Catherine McAuley College vs Mackay State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 2.1 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 State High School
South Mackay · Government high school · 7-12
1,254 students · ICSEA 936
| Measure | Catherine McAuley College Mackay QLD | Mackay State High School South Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #63 of 269 | #230 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #512 of 1,472 | #1301 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 606 | 1,254 |
| Girls / boys | 364 / 242 | 559 / 695 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 170 | 219 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 158 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 936 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.5 | 94.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.1 | 50.9 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 19% |
| Suburb | Mackay 4741 | South Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | cmcmrok.catholic.edu.au/ | mackayshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Catherine McAuley College scores higher on the Success Index (60.1 vs 25.3).
- •Catherine McAuley College has the higher ICSEA (1026 vs 936), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Catherine McAuley College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 13.2).
- •Mackay State High School is the larger school with 1,254 students compared with 606.
- •Catherine McAuley College is a catholic school while Mackay State High 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 State High School?
On the Success Index, Catherine McAuley College ranks higher (60.1 vs 25.3 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 State High School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Mackay and South 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 State High School has 13.2.
How do Catherine McAuley College and Mackay State High School rank in QLD?
Catherine McAuley College is 63rd of 269 and Mackay State High School is 230th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.