Skip to content
S

Brisbane Central State School vs St James College

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 420 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureBrisbane Central State School
Spring Hill QLD
St James College
Brisbane QLD
Success Index
73
Top 25%
42
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#72 of 804#170 of 275
National rank (type)#780 of 4,908#821 of 1,259
SectorGovernmentCatholic
TypePrimaryCombined
Year rangePrep-65-12
Students508980
Girls / boys224 / 284422 / 558
Foundation intake60–
Year 7 cohort–86
Year 12 cohort–229
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+13%+96%
ICSEA
Average 1000
1111978
ICSEA percentile87th37th
Top SEA quarter49%14%
Bottom SEA quarter7%41%
Students per teacher15.012.1
Teaching staff (FTE)33.881.1
Non-teaching staff (FTE)13.774.5
Language background other than English76%64%
Indigenous students3%7%
SuburbSpring Hill 4000Brisbane 4000
Council areaBrisbaneBrisbane
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitebrisbanecentralss.eq.edu.auwww.stjamescollege.qld.edu.au

The verdict

  • •Brisbane Central State School scores higher on the Success Index (72.6 vs 42.2).
  • •Brisbane Central State School has the higher ICSEA (1111 vs 978), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •St James College has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 15.0).
  • •St James College is the larger school with 980 students compared with 508.
  • •St James College has grown faster over five years (96% vs 13%).
  • •Brisbane Central State School is a government school while St James College is a catholic school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.

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 Chermside

No cost, no obligation. By submitting you agree to be contacted by Success Tutoring about your enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Is Brisbane Central State School better than St James College?

On the Success Index, Brisbane Central State School ranks higher (72.6 vs 42.2 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 Brisbane Central State School and St James College?

About 420 m in a straight line, between Spring Hill and Brisbane in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Brisbane Central State School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James College has 12.1.

How do Brisbane Central State School and St James College rank in QLD?

Brisbane Central State School is 72nd of 804 and St James College is 170th of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.