Catherine McAuley College vs St Mary's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.7 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 Mary's Catholic Primary School
Mackay South · Catholic primary · Prep-6
384 students · ICSEA 1050
| Measure | Catherine McAuley College Mackay QLD | St Mary's Catholic Primary School Mackay South QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #63 of 269 | #246 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #512 of 1,472 | #2157 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-10 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 606 | 384 |
| Girls / boys | 364 / 242 | 214 / 170 |
| Foundation intake | – | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | 170 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 1050 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 16.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.5 | 23.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.1 | 11.1 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 4% |
| Suburb | Mackay 4741 | Mackay South 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | cmcmrok.catholic.edu.au/ | www.smmrok.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Catherine McAuley College scores higher on the Success Index (60.1 vs 57.1).
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1050 vs 1026), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Catherine McAuley College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 16.6).
- •Catherine McAuley College is the larger school with 606 students compared with 384.
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 Mary's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, Catherine McAuley College ranks higher (60.1 vs 57.1 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 Mary's Catholic Primary School?
About 2.7 km in a straight line, between Mackay and Mackay South in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's Catholic Primary School has 16.6.
How do Catherine McAuley College and St Mary's Catholic Primary School rank in QLD?
Catherine McAuley College is 63rd of 269 and St Mary's Catholic Primary School is 246th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.