Catherine McAuley College vs St John's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 9.6 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 John's Catholic Primary School
Walkerston · Catholic primary · Prep-6
349 students · ICSEA 1003
| Measure | Catherine McAuley College Mackay QLD | St John's Catholic Primary School Walkerston QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #63 of 269 | #469 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #512 of 1,472 | #3414 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-10 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 606 | 349 |
| Girls / boys | 364 / 242 | 177 / 172 |
| Foundation intake | – | 52 |
| Year 7 cohort | 170 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 1003 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 48th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 17.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.5 | 19.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.1 | 15.9 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 3% |
| Suburb | Mackay 4741 | Walkerston 4751 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | cmcmrok.catholic.edu.au/ | www.sjwarok.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Catherine McAuley College scores higher on the Success Index (60.1 vs 40.2).
- •Catherine McAuley College has the higher ICSEA (1026 vs 1003), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Catherine McAuley College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 17.9).
- •Catherine McAuley College is the larger school with 606 students compared with 349.
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 St John's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, Catherine McAuley College ranks higher (60.1 vs 40.2 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 St John's Catholic Primary School?
About 9.6 km in a straight line, between Mackay and Walkerston in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's Catholic Primary School has 17.9.
How do Catherine McAuley College and St John's Catholic Primary School rank in QLD?
Catherine McAuley College is 63rd of 269 and St John's Catholic Primary School is 469th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.