Happy Valley State School vs St Joseph's Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 68 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Happy Valley State School
Happy Valley · Government primary · Prep-6
387 students · ICSEA 927
St Joseph's Catholic School
Mount Isa · Catholic primary · Prep-6
313 students · ICSEA 1010
| Measure | Happy Valley State School Happy Valley QLD | St Joseph's Catholic School Mount Isa QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 47 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #710 of 804 | #376 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4609 of 4,908 | #2936 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 387 | 313 |
| Girls / boys | 178 / 209 | 152 / 161 |
| Foundation intake | 67 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 927 | 1010 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 52th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 15.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.5 | 20.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.8 | 10.3 |
| Language background other than English | 17% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 22% | 17% |
| Suburb | Happy Valley 4825 | Mount Isa 4825 |
| Council area | Mount Isa | Mount Isa |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | happyvalleyss.eq.edu.au | www.sjmtsv.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (46.8 vs 23.2).
- •St Joseph's Catholic School has the higher ICSEA (1010 vs 927), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Happy Valley State School has fewer students per teacher (14.6 vs 15.2).
- •Happy Valley State School is the larger school with 387 students compared with 313.
- •Happy Valley State School is a government school while St Joseph's 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 Happy Valley State School better than St Joseph's Catholic School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Catholic School ranks higher (46.8 vs 23.2 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 Happy Valley State School and St Joseph's Catholic School?
About 68 m in a straight line, between Happy Valley and Mount Isa in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Happy Valley State School has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Catholic School has 15.2.
How do Happy Valley State School and St Joseph's Catholic School rank in QLD?
Happy Valley State School is 710th of 804 and St Joseph's Catholic School is 376th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.