Palmwoods State School vs Suncoast Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 4.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Palmwoods State School
Palmwoods · Government primary · Prep-6
485 students · ICSEA 1030
Suncoast Christian College
Woombye · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,136 students · ICSEA 1084
| Measure | Palmwoods State School Palmwoods QLD | Suncoast Christian College Woombye QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #213 of 804 | #65 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #1926 of 4,908 | #367 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 485 | 1,136 |
| Girls / boys | 229 / 256 | 599 / 537 |
| Foundation intake | 83 | 74 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 108 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 84 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | +40% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1030 | 1084 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 80th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 32% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 13.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.8 | 82.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 53.9 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 3% |
| Suburb | Palmwoods 4555 | Woombye 4559 |
| Council area | Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | palmwoodsss.eq.edu.au | www.suncoastcc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Suncoast Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (65.0 vs 60.0).
- •Suncoast Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1084 vs 1030), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Suncoast Christian College is the larger school with 1,136 students compared with 485.
- •Suncoast Christian College has grown faster over five years (40% vs 8%).
- •Palmwoods State School is a government school while Suncoast Christian College is an independent 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 Palmwoods State School better than Suncoast Christian College?
On the Success Index, Suncoast Christian College ranks higher (65.0 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 Palmwoods State School and Suncoast Christian College?
About 4.3 km in a straight line, between Palmwoods and Woombye in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Palmwoods State School has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Suncoast Christian College has 13.8.
How do Palmwoods State School and Suncoast Christian College rank in QLD?
Palmwoods State School is 213th of 804 and Suncoast Christian College is 65th of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.