Denison State School vs St Brigid's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 3.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Denison State School
Emerald · Government primary · Prep-6
364 students · ICSEA 948
St Brigid's Catholic Primary School
Emerald · Catholic primary · Prep-6
323 students · ICSEA 990
| Measure | Denison State School Emerald QLD | St Brigid's Catholic Primary School Emerald QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #683 of 804 | #413 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4486 of 4,908 | #3117 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 364 | 323 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 188 | 174 / 149 |
| Foundation intake | 42 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -34% | +21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 948 | 990 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 42th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 45% | 30% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.0 | 22.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.4 | 9.9 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 9% |
| Suburb | Emerald 4720 | Emerald 4720 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Central Highlands (Qld) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | denisonss.eq.edu.au | www.sberok.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Brigid's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (44.5 vs 25.1).
- •St Brigid's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (990 vs 948), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Denison State School has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 14.4).
- •Denison State School is the larger school with 364 students compared with 323.
- •St Brigid's Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (21% vs -34%).
- •Denison State School is a government school while St Brigid's Catholic Primary 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 Denison State School better than St Brigid's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Brigid's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (44.5 vs 25.1 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 Denison State School and St Brigid's Catholic Primary School?
About 3.5 km in a straight line, between Emerald and Emerald in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Denison State School has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Brigid's Catholic Primary School has 14.4.
How do Denison State School and St Brigid's Catholic Primary School rank in QLD?
Denison State School is 683rd of 804 and St Brigid's Catholic Primary School is 413th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.