Heatley Secondary College vs Holy Spirit Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Heatley Secondary College
Heatley · Government high school · 7-12
715 students · ICSEA 862
Holy Spirit Catholic School
Cranbrook · Catholic primary · Prep-6
686 students · ICSEA 1010
| Measure | Heatley Secondary College Heatley QLD | Holy Spirit Catholic School Cranbrook QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 19 Lower 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #254 of 269 | #322 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1423 of 1,472 | #2652 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 715 | 686 |
| Girls / boys | 311 / 404 | 311 / 375 |
| Foundation intake | – | 91 |
| Year 7 cohort | 109 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 144 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 862 | 1010 |
| ICSEA percentile | 6th | 52th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 63% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 14.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 59.8 | 48.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 40.5 | 28.1 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 41% | 15% |
| Suburb | Heatley 4814 | Cranbrook 4814 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | heatleysc.eq.edu.au | www.hsstsv.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Spirit Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (50.5 vs 18.6).
- •Holy Spirit Catholic School has the higher ICSEA (1010 vs 862), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Heatley Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 14.1).
- •Heatley Secondary College is the larger school with 715 students compared with 686.
- •Holy Spirit Catholic School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -8%).
- •Heatley Secondary College is a government school while Holy Spirit 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 Heatley Secondary College better than Holy Spirit Catholic School?
On the Success Index, Holy Spirit Catholic School ranks higher (50.5 vs 18.6 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 Heatley Secondary College and Holy Spirit Catholic School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Heatley and Cranbrook in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Heatley Secondary College has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Holy Spirit Catholic School has 14.1.
How do Heatley Secondary College and Holy Spirit Catholic School rank in QLD?
Heatley Secondary College is 254th of 269 and Holy Spirit Catholic School is 322nd of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.