Emerald State High School vs St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.2 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
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School
Emerald · Catholic primary · Prep-6
482 students · ICSEA 1021
| Measure | Emerald State High School Emerald QLD | St Patrick's Catholic Primary School Emerald QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #236 of 269 | #287 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1326 of 1,472 | #2463 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 847 | 482 |
| Girls / boys | 419 / 428 | 238 / 244 |
| Foundation intake | – | 72 |
| Year 7 cohort | 151 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 121 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | 0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 945 | 1021 |
| ICSEA percentile | 23th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 49% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 14.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 70.1 | 32.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.6 | 14.8 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 4% |
| Suburb | Emerald 4720 | Emerald 4720 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Central Highlands (Qld) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | emeraldshs.eq.edu.au | www.stpatricksemerald.com.au |
The verdict
- •St Patrick's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (53.4 vs 24.4).
- •St Patrick's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1021 vs 945), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Emerald State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 14.7).
- •Emerald State High School is the larger school with 847 students compared with 482.
- •Emerald State High School is a government school while St Patrick'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 Emerald State High School better than St Patrick's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Patrick's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (53.4 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 St Patrick's Catholic Primary School?
About 1.2 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 St Patrick's Catholic Primary School has 14.7.
How do Emerald State High School and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School rank in QLD?
Emerald State High School is 236th of 269 and St Patrick's Catholic Primary School is 287th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.