Montessori Noosa vs Sunshine Beach State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 830 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
Sunshine Beach State High School
Sunshine Beach · Government high school · 7-12
1,405 students · ICSEA 1043
| Measure | Montessori Noosa Sunshine Beach QLD | Sunshine Beach State High School Sunshine Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #52 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | – | #459 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 58 | 1,405 |
| Girls / boys | 35 / 23 | 687 / 718 |
| Foundation intake | 12 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 212 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 233 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1057 | 1043 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 11.6 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 5.0 | 121.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.0 | 44.6 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 3% |
| Suburb | Sunshine Beach 4567 | Sunshine Beach 4567 |
| Council area | Noosa | Noosa |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | montessori.org.au/schools-centres/montessori-noosa | sunshinebeachhigh.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Montessori Noosa scores higher on the Success Index (63.6 vs 62.2).
- •Montessori Noosa has the higher ICSEA (1057 vs 1043), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sunshine Beach State High School is the larger school with 1,405 students compared with 58.
- •Montessori Noosa has grown faster over five years (18% vs -11%).
- •Montessori Noosa is a independent school while Sunshine Beach State High School is a government 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 Sunshine Beach State High School?
On the Success Index, Montessori Noosa ranks higher (63.6 vs 62.2 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 Sunshine Beach State High School?
About 830 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 Sunshine Beach State High School has 11.6.
How do Montessori Noosa and Sunshine Beach State High School rank in QLD?
Montessori Noosa is unranked and Sunshine Beach State High School is 52nd of 269 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.