Merrimac State High School vs Surfers Paradise State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.1 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
Surfers Paradise State School
Surfers Paradise · Government primary · Prep-6
598 students · ICSEA 1035
| Measure | Merrimac State High School Mermaid Waters QLD | Surfers Paradise State School Surfers Paradise QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #77 of 269 | #171 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #566 of 1,472 | #1672 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 930 | 598 |
| Girls / boys | 458 / 472 | 287 / 311 |
| Foundation intake | – | 65 |
| Year 7 cohort | 148 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -25% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 1035 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 79.7 | 45.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 41.8 | 21.6 |
| Language background other than English | 28% | 47% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 4% |
| Suburb | Mermaid Waters 4218 | Surfers Paradise 4217 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | merrimacshs.eq.edu.au | surfersparadisess.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Surfers Paradise State School scores higher on the Success Index (62.8 vs 57.6).
- •Surfers Paradise State School has the higher ICSEA (1035 vs 1029), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merrimac State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 13.2).
- •Merrimac State High School is the larger school with 930 students compared with 598.
- •Surfers Paradise State School has grown faster over five years (-9% 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 Surfers Paradise State School?
On the Success Index, Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise State School?
About 3.1 km in a straight line, between Mermaid Waters and Surfers Paradise in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Merrimac State High School has 11.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Surfers Paradise State School has 13.2.
How do Merrimac State High School and Surfers Paradise State School rank in QLD?
Merrimac State High School is 77th of 269 and Surfers Paradise State School is 171st of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.