Nambour State College vs St John's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nambour State College
Nambour · Government combined · Prep-12
1,469 students · ICSEA 977
St John's College
Nambour · Catholic high school · 7-12
927 students · ICSEA 1059
| Measure | Nambour State College Nambour QLD | St John's College Nambour QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #206 of 275 | #53 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #968 of 1,259 | #462 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,469 | 927 |
| Girls / boys | 730 / 739 | 473 / 454 |
| Foundation intake | 48 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 195 | 175 |
| Year 12 cohort | 153 | 135 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 977 | 1059 |
| ICSEA percentile | 36th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 39% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 10.4 | 14.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 141.0 | 65.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 68.1 | 30.6 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 3% |
| Suburb | Nambour 4560 | Nambour 4560 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | namboursc.eq.edu.au | www.stjohns.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St John's College scores higher on the Success Index (62.1 vs 35.0).
- •St John's College has the higher ICSEA (1059 vs 977), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Nambour State College has fewer students per teacher (10.4 vs 14.1).
- •Nambour State College is the larger school with 1,469 students compared with 927.
- •St John's College has grown faster over five years (10% vs -12%).
- •Nambour State College is a government school while St John's College 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.
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 State College better than St John's College?
On the Success Index, St John's College ranks higher (62.1 vs 35.0 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 State College and St John's College?
About 2.4 km in a straight line, between Nambour and Nambour in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Nambour State College has 10.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's College has 14.1.
How do Nambour State College and St John's College rank in QLD?
Nambour State College is 206th of 275 and St John's College is 53rd of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.