Catherine McAuley College vs Mackay Central State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Catherine McAuley College
Mackay · Catholic high school · 7-10
606 students · ICSEA 1026
Mackay Central State School
Mackay · Government primary · Prep-6
216 students · ICSEA 908
| Measure | Catherine McAuley College Mackay QLD | Mackay Central State School Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #63 of 269 | #614 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #512 of 1,472 | #4185 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-10 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 606 | 216 |
| Girls / boys | 364 / 242 | 107 / 109 |
| Foundation intake | – | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | 170 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 908 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 12th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.5 | 16.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.1 | 10.2 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 48% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 27% |
| Suburb | Mackay 4741 | Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | cmcmrok.catholic.edu.au/ | mackaycentralss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Catherine McAuley College scores higher on the Success Index (60.1 vs 29.2).
- •Catherine McAuley College has the higher ICSEA (1026 vs 908), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Catherine McAuley College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 13.0).
- •Catherine McAuley College is the larger school with 606 students compared with 216.
- •Catherine McAuley College is a catholic school while Mackay Central State 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Catherine McAuley College better than Mackay Central State School?
On the Success Index, Catherine McAuley College ranks higher (60.1 vs 29.2 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 Catherine McAuley College and Mackay Central State School?
About 3.0 km in a straight line, between Mackay and Mackay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mackay Central State School has 13.0.
How do Catherine McAuley College and Mackay Central State School rank in QLD?
Catherine McAuley College is 63rd of 269 and Mackay Central State School is 614th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.