Meridan State College vs Talara Primary College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.5 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
Talara Primary College
Currimundi · Government primary · Prep-6
974 students · ICSEA 1035
| Measure | Meridan State College Meridan Plains QLD | Talara Primary College Currimundi QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #188 of 275 | #291 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #887 of 1,259 | #2477 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,795 | 974 |
| Girls / boys | 917 / 878 | 486 / 488 |
| Foundation intake | 52 | 144 |
| Year 7 cohort | 191 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 160 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -34% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1013 | 1035 |
| ICSEA percentile | 53th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 145.8 | 64.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 58.4 | 32.2 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 6% |
| Suburb | Meridan Plains 4551 | Currimundi 4551 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | meridansc.eq.edu.au | talacollss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Talara Primary College scores higher on the Success Index (53.2 vs 38.5).
- •Talara Primary College has the higher ICSEA (1035 vs 1013), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Meridan State College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 15.1).
- •Meridan State College is the larger school with 1,795 students compared with 974.
- •Talara Primary College has grown faster over five years (-12% vs -34%).
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 Talara Primary College?
On the Success Index, Talara Primary College ranks higher (53.2 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 Talara Primary College?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Meridan Plains and Currimundi in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Meridan State College has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Talara Primary College has 15.1.
How do Meridan State College and Talara Primary College rank in QLD?
Meridan State College is 188th of 275 and Talara Primary College is 291st of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.