Balaclava State School vs St Francis Xavier's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 1.5 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
St Francis Xavier's School
Manunda · Catholic primary · Prep-6
382 students · ICSEA 953
| Measure | Balaclava State School Mooroobool QLD | St Francis Xavier's School Manunda QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 30 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #700 of 804 | #604 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4568 of 4,908 | #4108 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 381 | 382 |
| Girls / boys | 186 / 195 | 188 / 194 |
| Foundation intake | 70 | 44 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 797 | 953 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 76% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.3 | 28.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.0 | 13.3 |
| Language background other than English | 44% | 37% |
| Indigenous students | 61% | 26% |
| Suburb | Mooroobool 4870 | Manunda 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | balaclavass.eq.edu.au | www.xaviercairns.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Francis Xavier's School scores higher on the Success Index (30.2 vs 23.9).
- •St Francis Xavier's School has the higher ICSEA (953 vs 797), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Balaclava State School has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 13.5).
- •St Francis Xavier's School is the larger school with 382 students compared with 381.
- •Balaclava State School has grown faster over five years (0% vs -19%).
- •Balaclava State School is a government school while St Francis Xavier'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 Balaclava State School better than St Francis Xavier's School?
On the Success Index, St Francis Xavier's School ranks higher (30.2 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 St Francis Xavier's School?
About 1.5 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 St Francis Xavier's School has 13.5.
How do Balaclava State School and St Francis Xavier's School rank in QLD?
Balaclava State School is 700th of 804 and St Francis Xavier's School is 604th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.