Freshwater Christian College vs Machans Beach State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 5.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Freshwater Christian College
Brinsmead · Independent combined · Prep-12
562 students · ICSEA 1041
Machans Beach State School
Machans Beach · Government primary · Prep-6
135 students · ICSEA 944
| Measure | Freshwater Christian College Brinsmead QLD | Machans Beach State School Machans Beach QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 53 Top 50% | 30 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #113 of 275 | #602 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #588 of 1,259 | #4098 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 562 | 135 |
| Girls / boys | 259 / 303 | 75 / 60 |
| Foundation intake | 53 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | 44 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 35 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1041 | 944 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 22th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 14% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 15.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 46.1 | 8.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.7 | 5.4 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 34% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 23% |
| Suburb | Brinsmead 4870 | Machans Beach 4878 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.fcc.qld.edu.au | machansbeachss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Freshwater Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (53.0 vs 30.3).
- •Freshwater Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1041 vs 944), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Freshwater Christian College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 15.3).
- •Freshwater Christian College is the larger school with 562 students compared with 135.
- •Freshwater Christian College is a independent school while Machans Beach 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 Freshwater Christian College better than Machans Beach State School?
On the Success Index, Freshwater Christian College ranks higher (53.0 vs 30.3 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 Freshwater Christian College and Machans Beach State School?
About 5.9 km in a straight line, between Brinsmead and Machans Beach in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Freshwater Christian College has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Machans Beach State School has 15.3.
How do Freshwater Christian College and Machans Beach State School rank in QLD?
Freshwater Christian College is 113th of 275 and Machans Beach State School is 602nd of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.