Atherton State High School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Atherton State High School
Atherton · Government high school · 7-12
781 students · ICSEA 963
St Joseph's School
Atherton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
287 students · ICSEA 1022
| Measure | Atherton State High School Atherton QLD | St Joseph's School Atherton QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 49 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #171 of 269 | #340 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1067 of 1,472 | #2757 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 781 | 287 |
| Girls / boys | 408 / 373 | 143 / 144 |
| Foundation intake | – | 40 |
| Year 7 cohort | 141 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 108 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 963 | 1022 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 15.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 64.8 | 18.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 5% |
| Suburb | Atherton 4883 | Atherton 4883 |
| Council area | Tablelands | Tablelands |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | athertonshs.eq.edu.au | www.stjoeys.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (49.2 vs 34.8).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1022 vs 963), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Atherton State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 15.4).
- •Atherton State High School is the larger school with 781 students compared with 287.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (11% vs -12%).
- •Atherton State High 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 Atherton State High School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (49.2 vs 34.8 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 Atherton State High School and St Joseph's School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Atherton and Atherton in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Atherton State High School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 15.4.
How do Atherton State High School and St Joseph's School rank in QLD?
Atherton State High School is 171st of 269 and St Joseph's School is 340th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.