Fernvale State School vs Whitfield State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 1370 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fernvale State School
Fernvale · Government primary · Prep-6
447 students · ICSEA 974
Whitfield State School
Whitfield · Government primary · Prep-6
774 students · ICSEA 974
| Measure | Fernvale State School Fernvale QLD | Whitfield State School Whitfield QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 37 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #515 of 804 | #473 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #3653 of 4,908 | #3432 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 447 | 774 |
| Girls / boys | 234 / 213 | 393 / 381 |
| Foundation intake | 49 | 109 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -20% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 974 | 974 |
| ICSEA percentile | 35th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 30% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 15.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 49.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.6 | 27.8 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 32% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 23% |
| Suburb | Fernvale 4306 | Whitfield 4870 |
| Council area | Somerset | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | fernvaless.eq.edu.au | whitfieldss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Whitfield State School scores higher on the Success Index (39.9 vs 36.8).
- •Fernvale State School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 15.8).
- •Whitfield State School is the larger school with 774 students compared with 447.
- •Whitfield State School has grown faster over five years (-3% vs -20%).
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 Fernvale State School better than Whitfield State School?
On the Success Index, Whitfield State School ranks higher (39.9 vs 36.8 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 Fernvale State School and Whitfield State School?
About 1370 km in a straight line, between Fernvale and Whitfield in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fernvale State School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Whitfield State School has 15.8.
How do Fernvale State School and Whitfield State School rank in QLD?
Fernvale State School is 515th of 804 and Whitfield State School is 473rd of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.