Merrimac State High School vs Miami 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.
Merrimac State High School
Mermaid Waters · Government high school · 7-12
930 students · ICSEA 1029
Miami State School
Mermaid Waters · Government primary · Prep-6
835 students · ICSEA 1053
| Measure | Merrimac State High School Mermaid Waters QLD | Miami State School Mermaid Waters QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #77 of 269 | #169 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #566 of 1,472 | #1667 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 930 | 835 |
| Girls / boys | 458 / 472 | 388 / 447 |
| Foundation intake | – | 114 |
| Year 7 cohort | 148 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -25% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 1053 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 69th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 79.7 | 59.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 41.8 | 26.9 |
| Language background other than English | 28% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Mermaid Waters 4218 | Mermaid Waters 4218 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | merrimacshs.eq.edu.au | miamiss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Miami State School scores higher on the Success Index (62.8 vs 57.6).
- •Miami State School has the higher ICSEA (1053 vs 1029), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merrimac State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 14.0).
- •Merrimac State High School is the larger school with 930 students compared with 835.
- •Miami State School has grown faster over five years (-4% 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 Merrimac State High School better than Miami State School?
On the Success Index, Miami State School ranks higher (62.8 vs 57.6 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 Merrimac State High School and Miami State School?
About 2.4 km in a straight line, between Mermaid Waters and Mermaid Waters in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Merrimac State High School has 11.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Miami State School has 14.0.
How do Merrimac State High School and Miami State School rank in QLD?
Merrimac State High School is 77th of 269 and Miami State School is 169th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.