Cooktown State School vs Mitchell State School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 1256 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cooktown State School
Cooktown · Government combined · Prep-12
376 students · ICSEA 838
Mitchell State School
Mitchell · Government combined · Prep-10
118 students · ICSEA 845
| Measure | Cooktown State School Cooktown QLD | Mitchell State School Mitchell QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 22 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #271 of 275 | #250 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #1227 of 1,259 | #1164 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-10 |
| Students | 376 | 118 |
| Girls / boys | 189 / 187 | 56 / 62 |
| Foundation intake | 28 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | 36 | 10 |
| Year 12 cohort | 23 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 838 | 845 |
| ICSEA percentile | 4th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 59% | 59% |
| Students per teacher | 10.9 | 8.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.4 | 13.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.1 | 8.3 |
| Language background other than English | 45% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 59% | 36% |
| Suburb | Cooktown 4895 | Mitchell 4465 |
| Council area | Cook | Maranoa |
| Remoteness | Remote | Very Remote |
| Website | cooktownss.eq.edu.au | mitchellss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mitchell State School scores higher on the Success Index (26.0 vs 21.7).
- •Mitchell State School has the higher ICSEA (845 vs 838), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mitchell State School has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 10.9).
- •Cooktown State School is the larger school with 376 students compared with 118.
- •Cooktown State School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -8%).
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 Cooktown State School better than Mitchell State School?
On the Success Index, Mitchell State School ranks higher (26.0 vs 21.7 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 Cooktown State School and Mitchell State School?
About 1256 km in a straight line, between Cooktown and Mitchell in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cooktown State School has 10.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mitchell State School has 8.6.
How do Cooktown State School and Mitchell State School rank in QLD?
Cooktown State School is 271st of 275 and Mitchell State School is 250th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.