Bowen State High School vs Kirwan State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 175 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bowen State High School
Bowen · Government high school · 7-12
679 students · ICSEA 919
Kirwan State High School
Kirwan · Government high school · 7-12
1,922 students · ICSEA 919
| Measure | Bowen State High School Bowen QLD | Kirwan State High School Kirwan QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 19 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #238 of 269 | #255 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1341 of 1,472 | #1424 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 679 | 1,922 |
| Girls / boys | 328 / 351 | 901 / 1,021 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 138 | 325 |
| Year 12 cohort | 80 | 275 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -3% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 919 | 919 |
| ICSEA percentile | 15th | 15th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 51% | 47% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 55.6 | 136.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 33.4 | 65.0 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 23% | 31% |
| Suburb | Bowen 4805 | Kirwan 4817 |
| Council area | Whitsunday | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | bowenshs.eq.edu.au | kirwanshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Bowen State High School scores higher on the Success Index (23.6 vs 18.5).
- •Bowen State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 14.0).
- •Kirwan State High School is the larger school with 1,922 students compared with 679.
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 Bowen State High School better than Kirwan State High School?
On the Success Index, Bowen State High School ranks higher (23.6 vs 18.5 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 Bowen State High School and Kirwan State High School?
About 175 km in a straight line, between Bowen and Kirwan in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bowen State High School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kirwan State High School has 14.0.
How do Bowen State High School and Kirwan State High School rank in QLD?
Bowen State High School is 238th of 269 and Kirwan State High School is 255th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.