Tec-NQ vs The BUSY School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 287 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Tec-NQ
Douglas · Independent high school · 10-12
375 students · ICSEA 972
The BUSY School
Cairns · Independent high school · 11-12
1,780 students · ICSEA 975
| Measure | Tec-NQ Douglas QLD | The BUSY School Cairns QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 41 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #139 of 269 | #146 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #872 of 1,472 | #923 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 11-12 |
| Students | 375 | 1,780 |
| Girls / boys | 78 / 297 | 926 / 854 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 109 | 800 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | +3323% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 972 | 975 |
| ICSEA percentile | 34th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 35% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 20.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 29.8 | 85.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 53.4 | 127.1 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 0% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 14% |
| Suburb | Douglas 4814 | Cairns 4870 |
| Council area | Townsville | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.tecnq.com.au | busyschools.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Tec-NQ scores higher on the Success Index (43.5 vs 41.2).
- •The BUSY School has the higher ICSEA (975 vs 972), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tec-NQ has fewer students per teacher (12.6 vs 20.9).
- •The BUSY School is the larger school with 1,780 students compared with 375.
- •The BUSY School has grown faster over five years (3323% vs 16%).
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 Tec-NQ better than The BUSY School?
On the Success Index, Tec-NQ ranks higher (43.5 vs 41.2 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 Tec-NQ and The BUSY School?
About 287 km in a straight line, between Douglas and Cairns in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Tec-NQ has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The BUSY School has 20.9.
How do Tec-NQ and The BUSY School rank in QLD?
Tec-NQ is 139th of 269 and The BUSY School is 146th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.