Atherton State School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 525 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Atherton State School
Atherton · Government primary · Prep-6
331 students · ICSEA 903
St Joseph's School
Atherton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
287 students · ICSEA 1022
| Measure | Atherton State School Atherton QLD | St Joseph's School Atherton QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 49 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #680 of 804 | #340 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4475 of 4,908 | #2757 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 331 | 287 |
| Girls / boys | 155 / 176 | 143 / 144 |
| Foundation intake | 32 | 40 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -22% | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 903 | 1022 |
| ICSEA percentile | 11th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 15.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 29.2 | 18.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.6 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 38% | 5% |
| Suburb | Atherton 4883 | Atherton 4883 |
| Council area | Tablelands | Tablelands |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | athertonss.eq.edu.au | www.stjoeys.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (49.2 vs 25.2).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1022 vs 903), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Atherton State School has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 15.4).
- •Atherton State School is the larger school with 331 students compared with 287.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (11% vs -22%).
- •Atherton 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 Atherton State School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (49.2 vs 25.2 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 School and St Joseph's School?
About 525 m in a straight line, between Atherton and Atherton in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Atherton State School has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 15.4.
How do Atherton State School and St Joseph's School rank in QLD?
Atherton State School is 680th of 804 and St Joseph's School is 340th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.