Carlisle Adventist College vs Mackay District Special School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 915 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Carlisle Adventist College
Beaconsfield · Independent combined · Prep-12
281 students · ICSEA 990
Mackay District Special School
Beaconsfield · Government special · Prep-12
82 students · ICSEA 949
| Measure | Carlisle Adventist College Beaconsfield QLD | Mackay District Special School Beaconsfield QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #172 of 275 | – |
| National rank (type) | #824 of 1,259 | – |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Special |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 281 | 82 |
| Girls / boys | 148 / 133 | 22 / 60 |
| Foundation intake | 14 | 7 |
| Year 7 cohort | 29 | 3 |
| Year 12 cohort | 12 | 6 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | 0% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 990 | 949 |
| ICSEA percentile | 42th | 24th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 11.6 | 4.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.3 | 20.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.9 | 21.7 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 18% |
| Suburb | Beaconsfield 4740 | Beaconsfield 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | carlisle.adventist.edu.au | mackaydistrictspecs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Carlisle Adventist College has the higher ICSEA (990 vs 949), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mackay District Special School has fewer students per teacher (4.0 vs 11.6).
- •Carlisle Adventist College is the larger school with 281 students compared with 82.
- •Carlisle Adventist College is a independent school while Mackay District Special School is a government 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Carlisle Adventist College better than Mackay District Special School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Carlisle Adventist College and Mackay District Special School?
About 915 m in a straight line, between Beaconsfield and Beaconsfield in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carlisle Adventist College has 11.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mackay District Special School has 4.0.
How do Carlisle Adventist College and Mackay District Special School rank in QLD?
Carlisle Adventist College is 172nd of 275 and Mackay District Special School is unranked among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.