Garbutt State School vs Marian Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Garbutt State School
Garbutt · Government primary · Prep-6
78 students · ICSEA 775
Marian Catholic School
Currajong · Catholic primary · Prep-6
374 students · ICSEA 1042
| Measure | Garbutt State School Garbutt QLD | Marian Catholic School Currajong QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #181 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1738 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 78 | 374 |
| Girls / boys | 35 / 43 | 198 / 176 |
| Foundation intake | 8 | 59 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -9% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 775 | 1042 |
| ICSEA percentile | 2th | 65th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 23% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 70% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 8.4 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.3 | 24.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.0 | 15.8 |
| Language background other than English | 31% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 82% | 9% |
| Suburb | Garbutt 4814 | Currajong 4812 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | garbuttss.eq.edu.au | www.marian.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Marian Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (62.1 vs 21.4).
- •Marian Catholic School has the higher ICSEA (1042 vs 775), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Garbutt State School has fewer students per teacher (8.4 vs 15.1).
- •Marian Catholic School is the larger school with 374 students compared with 78.
- •Marian Catholic School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -9%).
- •Garbutt State School is a government school while Marian Catholic 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 Garbutt State School better than Marian Catholic School?
On the Success Index, Marian Catholic School ranks higher (62.1 vs 21.4 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 Garbutt State School and Marian Catholic School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Garbutt and Currajong in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Garbutt State School has 8.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Marian Catholic School has 15.1.
How do Garbutt State School and Marian Catholic School rank in QLD?
Garbutt State School is unranked and Marian Catholic School is 181st of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.