Bowen State School vs Kirwan State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 177 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
Kirwan State School
Kirwan · Government primary · Prep-6
698 students · ICSEA 927
| Measure | Bowen State School Bowen QLD | Kirwan State School Kirwan QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 33 Lower 50% | 20 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #563 of 804 | #754 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #3933 of 4,908 | #4774 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 508 | 698 |
| Girls / boys | 255 / 253 | 337 / 361 |
| Foundation intake | 67 | 87 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 927 | 927 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 17th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 47% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 14.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.8 | 47.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.8 | 23.3 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 24% | 24% |
| Suburb | Bowen 4805 | Kirwan 4817 |
| Council area | Whitsunday | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | bowenss.eq.edu.au | kirwanss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Bowen State School scores higher on the Success Index (32.7 vs 20.1).
- •Kirwan State School is the larger school with 698 students compared with 508.
- •Bowen State School has grown faster over five years (15% vs -17%).
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 Kirwan State School?
On the Success Index, Bowen State School ranks higher (32.7 vs 20.1 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 Kirwan State School?
About 177 km in a straight line, between Bowen and Kirwan in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bowen State School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kirwan State School has 14.8.
How do Bowen State School and Kirwan State School rank in QLD?
Bowen State School is 563rd of 804 and Kirwan State School is 754th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.