Somerville House vs St Laurence's College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 382 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Somerville House
South Brisbane · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,377 students · ICSEA 1180
St Laurence's College
South Brisbane · Catholic combined · 5-12
2,033 students · ICSEA 1117
| Measure | Somerville House South Brisbane QLD | St Laurence's College South Brisbane QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 77 Top 25% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #11 of 275 | #55 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #151 of 1,259 | #323 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 5-12 |
| Students | 1,377 | 2,033 |
| Girls / boys | 1,377 / 0 | 0 / 2,033 |
| Foundation intake | 60 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 153 | 292 |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | 264 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1180 | 1117 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 72% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 121.6 | 153.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 87.6 | 83.2 |
| Language background other than English | 39% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 2% |
| Suburb | South Brisbane 4101 | South Brisbane 4101 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.somerville.qld.edu.au | www.slc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Somerville House scores higher on the Success Index (77.2 vs 67.2).
- •Somerville House has the higher ICSEA (1180 vs 1117), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Somerville House has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 13.2).
- •St Laurence's College is the larger school with 2,033 students compared with 1,377.
- •Somerville House is a independent school while St Laurence'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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Somerville House better than St Laurence's College?
On the Success Index, Somerville House ranks higher (77.2 vs 67.2 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 Somerville House and St Laurence's College?
About 382 m in a straight line, between South Brisbane and South Brisbane in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Somerville House has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Laurence's College has 13.2.
How do Somerville House and St Laurence's College rank in QLD?
Somerville House is 11th of 275 and St Laurence's College is 55th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.