Bowen State School vs Happy Valley State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 916 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bowen State School
Bowen · Government primary · Prep-6
508 students · ICSEA 927
Happy Valley State School
Happy Valley · Government primary · Prep-6
387 students · ICSEA 927
| Measure | Bowen State School Bowen QLD | Happy Valley State School Happy Valley QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 33 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #563 of 804 | #710 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #3933 of 4,908 | #4609 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 508 | 387 |
| Girls / boys | 255 / 253 | 178 / 209 |
| Foundation intake | 67 | 67 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 927 | 927 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 47% | 43% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.8 | 26.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.8 | 11.8 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 24% | 22% |
| Suburb | Bowen 4805 | Happy Valley 4825 |
| Council area | Whitsunday | Mount Isa |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Remote |
| Website | bowenss.eq.edu.au | happyvalleyss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Bowen State School scores higher on the Success Index (32.7 vs 23.2).
- •Bowen State School is the larger school with 508 students compared with 387.
- •Bowen State School has grown faster over five years (15% vs -1%).
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 School better than Happy Valley State School?
On the Success Index, Bowen State School ranks higher (32.7 vs 23.2 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 School and Happy Valley State School?
About 916 km in a straight line, between Bowen and Happy Valley in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bowen State School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Happy Valley State School has 14.6.
How do Bowen State School and Happy Valley State School rank in QLD?
Bowen State School is 563rd of 804 and Happy Valley State School is 710th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.