Balaclava State School vs Cairns West State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 1.4 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 West State School
Manunda · Government primary · Prep-6
481 students · ICSEA 784
| Measure | Balaclava State School Mooroobool QLD | Cairns West State School Manunda QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #700 of 804 | #720 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4568 of 4,908 | #4652 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 381 | 481 |
| Girls / boys | 186 / 195 | 229 / 252 |
| Foundation intake | 70 | 61 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | -29% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 797 | 784 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 2th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 76% | 78% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 11.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.3 | 41.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.0 | 27.7 |
| Language background other than English | 44% | 70% |
| Indigenous students | 61% | 59% |
| Suburb | Mooroobool 4870 | Manunda 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | balaclavass.eq.edu.au | cairnswestss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Balaclava State School scores higher on the Success Index (23.9 vs 22.5).
- •Balaclava State School has the higher ICSEA (797 vs 784), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns West State School is the larger school with 481 students compared with 381.
- •Balaclava State School has grown faster over five years (0% vs -29%).
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 West State School?
On the Success Index, Balaclava State School ranks higher (23.9 vs 22.5 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 West State School?
About 1.4 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 West State School has 11.5.
How do Balaclava State School and Cairns West State School rank in QLD?
Balaclava State School is 700th of 804 and Cairns West State School is 720th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.