lutheran College?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Meridan Plains and Meridan Plains in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Meridan State College has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pacific Lutheran College has 13.2.
How do Meridan State College and Pacific Lutheran College rank in QLD?
Meridan State College is 188th of 275 and Pacific Lutheran College is 46th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.