Carmel College vs Newman Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 1426 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Carmel College
Thornlands · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,220 students · ICSEA 1045
Newman Catholic College
Smithfield · Catholic high school · 7-10
625 students · ICSEA 1046
| Measure | Carmel College Thornlands QLD | Newman Catholic College Smithfield QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #82 of 269 | #24 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #607 of 1,472 | #275 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-10 |
| Students | 1,220 | 625 |
| Girls / boys | 658 / 562 | 299 / 326 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 210 | 166 |
| Year 12 cohort | 172 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1045 | 1046 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 67th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 10.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.0 | 57.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 37.1 | 27.9 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 5% |
| Suburb | Thornlands 4164 | Smithfield 4878 |
| Council area | Redland | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.carmelcollege.qld.edu.au | www.newman.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Newman Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (70.6 vs 55.8).
- •Newman Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1046 vs 1045), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Newman Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (10.9 vs 14.4).
- •Carmel College is the larger school with 1,220 students compared with 625.
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 Carmel College better than Newman Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Newman Catholic College ranks higher (70.6 vs 55.8 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 Carmel College and Newman Catholic College?
About 1426 km in a straight line, between Thornlands and Smithfield in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carmel College has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Newman Catholic College has 10.9.
How do Carmel College and Newman Catholic College rank in QLD?
Carmel College is 82nd of 269 and Newman Catholic College is 24th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.