Emmanuel College vs Merrimac State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Emmanuel College
Carrara · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,686 students · ICSEA 1139
Merrimac State School
Merrimac · Government primary · Prep-6
600 students · ICSEA 1020
| Measure | Emmanuel College Carrara QLD | Merrimac State School Merrimac QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 66 Top 25% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 275 | #346 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #338 of 1,259 | #2793 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,686 | 600 |
| Girls / boys | 887 / 799 | 307 / 293 |
| Foundation intake | 95 | 67 |
| Year 7 cohort | 166 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 144 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1139 | 1020 |
| ICSEA percentile | 93th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 54% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 15.3 | 14.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 110.2 | 42.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 84.4 | 19.9 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 5% |
| Suburb | Carrara 4211 | Merrimac 4226 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.emmanuel.qld.edu.au | merrimacss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Emmanuel College scores higher on the Success Index (66.3 vs 48.6).
- •Emmanuel College has the higher ICSEA (1139 vs 1020), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merrimac State School has fewer students per teacher (14.2 vs 15.3).
- •Emmanuel College is the larger school with 1,686 students compared with 600.
- •Emmanuel College has grown faster over five years (5% vs -23%).
- •Emmanuel College is a independent school while Merrimac State School is a government 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 Emmanuel College better than Merrimac State School?
On the Success Index, Emmanuel College ranks higher (66.3 vs 48.6 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 Emmanuel College and Merrimac State School?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Carrara and Merrimac in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Emmanuel College has 15.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Merrimac State School has 14.2.
How do Emmanuel College and Merrimac State School rank in QLD?
Emmanuel College is 61st of 275 and Merrimac State School is 346th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.