Mountain Creek State High School vs Sunshine Beach State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 31 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mountain Creek State High School
Mountain Creek · Government high school · 7-12
2,091 students · ICSEA 1043
Sunshine Beach State High School
Sunshine Beach · Government high school · 7-12
1,405 students · ICSEA 1043
| Measure | Mountain Creek State High School Mountain Creek QLD | Sunshine Beach State High School Sunshine Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #68 of 269 | #52 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #528 of 1,472 | #459 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 2,091 | 1,405 |
| Girls / boys | 1,007 / 1,084 | 687 / 718 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 345 | 212 |
| Year 12 cohort | 325 | 233 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1043 | 1043 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 160.5 | 121.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 50.0 | 44.6 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 3% |
| Suburb | Mountain Creek 4557 | Sunshine Beach 4567 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Noosa |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | mountaincreekshs.eq.edu.au | sunshinebeachhigh.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sunshine Beach State High School scores higher on the Success Index (62.2 vs 59.5).
- •Sunshine Beach State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 13.0).
- •Mountain Creek State High School is the larger school with 2,091 students compared with 1,405.
- •Mountain Creek State High School has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -11%).
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 Mountain Creek State High School better than Sunshine Beach State High School?
On the Success Index, Sunshine Beach State High School ranks higher (62.2 vs 59.5 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 Mountain Creek State High School and Sunshine Beach State High School?
About 31 km in a straight line, between Mountain Creek and Sunshine Beach in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mountain Creek State High School has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sunshine Beach State High School has 11.6.
How do Mountain Creek State High School and Sunshine Beach State High School rank in QLD?
Mountain Creek State High School is 68th of 269 and Sunshine Beach State High School is 52nd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.