Aquinas College vs St Monica's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 1456 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Aquinas College
Ashmore · Catholic high school · 7-12
805 students · ICSEA 1058
St Monica's College
Cairns · Catholic high school · 7-12
697 students · ICSEA 1058
| Measure | Aquinas College Ashmore QLD | St Monica's College Cairns QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #62 of 269 | #43 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #509 of 1,472 | #409 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 805 | 697 |
| Girls / boys | 407 / 398 | 697 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 143 | 123 |
| Year 12 cohort | 116 | 125 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1058 | 1058 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 71th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 12.8 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.8 | 56.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.1 | 24.7 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 10% |
| Suburb | Ashmore 4214 | Cairns 4870 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.aquinas.qld.edu.au | www.stmonicas.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Monica's College scores higher on the Success Index (64.7 vs 60.3).
- •St Monica's College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 12.8).
- •Aquinas College is the larger school with 805 students compared with 697.
- •St Monica's College has grown faster over five years (0% vs -12%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Aquinas College better than St Monica's College?
On the Success Index, St Monica's College ranks higher (64.7 vs 60.3 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 Aquinas College and St Monica's College?
About 1456 km in a straight line, between Ashmore and Cairns in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Aquinas College has 12.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Monica's College has 12.3.
How do Aquinas College and St Monica's College rank in QLD?
Aquinas College is 62nd of 269 and St Monica's College is 43rd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.