Capricornia School of Distance Education vs St Patrick's Catholic 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.
Capricornia School of Distance Education
Emerald · Government combined · Prep-12
5,463 students · ICSEA 960
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
Emerald · Catholic primary · Prep-6
482 students · ICSEA 1021
| Measure | Capricornia School of Distance Education Emerald QLD | St Patrick's Catholic Primary School Emerald QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 36 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #199 of 275 | #287 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #946 of 1,259 | #2463 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 5,463 | 482 |
| Girls / boys | 2,702 / 2,761 | 238 / 244 |
| Foundation intake | 17 | 72 |
| Year 7 cohort | 330 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 105 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +51% | 0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 960 | 1021 |
| ICSEA percentile | 29th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 39% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 14.1 | 14.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 107.9 | 32.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.5 | 14.8 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 4% |
| Suburb | Emerald 4720 | Emerald 4720 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Central Highlands (Qld) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | capricorniasde.eq.edu.au | www.stpatricksemerald.com.au |
The verdict
- •St Patrick's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (53.4 vs 35.6).
- •St Patrick's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1021 vs 960), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (14.1 vs 14.7).
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education is the larger school with 5,463 students compared with 482.
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education has grown faster over five years (51% vs 0%).
- •Capricornia School of Distance Education is a government school while St Patrick's Catholic 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 Capricornia School of Distance Education better than St Patrick's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Patrick's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (53.4 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 St Patrick's Catholic Primary School?
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 St Patrick's Catholic Primary School has 14.7.
How do Capricornia School of Distance Education and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School rank in QLD?
Capricornia School of Distance Education is 199th of 275 and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School is 287th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.