Brisbane State High School vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Brisbane State High School
South Brisbane · Government high school · 7-12
3,594 students · ICSEA 1145
St Joseph's Primary School
Kangaroo Point · Catholic primary · Prep-6
302 students · ICSEA 1129
| Measure | Brisbane State High School South Brisbane QLD | St Joseph's Primary School Kangaroo Point QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 269 | #90 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #220 of 1,472 | #943 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 3,594 | 302 |
| Girls / boys | 1,735 / 1,859 | 154 / 148 |
| Foundation intake | – | 60 |
| Year 7 cohort | 562 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 628 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1145 | 1129 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 91th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 51% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 15.6 | 14.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 229.5 | 20.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 71.0 | 11.2 |
| Language background other than English | 59% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | South Brisbane 4101 | Kangaroo Point 4169 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au | www.stjosephskpt.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Brisbane State High School scores higher on the Success Index (72.5 vs 70.9).
- •Brisbane State High School has the higher ICSEA (1145 vs 1129), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (14.7 vs 15.6).
- •Brisbane State High School is the larger school with 3,594 students compared with 302.
- •Brisbane State High School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -8%).
- •Brisbane State High School is a government school while St Joseph's Primary School 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Brisbane State High School better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, Brisbane State High School ranks higher (72.5 vs 70.9 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 State High School and St Joseph's Primary School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Brisbane State High School has 15.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Primary School has 14.7.
How do Brisbane State High School and St Joseph's Primary School rank in QLD?
Brisbane State High School is 15th of 269 and St Joseph's Primary School is 90th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.