A B Paterson College vs Aquinas College
A B Paterson College (Arundel) is a independent school and Aquinas College (Ashmore) is a catholic school. Both are co-educational. A B Paterson College teaches P-12 and Aquinas College teaches 7-12. A B Paterson College has 1,652 students and Aquinas College has 805 (ACARA 2025). They are about 5.7 km apart in a straight line.
Photos: A B Paterson College (school website) · Aquinas College (school website)
See both schools’ full fees, ATAR results and cost to Year 12
Every year level’s fees from each school’s own schedule, the results each school publishes, and the total cost to Year 12, side by side.
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Key numbers
Students, ICSEA, students per teacher and girls/boys: ACARA My School 2025 (students per teacher is total enrolments divided by full-time-equivalent teaching staff; it isn’t class size).
Fees and results
Side by side
| Fact | A B Paterson College | Aquinas College |
|---|---|---|
| Suburb | Arundel | Ashmore |
| Region | Gold Coast - North | Southport |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Students | Co-ed | Co-ed |
| Year levels | P-12 | 7-12 |
| Religion | Non-denominational (Christian ethos) | Catholic |
| Boarding | No | No |
| Senior years | QCE | QCE |
| Facilities and sport (school site) | Gym, Theatre / performing arts centre, Early learning centre, Library, Australian rules football, Soccer, Netball, Cricket, Basketball, Swimming, Athletics, Tennis, Hockey, Volleyball, Water polo | Gym, Library, Australian rules football, Soccer, Netball, Basketball, Swimming, Athletics, Tennis, Volleyball |
| Distance apart | About 5.7 km in a straight line | |
Facts from ACARA (2025) and each school’s own website.
Which suits whom
- Families choosing by faith: A B Paterson College is Non-denominational (Christian ethos); Aquinas College is Catholic.
- Location: A B Paterson College is in Arundel (Gold Coast - North); Aquinas College is in Ashmore (Southport).
- Size: A B Paterson College is the larger school, with 847 more students.
- Smaller ratio: Aquinas College has fewer students per teacher (12.8 against 14.6, ACARA 2025).
- Listed by A B Paterson College but not Aquinas College: Theatre / performing arts centre, Early learning centre, Cricket, Hockey and Water polo.
History
A B Paterson College
A.B. Paterson College was founded in 1989 by a group of local business and community leaders who wanted an independent school grounded in strong values and an appreciation of Australian heritage. It is non-denominational with a Christian ethos and teaches Prep to Year 12 at Arundel.
Source: abpat.qld.edu.au
Aquinas College
Aquinas College traces its roots to 1901, when the Sisters of Mercy opened Star of the Sea College at Southport. The Christian Brothers opened Aquinas as a boys’ college in 1964.
Source: aquinas.qld.edu.au
Questions parents ask
What is the difference between A B Paterson College and Aquinas College?
Both are co-educational. A B Paterson College teaches P-12 and Aquinas College teaches 7-12. A B Paterson College has 1,652 students and Aquinas College has 805 (ACARA 2025).
Is A B Paterson College or Aquinas College co-ed?
Both are co-educational.
Which is bigger, A B Paterson College or Aquinas College?
A B Paterson College is bigger: 1,652 students against 805 (ACARA 2025).
How many students per teacher do A B Paterson College and Aquinas College have?
A B Paterson College has 14.6 students per teacher and Aquinas College has 12.8 (ACARA My School 2025: total enrolments divided by full-time-equivalent teaching staff).
Which is older, A B Paterson College or Aquinas College?
Aquinas College is older. A B Paterson College was founded in 1989 and Aquinas College in 1964.
Do A B Paterson College and Aquinas College take boarders?
Neither takes boarders.
How far apart are A B Paterson College and Aquinas College?
About 5.7 km in a straight line: A B Paterson College is in Arundel and Aquinas College is in Ashmore.
How do A B Paterson College and Aquinas College fees compare?
Each school publishes its own fee schedule. Members see both schedules year by year, the results each school reports and the total cost to Year 12. Always confirm current fees with the school.
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School profiles
Get the full picture: fees, ATAR results and cost to Year 12
Every year level’s fees from each school’s own schedule, the results each school publishes, and the total cost to Year 12, side by side.
Compare these schools in full →A$9.99 a year, cancel anytimeSecure payment by Stripe
Source and date
Enrolment, ICSEA, students per teacher and girls/boys: ACARA My School 2025. Other facts: each school’s website, checked 21 October 2026. Distance is a straight line between the schools’ map points, not travel distance. Check details with the schools before deciding. Methodology