Sarina State High School vs Toowoomba State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 736 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Sarina State High School
Sarina · Government high school · 7-12
775 students · ICSEA 935
Toowoomba State High School
Mount Lofty · Government high school · 7-12
775 students · ICSEA 934
| Measure | Sarina State High School Sarina QLD | Toowoomba State High School Mount Lofty QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #216 of 269 | #208 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1248 of 1,472 | #1218 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 775 | 775 |
| Girls / boys | 403 / 372 | 386 / 389 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 133 | 163 |
| Year 12 cohort | 75 | 86 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -3% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 935 | 934 |
| ICSEA percentile | 19th | 19th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 51% | 53% |
| Students per teacher | 11.6 | 10.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 66.9 | 73.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 34.9 | 35.4 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 14% |
| Suburb | Sarina 4737 | Mount Lofty 4350 |
| Council area | Mackay | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | sarinashs.eq.edu.au | toowoombashs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Toowoomba State High School scores higher on the Success Index (28.5 vs 27.5).
- •Sarina State High School has the higher ICSEA (935 vs 934), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Toowoomba State High School has fewer students per teacher (10.5 vs 11.6).
- •Toowoomba State High School is the larger school with 775 students compared with 775.
- •Sarina State High School has grown faster over five years (-3% vs -12%).
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 Sarina State High School better than Toowoomba State High School?
On the Success Index, Toowoomba State High School ranks higher (28.5 vs 27.5 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 Sarina State High School and Toowoomba State High School?
About 736 km in a straight line, between Sarina and Mount Lofty in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Sarina State High School has 11.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Toowoomba State High School has 10.5.
How do Sarina State High School and Toowoomba State High School rank in QLD?
Sarina State High School is 216th of 269 and Toowoomba State High School is 208th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.