Gordonvale State High School vs St Michael's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gordonvale State High School
Gordonvale · Government high school · 7-12
623 students · ICSEA 883
St Michael's School
Gordonvale · Catholic primary · Prep-6
279 students · ICSEA 993
| Measure | Gordonvale State High School Gordonvale QLD | St Michael's School Gordonvale QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 12 Lower 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #269 of 269 | #407 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1468 of 1,472 | #3093 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 623 | 279 |
| Girls / boys | 327 / 296 | 133 / 146 |
| Foundation intake | – | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | 109 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 75 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 883 | 993 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 44th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 55% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 14.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.0 | 19.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.1 | 9.7 |
| Language background other than English | 21% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 40% | 16% |
| Suburb | Gordonvale 4865 | Gordonvale 4865 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | gordonvalehigh.eq.edu.au | www.stmichael.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Michael's School scores higher on the Success Index (44.9 vs 12.3).
- •St Michael's School has the higher ICSEA (993 vs 883), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Gordonvale State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 14.1).
- •Gordonvale State High School is the larger school with 623 students compared with 279.
- •St Michael's School has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -21%).
- •Gordonvale State High School is a government school while St Michael's 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.
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 North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Gordonvale State High School better than St Michael's School?
On the Success Index, St Michael's School ranks higher (44.9 vs 12.3 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 Gordonvale State High School and St Michael's School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Gordonvale and Gordonvale in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gordonvale State High School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Michael's School has 14.1.
How do Gordonvale State High School and St Michael's School rank in QLD?
Gordonvale State High School is 269th of 269 and St Michael's School is 407th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.