Browns Plains State High School vs Marsden State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 5.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Browns Plains State High School
Browns Plains · Government high school · 7-12
1,185 students · ICSEA 943
Marsden State High School
Waterford West · Government high school · 7-12
3,857 students · ICSEA 943
| Measure | Browns Plains State High School Browns Plains QLD | Marsden State High School Waterford West QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #233 of 269 | #214 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1308 of 1,472 | #1245 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,185 | 3,857 |
| Girls / boys | 566 / 619 | 1,826 / 2,031 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 236 | 642 |
| Year 12 cohort | 162 | 482 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | +36% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 943 | 943 |
| ICSEA percentile | 22th | 22th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 55% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 14.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 91.7 | 260.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 40.4 | 107.2 |
| Language background other than English | 32% | 48% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 7% |
| Suburb | Browns Plains 4118 | Waterford West 4133 |
| Council area | Logan | Logan |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | brownsplainsshs.eq.edu.au | marsdenshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Marsden State High School scores higher on the Success Index (27.5 vs 25.0).
- •Browns Plains State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 14.8).
- •Marsden State High School is the larger school with 3,857 students compared with 1,185.
- •Marsden State High School has grown faster over five years (36% vs 15%).
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 Browns Plains State High School better than Marsden State High School?
On the Success Index, Marsden State High School ranks higher (27.5 vs 25.0 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 Browns Plains State High School and Marsden State High School?
About 5.8 km in a straight line, between Browns Plains and Waterford West in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Browns Plains State High School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Marsden State High School has 14.8.
How do Browns Plains State High School and Marsden State High School rank in QLD?
Browns Plains State High School is 233rd of 269 and Marsden State High School is 214th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.