Balaclava State School vs Cairns School of Distance Education
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balaclava State School
Mooroobool · Government primary · Prep-6
381 students · ICSEA 797
Cairns School of Distance Education
Manunda · Government combined · Prep-12
3,692 students · ICSEA 1024
| Measure | Balaclava State School Mooroobool QLD | Cairns School of Distance Education Manunda QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #700 of 804 | #106 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #4568 of 4,908 | #556 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 381 | 3,692 |
| Girls / boys | 186 / 195 | 2,080 / 1,612 |
| Foundation intake | 70 | 14 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 168 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 371 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 797 | 1024 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 57th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 76% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 10.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.3 | 163.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.0 | 49.4 |
| Language background other than English | 44% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 61% | 17% |
| Suburb | Mooroobool 4870 | Manunda 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | balaclavass.eq.edu.au | cairnssde.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cairns School of Distance Education scores higher on the Success Index (54.5 vs 23.9).
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 797), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 11.8).
- •Cairns School of Distance Education is the larger school with 3,692 students compared with 381.
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has grown faster over five years (17% vs 0%).
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 Balaclava State School better than Cairns School of Distance Education?
On the Success Index, Cairns School of Distance Education ranks higher (54.5 vs 23.9 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 Balaclava State School and Cairns School of Distance Education?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Mooroobool and Manunda in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balaclava State School has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Cairns School of Distance Education has 10.6.
How do Balaclava State School and Cairns School of Distance Education rank in QLD?
Balaclava State School is 700th of 804 and Cairns School of Distance Education is 106th of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.