Montessori Noosa vs St Thomas More Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 281 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Montessori Noosa
Sunshine Beach · Independent primary · Prep-6
58 students · ICSEA 1057
St Thomas More Primary School
Sunshine Beach · Catholic primary · Prep-6
578 students · ICSEA 1086
| Measure | Montessori Noosa Sunshine Beach QLD | St Thomas More Primary School Sunshine Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #178 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1719 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 58 | 578 |
| Girls / boys | 35 / 23 | 282 / 296 |
| Foundation intake | 12 | 79 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1057 | 1086 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 31% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 11.6 | 17.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 5.0 | 32.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.0 | 20.2 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 1% |
| Suburb | Sunshine Beach 4567 | Sunshine Beach 4567 |
| Council area | Noosa | Noosa |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | montessori.org.au/schools-centres/montessori-noosa | www.stmsunshine.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Montessori Noosa scores higher on the Success Index (63.6 vs 62.3).
- •St Thomas More Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1086 vs 1057), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Montessori Noosa has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 17.7).
- •St Thomas More Primary School is the larger school with 578 students compared with 58.
- •Montessori Noosa has grown faster over five years (18% vs -16%).
- •Montessori Noosa is a independent school while St Thomas More Primary School is a catholic 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 Montessori Noosa better than St Thomas More Primary School?
On the Success Index, Montessori Noosa ranks higher (63.6 vs 62.3 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 Montessori Noosa and St Thomas More Primary School?
About 281 m in a straight line, between Sunshine Beach and Sunshine Beach in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Montessori Noosa has 11.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas More Primary School has 17.7.
How do Montessori Noosa and St Thomas More Primary School rank in QLD?
Montessori Noosa is unranked and St Thomas More Primary School is 178th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.