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El Arish State School vs St John's School

A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 7.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureEl Arish State School
El Arish QLD
St John's School
Silkwood QLD
Success Index
27
Lower 50%
34
Lower 50%
State rank (type)––
National rank (type)––
SectorGovernmentCatholic
TypePrimaryPrimary
Year rangePrep-6Prep-6
Students3248
Girls / boys18 / 1428 / 20
Foundation intake77
Year 7 cohort––
Year 12 cohort––
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth-6%-27%
ICSEA
Average 1000
918962
ICSEA percentile14th30th
Top SEA quarter3%3%
Bottom SEA quarter52%37%
Students per teacher13.39.1
Teaching staff (FTE)2.45.3
Non-teaching staff (FTE)3.73.4
Language background other than English13%20%
Indigenous students34%13%
SuburbEl Arish 4855Silkwood 4856
Council areaCassowary CoastCassowary Coast
RemotenessOuter RegionalOuter Regional
Websiteelarishss.eq.edu.auwww.stjohnssilkwood.qld.edu.au/

The verdict

  • •St John's School scores higher on the Success Index (34.0 vs 27.4).
  • •St John's School has the higher ICSEA (962 vs 918), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •St John's School has fewer students per teacher (9.1 vs 13.3).
  • •St John's School is the larger school with 48 students compared with 32.
  • •El Arish State School has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -27%).
  • •El Arish State School is a government school while St John'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 El Arish State School better than St John's School?

On the Success Index, St John's School ranks higher (34.0 vs 27.4 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 El Arish State School and St John's School?

About 7.9 km in a straight line, between El Arish and Silkwood in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

El Arish State School has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's School has 9.1.

How do El Arish State School and St John's School rank in QLD?

El Arish State School is unranked and St John's School is unranked among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.