Gilston State School vs St Michael's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 5.3 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
St Michael's College
Merrimac · Catholic high school · 7-12
820 students · ICSEA 1048
| Measure | Gilston State School Gilston QLD | St Michael's College Merrimac QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #358 of 804 | #59 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #2853 of 4,908 | #503 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 484 | 820 |
| Girls / boys | 240 / 244 | 423 / 397 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 149 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 127 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | -5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1026 | 1048 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 67th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 16.0 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.2 | 67.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.9 | 26.1 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 2% |
| Suburb | Gilston 4211 | Merrimac 4226 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | gilstonss.eq.edu.au | www.stmichaels.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Michael's College scores higher on the Success Index (60.6 vs 47.8).
- •St Michael's College has the higher ICSEA (1048 vs 1026), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Michael's College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 16.0).
- •St Michael's College is the larger school with 820 students compared with 484.
- •St Michael's College has grown faster over five years (-5% vs -17%).
- •Gilston State School is a government school while St Michael's College 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 Gilston State School better than St Michael's College?
On the Success Index, St Michael's College ranks higher (60.6 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 St Michael's College?
About 5.3 km in a straight line, between Gilston and Merrimac in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gilston State School has 16.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Michael's College has 12.2.
How do Gilston State School and St Michael's College rank in QLD?
Gilston State School is 358th of 804 and St Michael's College is 59th of 269 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.