Cairns West State School vs St Francis Xavier's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 100 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cairns West State School
Manunda · Government primary · Prep-6
481 students · ICSEA 784
St Francis Xavier's School
Manunda · Catholic primary · Prep-6
382 students · ICSEA 953
| Measure | Cairns West State School Manunda QLD | St Francis Xavier's School Manunda QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 30 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #720 of 804 | #604 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4652 of 4,908 | #4108 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 481 | 382 |
| Girls / boys | 229 / 252 | 188 / 194 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | 44 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -29% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 784 | 953 |
| ICSEA percentile | 2th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 78% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 11.5 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 41.8 | 28.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.7 | 13.3 |
| Language background other than English | 70% | 37% |
| Indigenous students | 59% | 26% |
| Suburb | Manunda 4870 | Manunda 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | cairnswestss.eq.edu.au | www.xaviercairns.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Francis Xavier's School scores higher on the Success Index (30.2 vs 22.5).
- •St Francis Xavier's School has the higher ICSEA (953 vs 784), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cairns West State School has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 13.5).
- •Cairns West State School is the larger school with 481 students compared with 382.
- •St Francis Xavier's School has grown faster over five years (-19% vs -29%).
- •Cairns West State School 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 West State School better than St Francis Xavier's School?
On the Success Index, St Francis Xavier's School ranks higher (30.2 vs 22.5 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 Cairns West State School and St Francis Xavier's School?
About 100 m in a straight line, between Manunda and Manunda in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns West State School has 11.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis Xavier's School has 13.5.
How do Cairns West State School and St Francis Xavier's School rank in QLD?
Cairns West State School is 720th of 804 and St Francis Xavier's School is 604th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.