Blackwater State High School vs Mareeba State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 816 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
Mareeba State High School
Mareeba · Government high school · 7-12
721 students · ICSEA 886
| Measure | Blackwater State High School Blackwater QLD | Mareeba State High School Mareeba QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 16 Lower 50% | 15 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #262 of 269 | #266 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1449 of 1,472 | #1461 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 307 | 721 |
| Girls / boys | 128 / 179 | 335 / 386 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 61 | 102 |
| Year 12 cohort | 34 | 116 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 880 | 886 |
| ICSEA percentile | 7th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 64% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 9.1 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.8 | 59.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.2 | 37.7 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 26% | 36% |
| Suburb | Blackwater 4717 | Mareeba 4880 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Mareeba |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | blackwatershs.eq.edu.au | mareebashs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Blackwater State High School scores higher on the Success Index (16.4 vs 15.0).
- •Mareeba State High School has the higher ICSEA (886 vs 880), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Blackwater State High School has fewer students per teacher (9.1 vs 12.1).
- •Mareeba State High School is the larger school with 721 students compared with 307.
- •Mareeba State High School has grown faster over five years (-8% vs -13%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Blackwater State High School better than Mareeba State High School?
On the Success Index, Blackwater State High School ranks higher (16.4 vs 15.0 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 Mareeba State High School?
About 816 km in a straight line, between Blackwater and Mareeba in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blackwater State High School has 9.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mareeba State High School has 12.1.
How do Blackwater State High School and Mareeba State High School rank in QLD?
Blackwater State High School is 262nd of 269 and Mareeba State High School is 266th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.