Blackheath and Thornburgh College vs Columba Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blackheath and Thornburgh College
Charters Towers · Independent combined · Prep-11
379 students · ICSEA 965
Columba Catholic College
Charters Towers · Catholic combined · Prep-12
425 students · ICSEA 926
| Measure | Blackheath and Thornburgh College Charters Towers QLD | Columba Catholic College Charters Towers QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #144 of 275 | #262 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #708 of 1,259 | #1196 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-11 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 379 | 425 |
| Girls / boys | 201 / 178 | 219 / 206 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | 65 | 48 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 43 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +50% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 965 | 926 |
| ICSEA percentile | 31th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 32% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 9.9 | 11.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 38.3 | 37.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 29.7 | 55.1 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 28% |
| Suburb | Charters Towers 4820 | Charters Towers 4820 |
| Council area | Charters Towers | Charters Towers |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.btc.qld.edu.au | www.columba.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Blackheath and Thornburgh College scores higher on the Success Index (47.4 vs 23.7).
- •Blackheath and Thornburgh College has the higher ICSEA (965 vs 926), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Blackheath and Thornburgh College has fewer students per teacher (9.9 vs 11.2).
- •Columba Catholic College is the larger school with 425 students compared with 379.
- •Blackheath and Thornburgh College has grown faster over five years (50% vs -11%).
- •Blackheath and Thornburgh College is a independent school while Columba Catholic College 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 Blackheath and Thornburgh College better than Columba Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Blackheath and Thornburgh College ranks higher (47.4 vs 23.7 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 Blackheath and Thornburgh College and Columba Catholic College?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Charters Towers and Charters Towers in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blackheath and Thornburgh College has 9.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Columba Catholic College has 11.2.
How do Blackheath and Thornburgh College and Columba Catholic College rank in QLD?
Blackheath and Thornburgh College is 144th of 275 and Columba Catholic College is 262nd of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.