Capricornia School of Distance Education vs Marist College
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.
Capricornia School of Distance Education
Emerald · Government combined · Prep-12
5,463 students · ICSEA 960
Marist College
Emerald · Catholic high school · 7-12
697 students · ICSEA 999
| Measure | Capricornia School of Distance Education Emerald QLD | Marist College Emerald QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 36 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #199 of 275 | #115 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #946 of 1,259 | #754 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 5,463 | 697 |
| Girls / boys | 2,702 / 2,761 | 364 / 333 |
| Foundation intake | 17 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 330 | 140 |
| Year 12 cohort | 105 | 93 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +51% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 960 | 999 |
| ICSEA percentile | 29th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 39% | 29% |
| Students per teacher | 14.1 | 12.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 107.9 | 58.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.5 | 30.6 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 5% |
| Suburb | Emerald 4720 | Emerald 4720 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Central Highlands (Qld) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | capricorniasde.eq.edu.au | www.maristcollegeemerald.com.au |
The verdict
- •Marist College scores higher on the Success Index (49.4 vs 35.6).
- •Marist College has the higher ICSEA (999 vs 960), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Marist College has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 14.1).
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education is the larger school with 5,463 students compared with 697.
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education has grown faster over five years (51% vs 27%).
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education is a government school while Marist 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Capricornia School of Distance Education better than Marist College?
On the Success Index, Marist College ranks higher (49.4 vs 35.6 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 Capricornia School of Distance Education and Marist College?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Emerald and Emerald in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Capricornia School of Distance Education has 14.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Marist College has 12.0.
How do Capricornia School of Distance Education and Marist College rank in QLD?
Capricornia School of Distance Education is 199th of 275 and Marist College is 115th of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.