Bowen State School vs Merinda State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 8.4 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
Merinda State School
Bowen · Government primary · Prep-6
41 students · ICSEA 881
| Measure | Bowen State School Bowen QLD | Merinda State School Bowen QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 33 Lower 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #563 of 804 | – |
| National rank (type) | #3933 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 508 | 41 |
| Girls / boys | 255 / 253 | 16 / 25 |
| Foundation intake | 67 | 3 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | +21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 927 | 881 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 47% | 62% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 8.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.8 | 4.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.8 | 4.6 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 24% | 27% |
| Suburb | Bowen 4805 | Bowen 4805 |
| Council area | Whitsunday | Whitsunday |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | bowenss.eq.edu.au | merindass.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Bowen State School scores higher on the Success Index (32.7 vs 23.5).
- •Bowen State School has the higher ICSEA (927 vs 881), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merinda State School has fewer students per teacher (8.5 vs 15.0).
- •Bowen State School is the larger school with 508 students compared with 41.
- •Merinda State School has grown faster over five years (21% vs 15%).
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 Bowen State School better than Merinda State School?
On the Success Index, Bowen State School ranks higher (32.7 vs 23.5 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 School and Merinda State School?
About 8.4 km in a straight line, between Bowen and Bowen in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bowen State School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Merinda State School has 8.5.
How do Bowen State School and Merinda State School rank in QLD?
Bowen State School is 563rd of 804 and Merinda State School is unranked among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.