Applethorpe State School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 4.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Applethorpe State School
Applethorpe · Government primary · Prep-6
79 students · ICSEA 952
St Joseph's School
Stanthorpe · Catholic combined · Prep-12
492 students · ICSEA 1017
| Measure | Applethorpe State School Applethorpe QLD | St Joseph's School Stanthorpe QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #153 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | – | #738 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 79 | 492 |
| Girls / boys | 33 / 46 | 246 / 246 |
| Foundation intake | 11 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 56 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 35 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +41% | +32% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 952 | 1017 |
| ICSEA percentile | 26th | 54th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 25% |
| Students per teacher | 18.4 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 4.3 | 40.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.2 | 18.2 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 4% |
| Suburb | Applethorpe 4378 | Stanthorpe 4380 |
| Council area | Southern Downs | Southern Downs |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | applethorpess.eq.edu.au | www.stjosephs.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (46.1 vs 28.7).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1017 vs 952), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's School has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 18.4).
- •St Joseph's School is the larger school with 492 students compared with 79.
- •Applethorpe State School has grown faster over five years (41% vs 32%).
- •Applethorpe State School is a government school while St Joseph's School 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 Applethorpe State School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (46.1 vs 28.7 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 Applethorpe State School and St Joseph's School?
About 4.7 km in a straight line, between Applethorpe and Stanthorpe in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Applethorpe State School has 18.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 12.3.
How do Applethorpe State School and St Joseph's School rank in QLD?
Applethorpe State School is unranked and St Joseph's School is 153rd of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.