Darra State School vs St Mark's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 3.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Darra State School
Darra · Government primary · Prep-6
221 students · ICSEA 980
St Mark's School
Inala · Catholic primary · Prep-6
448 students · ICSEA 982
| Measure | Darra State School Darra QLD | St Mark's School Inala QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #363 of 804 | #467 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #2868 of 4,908 | #3409 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 221 | 448 |
| Girls / boys | 93 / 128 | 226 / 222 |
| Foundation intake | 28 | 74 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 980 | 982 |
| ICSEA percentile | 38th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 14.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 17.4 | 30.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.2 | 14.7 |
| Language background other than English | 52% | 76% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 1% |
| Suburb | Darra 4076 | Inala 4077 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | darrass.eq.edu.au | www.stmarksinala.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Darra State School scores higher on the Success Index (47.5 vs 40.3).
- •St Mark's School has the higher ICSEA (982 vs 980), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Darra State School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 14.9).
- •St Mark's School is the larger school with 448 students compared with 221.
- •Darra State School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -11%).
- •Darra State School is a government school while St Mark's School is a catholic 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 Darra State School better than St Mark's School?
On the Success Index, Darra State School ranks higher (47.5 vs 40.3 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 Darra State School and St Mark's School?
About 3.0 km in a straight line, between Darra and Inala in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Darra State School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mark's School has 14.9.
How do Darra State School and St Mark's School rank in QLD?
Darra State School is 363rd of 804 and St Mark's School is 467th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.