Garbutt State School vs Townsville Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.4 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
Townsville Christian College
Vincent · Independent combined · Prep-12
442 students · ICSEA 871
| Measure | Garbutt State School Garbutt QLD | Townsville Christian College Vincent QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #229 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1095 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 78 | 442 |
| Girls / boys | 35 / 43 | 225 / 217 |
| Foundation intake | 8 | 34 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 47 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 13 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -9% | +62% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 775 | 871 |
| ICSEA percentile | 2th | 7th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 70% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 8.4 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.3 | 28.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.0 | 35.7 |
| Language background other than English | 31% | 43% |
| Indigenous students | 82% | 40% |
| Suburb | Garbutt 4814 | Vincent 4814 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | garbuttss.eq.edu.au | www.tsvcc.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Townsville Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (29.1 vs 21.4).
- •Townsville Christian College has the higher ICSEA (871 vs 775), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Garbutt State School has fewer students per teacher (8.4 vs 15.5).
- •Townsville Christian College is the larger school with 442 students compared with 78.
- •Townsville Christian College has grown faster over five years (62% vs -9%).
- •Garbutt State School is a government school while Townsville Christian College is an independent 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 Townsville Christian College?
On the Success Index, Townsville Christian College ranks higher (29.1 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 Townsville Christian College?
About 2.4 km in a straight line, between Garbutt and Vincent in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Garbutt State School has 8.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Townsville Christian College has 15.5.
How do Garbutt State School and Townsville Christian College rank in QLD?
Garbutt State School is unranked and Townsville Christian College is 229th of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.