Skip to content
S

Nerang State High School vs William Duncan State School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureNerang State High School
Nerang QLD
William Duncan State School
Highland Park QLD
Success Index
35
Lower 50%
41
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#169 of 269#453 of 804
National rank (type)#1060 of 1,472#3333 of 4,908
SectorGovernmentGovernment
TypeSecondaryPrimary
Year range7-12Prep-6
Students998580
Girls / boys454 / 544276 / 304
Foundation intake–73
Year 7 cohort188–
Year 12 cohort133–
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth-14%-2%
ICSEA
Average 1000
970975
ICSEA percentile33th35th
Top SEA quarter5%6%
Bottom SEA quarter43%39%
Students per teacher12.113.1
Teaching staff (FTE)82.544.3
Non-teaching staff (FTE)34.717.6
Language background other than English11%13%
Indigenous students7%11%
SuburbNerang 4211Highland Park 4211
Council areaGold CoastGold Coast
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitenerangshs.eq.edu.auwilliamduncanss.eq.edu.au

The verdict

  • •William Duncan State School scores higher on the Success Index (41.4 vs 35.0).
  • •William Duncan State School has the higher ICSEA (975 vs 970), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Nerang State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 13.1).
  • •Nerang State High School is the larger school with 998 students compared with 580.
  • •William Duncan State School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -14%).

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 Mount Gravatt East

No cost, no obligation. By submitting you agree to be contacted by Success Tutoring about your enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nerang State High School better than William Duncan State School?

On the Success Index, William Duncan State School ranks higher (41.4 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 Nerang State High School and William Duncan State School?

About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Nerang and Highland Park in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Nerang State High School has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and William Duncan State School has 13.1.

How do Nerang State High School and William Duncan State School rank in QLD?

Nerang State High School is 169th of 269 and William Duncan State School is 453rd of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.