Emerald State High School vs Marist College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 3.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Emerald State High School
Emerald · Government high school · 7-12
847 students · ICSEA 945
Marist College
Emerald · Catholic high school · 7-12
697 students · ICSEA 999
| Measure | Emerald State High School Emerald QLD | Marist College Emerald QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #236 of 269 | #115 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1326 of 1,472 | #754 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 847 | 697 |
| Girls / boys | 419 / 428 | 364 / 333 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 151 | 140 |
| Year 12 cohort | 121 | 93 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 945 | 999 |
| ICSEA percentile | 23th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 49% | 29% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 12.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 70.1 | 58.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.6 | 30.6 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 5% |
| Suburb | Emerald 4720 | Emerald 4720 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Central Highlands (Qld) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | emeraldshs.eq.edu.au | www.maristcollegeemerald.com.au |
The verdict
- •Marist College scores higher on the Success Index (49.4 vs 24.4).
- •Marist College has the higher ICSEA (999 vs 945), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Emerald State High School is the larger school with 847 students compared with 697.
- •Marist College has grown faster over five years (27% vs 4%).
- •Emerald State High School is a government school while Marist College 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 Emerald State High School better than Marist College?
On the Success Index, Marist College ranks higher (49.4 vs 24.4 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 Emerald State High School and Marist College?
About 3.5 km in a straight line, between Emerald and Emerald in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Emerald State High School has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Marist College has 12.0.
How do Emerald State High School and Marist College rank in QLD?
Emerald State High School is 236th of 269 and Marist College is 115th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.