Cairns School of Distance Education vs St Francis Xavier's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cairns School of Distance Education
Manunda · Government combined · Prep-12
3,692 students · ICSEA 1024
St Francis Xavier's School
Manunda · Catholic primary · Prep-6
382 students · ICSEA 953
| Measure | Cairns School of Distance Education Manunda QLD | St Francis Xavier's School Manunda QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 30 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #106 of 275 | #604 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #556 of 1,259 | #4108 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 3,692 | 382 |
| Girls / boys | 2,080 / 1,612 | 188 / 194 |
| Foundation intake | 14 | 44 |
| Year 7 cohort | 168 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 371 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1024 | 953 |
| ICSEA percentile | 57th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 10.6 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 163.3 | 28.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 49.4 | 13.3 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 37% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 26% |
| Suburb | Manunda 4870 | Manunda 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | cairnssde.eq.edu.au | www.xaviercairns.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cairns School of Distance Education scores higher on the Success Index (54.5 vs 30.2).
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 953), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 13.5).
- •Cairns School of Distance Education is the larger school with 3,692 students compared with 382.
- •Cairns School of Distance Education has grown faster over five years (17% vs -19%).
- •Cairns School of Distance Education is a government school while St Francis Xavier's 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 Cairns School of Distance Education better than St Francis Xavier's School?
On the Success Index, Cairns School of Distance Education ranks higher (54.5 vs 30.2 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 Cairns School of Distance Education and St Francis Xavier's School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Manunda and Manunda in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns School of Distance Education has 10.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis Xavier's School has 13.5.
How do Cairns School of Distance Education and St Francis Xavier's School rank in QLD?
Cairns School of Distance Education is 106th of 275 and St Francis Xavier's School is 604th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.