Emerald Christian College vs Mackay Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 290 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Emerald Christian College
Emerald · Independent combined · Prep-12
107 students · ICSEA 996
Mackay Christian College
North Mackay · Independent combined · Prep-12
879 students · ICSEA 1000
| Measure | Emerald Christian College Emerald QLD | Mackay Christian College North Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #163 of 275 | #185 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #796 of 1,259 | #871 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 107 | 879 |
| Girls / boys | 48 / 59 | 450 / 429 |
| Foundation intake | 11 | 72 |
| Year 7 cohort | 11 | 83 |
| Year 12 cohort | 3 | 41 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -51% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 996 | 1000 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 27% | 29% |
| Students per teacher | 7.8 | 13.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.7 | 63.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.2 | 53.9 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 22% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 7% |
| Suburb | Emerald 4720 | North Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.ecc.qld.edu.au | mcc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Emerald Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (43.6 vs 39.5).
- •Mackay Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1000 vs 996), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Emerald Christian College has fewer students per teacher (7.8 vs 13.8).
- •Mackay Christian College is the larger school with 879 students compared with 107.
- •Mackay Christian College has grown faster over five years (7% vs -51%).
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 Emerald Christian College better than Mackay Christian College?
On the Success Index, Emerald Christian College ranks higher (43.6 vs 39.5 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 Emerald Christian College and Mackay Christian College?
About 290 km in a straight line, between Emerald and North Mackay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Emerald Christian College has 7.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mackay Christian College has 13.8.
How do Emerald Christian College and Mackay Christian College rank in QLD?
Emerald Christian College is 163rd of 275 and Mackay Christian College is 185th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.