Nambour Christian College vs Palmwoods State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 5.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nambour Christian College
Woombye · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,309 students · ICSEA 1083
Palmwoods State School
Palmwoods · Government primary · Prep-6
485 students · ICSEA 1030
| Measure | Nambour Christian College Woombye QLD | Palmwoods State School Palmwoods QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #81 of 275 | #213 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #439 of 1,259 | #1926 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,309 | 485 |
| Girls / boys | 709 / 600 | 229 / 256 |
| Foundation intake | 70 | 83 |
| Year 7 cohort | 142 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 99 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | +8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1083 | 1030 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 31% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 89.5 | 34.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 86.6 | 14.0 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 6% |
| Suburb | Woombye 4559 | Palmwoods 4555 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ncc.qld.edu.au | palmwoodsss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Nambour Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (61.3 vs 60.0).
- •Nambour Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1083 vs 1030), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Palmwoods State School has fewer students per teacher (13.9 vs 14.6).
- •Nambour Christian College is the larger school with 1,309 students compared with 485.
- •Nambour Christian College has grown faster over five years (20% vs 8%).
- •Nambour Christian College is a independent school while Palmwoods State 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Nambour Christian College better than Palmwoods State School?
On the Success Index, Nambour Christian College ranks higher (61.3 vs 60.0 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 Nambour Christian College and Palmwoods State School?
About 5.6 km in a straight line, between Woombye and Palmwoods in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Nambour Christian College has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palmwoods State School has 13.9.
How do Nambour Christian College and Palmwoods State School rank in QLD?
Nambour Christian College is 81st of 275 and Palmwoods State School is 213th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.