Catherine McAuley College vs St Columban's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 763 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
St Columban's College
Caboolture · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,171 students · ICSEA 1026
| Measure | Catherine McAuley College Mackay QLD | St Columban's College Caboolture QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #63 of 269 | #83 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #512 of 1,472 | #608 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 606 | 1,171 |
| Girls / boys | 364 / 242 | 581 / 590 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 170 | 211 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 177 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 1026 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 58th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.5 | 91.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.1 | 55.1 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 5% |
| Suburb | Mackay 4741 | Caboolture 4510 |
| Council area | Mackay | Moreton Bay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | cmcmrok.catholic.edu.au/ | www.stc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Catherine McAuley College scores higher on the Success Index (60.1 vs 55.8).
- •Catherine McAuley College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 12.9).
- •St Columban's College is the larger school with 1,171 students compared with 606.
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 Catherine McAuley College better than St Columban's College?
On the Success Index, Catherine McAuley College ranks higher (60.1 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 Catherine McAuley College and St Columban's College?
About 763 km in a straight line, between Mackay and Caboolture in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columban's College has 12.9.
How do Catherine McAuley College and St Columban's College rank in QLD?
Catherine McAuley College is 63rd of 269 and St Columban's College is 83rd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.