Southport State High School vs St Hilda's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 950 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Southport State High School
Southport · Government high school · 7-12
2,231 students · ICSEA 1031
St Hilda's School
Southport · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,258 students · ICSEA 1135
| Measure | Southport State High School Southport QLD | St Hilda's School Southport QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #78 of 269 | #19 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #570 of 1,472 | #198 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 2,231 | 1,258 |
| Girls / boys | 1,115 / 1,116 | 1,258 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | 61 |
| Year 7 cohort | 428 | 118 |
| Year 12 cohort | 298 | 110 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | +14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1031 | 1135 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 54% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 153.4 | 100.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 59.6 | 69.0 |
| Language background other than English | 34% | 36% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 2% |
| Suburb | Southport 4215 | Southport 4215 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | southportshs.eq.edu.au | www.sthildas.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Hilda's School scores higher on the Success Index (73.9 vs 57.5).
- •St Hilda's School has the higher ICSEA (1135 vs 1031), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Hilda's School has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 14.5).
- •Southport State High School is the larger school with 2,231 students compared with 1,258.
- •Southport State High School is a government school while St Hilda's School 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.
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Southport State High School better than St Hilda's School?
On the Success Index, St Hilda's School ranks higher (73.9 vs 57.5 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 Southport State High School and St Hilda's School?
About 950 m in a straight line, between Southport and Southport in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Southport State High School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Hilda's School has 12.5.
How do Southport State High School and St Hilda's School rank in QLD?
Southport State High School is 78th of 269 and St Hilda's School is 19th of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.