Kingsford Smith School vs St Francis Xavier College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kingsford Smith School
Holt · Government combined · K-10
742 students · ICSEA 991
St Francis Xavier College
Florey · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,323 students · ICSEA 1070
| Measure | Kingsford Smith School Holt ACT | St Francis Xavier College Florey ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #21 of 23 | #15 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #825 of 1,259 | #229 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | K-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 742 | 1,323 |
| Girls / boys | 361 / 381 | 581 / 742 |
| Foundation intake | 52 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 90 | 267 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 137 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | +12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 991 | 1070 |
| ICSEA percentile | 43th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 27% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 33% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 9.2 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 80.3 | 115.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 39.6 | 44.6 |
| Language background other than English | 35% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 2% |
| Suburb | Holt 2615 | Florey 2615 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.kss.act.edu.au/ | www.sfx.act.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Francis Xavier College scores higher on the Success Index (72.3 vs 41.9).
- •St Francis Xavier College has the higher ICSEA (1070 vs 991), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kingsford Smith School has fewer students per teacher (9.2 vs 11.4).
- •St Francis Xavier College is the larger school with 1,323 students compared with 742.
- •St Francis Xavier College has grown faster over five years (12% vs -16%).
- •Kingsford Smith School is a government school while St Francis Xavier 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 Kingsford Smith School better than St Francis Xavier College?
On the Success Index, St Francis Xavier College ranks higher (72.3 vs 41.9 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 Kingsford Smith School and St Francis Xavier College?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Holt and Florey in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kingsford Smith School has 9.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis Xavier College has 11.4.
How do Kingsford Smith School and St Francis Xavier College rank in ACT?
Kingsford Smith School is 21st of 23 and St Francis Xavier College is 15th of 27 among combined schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.