Gilston State School vs Magnetic Island State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 1186 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gilston State School
Gilston · Government primary · Prep-6
484 students · ICSEA 1026
Magnetic Island State School
Nelly Bay · Government primary · Prep-6
123 students · ICSEA 1027
| Measure | Gilston State School Gilston QLD | Magnetic Island State School Nelly Bay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #358 of 804 | #252 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #2853 of 4,908 | #2236 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 484 | 123 |
| Girls / boys | 240 / 244 | 63 / 60 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | 20 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 1027 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 59th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 16.0 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.2 | 9.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.9 | 7.0 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 6% |
| Suburb | Gilston 4211 | Nelly Bay 4819 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Outer Regional |
| Website | gilstonss.eq.edu.au | magneticislandss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Magnetic Island State School scores higher on the Success Index (56.2 vs 47.8).
- •Magnetic Island State School has the higher ICSEA (1027 vs 1026), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Magnetic Island State School has fewer students per teacher (13.1 vs 16.0).
- •Gilston State School is the larger school with 484 students compared with 123.
- •Gilston State School has grown faster over five years (-17% vs -22%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Gilston State School better than Magnetic Island State School?
On the Success Index, Magnetic Island State School ranks higher (56.2 vs 47.8 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 Gilston State School and Magnetic Island State School?
About 1186 km in a straight line, between Gilston and Nelly Bay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gilston State School has 16.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Magnetic Island State School has 13.1.
How do Gilston State School and Magnetic Island State School rank in QLD?
Gilston State School is 358th of 804 and Magnetic Island State School is 252nd of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.