Aurukun State School vs Kowanyama State School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 235 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Aurukun State School
Aurukun · Government combined · Prep-12
227 students · ICSEA 694
Kowanyama State School
Kowanyama · Government combined · Prep-10
163 students · ICSEA 687
| Measure | Aurukun State School Aurukun QLD | Kowanyama State School Kowanyama QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #258 of 275 | #251 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #1188 of 1,259 | #1166 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-10 |
| Students | 227 | 163 |
| Girls / boys | 113 / 114 | 77 / 86 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 18 |
| Year 7 cohort | 17 | 12 |
| Year 12 cohort | 5 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +45% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 694 | 687 |
| ICSEA percentile | 1th | 1th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 78% | 81% |
| Students per teacher | 10.9 | 6.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.8 | 24.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.3 | 11.2 |
| Language background other than English | 95% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 98% | 99% |
| Suburb | Aurukun 4892 | Kowanyama 4892 |
| Council area | Aurukun | Kowanyama |
| Remoteness | Very Remote | Very Remote |
| Website | aurukunss.eq.edu.au | kowanyamass.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Kowanyama State School scores higher on the Success Index (25.9 vs 24.6).
- •Aurukun State School has the higher ICSEA (694 vs 687), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kowanyama State School has fewer students per teacher (6.5 vs 10.9).
- •Aurukun State School is the larger school with 227 students compared with 163.
- •Aurukun State School has grown faster over five years (45% vs -16%).
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 Aurukun State School better than Kowanyama State School?
On the Success Index, Kowanyama State School ranks higher (25.9 vs 24.6 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 Aurukun State School and Kowanyama State School?
About 235 km in a straight line, between Aurukun and Kowanyama in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Aurukun State School has 10.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kowanyama State School has 6.5.
How do Aurukun State School and Kowanyama State School rank in QLD?
Aurukun State School is 258th of 275 and Kowanyama State School is 251st of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.