Blackwater State High School vs Gordonvale State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 790 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blackwater State High School
Blackwater · Government high school · 7-12
307 students · ICSEA 880
Gordonvale State High School
Gordonvale · Government high school · 7-12
623 students · ICSEA 883
| Measure | Blackwater State High School Blackwater QLD | Gordonvale State High School Gordonvale QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 16 Lower 50% | 12 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #262 of 269 | #269 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1449 of 1,472 | #1468 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 307 | 623 |
| Girls / boys | 128 / 179 | 327 / 296 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 61 | 109 |
| Year 12 cohort | 34 | 75 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | -21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 880 | 883 |
| ICSEA percentile | 7th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 64% | 55% |
| Students per teacher | 9.1 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.8 | 51.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.2 | 27.1 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 26% | 40% |
| Suburb | Blackwater 4717 | Gordonvale 4865 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | blackwatershs.eq.edu.au | gordonvalehigh.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Blackwater State High School scores higher on the Success Index (16.4 vs 12.3).
- •Gordonvale State High School has the higher ICSEA (883 vs 880), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Blackwater State High School has fewer students per teacher (9.1 vs 12.2).
- •Gordonvale State High School is the larger school with 623 students compared with 307.
- •Blackwater State High School has grown faster over five years (-13% vs -21%).
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 Blackwater State High School better than Gordonvale State High School?
On the Success Index, Blackwater State High School ranks higher (16.4 vs 12.3 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 Blackwater State High School and Gordonvale State High School?
About 790 km in a straight line, between Blackwater and Gordonvale in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blackwater State High School has 9.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Gordonvale State High School has 12.2.
How do Blackwater State High School and Gordonvale State High School rank in QLD?
Blackwater State High School is 262nd of 269 and Gordonvale State High School is 269th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.