Tamborine Mountain College vs Upper Coomera State College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 13 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Tamborine Mountain College
North Tamborine · Independent combined · Prep-12
546 students · ICSEA 1073
Upper Coomera State College
Upper Coomera · Government combined · Prep-12
1,682 students · ICSEA 964
| Measure | Tamborine Mountain College North Tamborine QLD | Upper Coomera State College Upper Coomera QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 27 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #95 of 275 | #242 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #500 of 1,259 | #1135 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 546 | 1,682 |
| Girls / boys | 268 / 278 | 753 / 929 |
| Foundation intake | 47 | 66 |
| Year 7 cohort | 50 | 200 |
| Year 12 cohort | 25 | 141 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1073 | 964 |
| ICSEA percentile | 76th | 31th |
| Top SEA quarter | 27% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 47% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 42.4 | 130.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.2 | 57.6 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 7% |
| Suburb | North Tamborine 4272 | Upper Coomera 4209 |
| Council area | Scenic Rim | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.tmc.qld.edu.au | uppercoomerasc.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Tamborine Mountain College scores higher on the Success Index (57.5 vs 27.4).
- •Tamborine Mountain College has the higher ICSEA (1073 vs 964), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Upper Coomera State College is the larger school with 1,682 students compared with 546.
- •Tamborine Mountain College has grown faster over five years (12% vs -19%).
- •Tamborine Mountain College is a independent school while Upper Coomera State College is a government 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 Tamborine Mountain College better than Upper Coomera State College?
On the Success Index, Tamborine Mountain College ranks higher (57.5 vs 27.4 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 Tamborine Mountain College and Upper Coomera State College?
About 13 km in a straight line, between North Tamborine and Upper Coomera in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Tamborine Mountain College has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Upper Coomera State College has 12.9.
How do Tamborine Mountain College and Upper Coomera State College rank in QLD?
Tamborine Mountain College is 95th of 275 and Upper Coomera State College is 242nd of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.