Highfields State Secondary College vs Mary MacKillop Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 961 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Highfields State Secondary College
Highfields · Government high school · 7-12
795 students · ICSEA 1001
Mary MacKillop Catholic College
Highfields · Catholic combined · Prep-12
1,047 students · ICSEA 1046
| Measure | Highfields State Secondary College Highfields QLD | Mary MacKillop Catholic College Highfields QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #141 of 269 | #131 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #884 of 1,472 | #652 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 795 | 1,047 |
| Girls / boys | 385 / 410 | 525 / 522 |
| Foundation intake | – | 63 |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | 142 |
| Year 12 cohort | 113 | 63 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | +45% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1001 | 1046 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 67th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.1 | 71.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.8 | 38.2 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 5% |
| Suburb | Highfields 4352 | Highfields 4352 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Toowoomba |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | highfieldsssc.eq.edu.au | www.mmcc.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Mary MacKillop Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (50.2 vs 43.0).
- •Mary MacKillop Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1046 vs 1001), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Highfields State Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 14.6).
- •Mary MacKillop Catholic College is the larger school with 1,047 students compared with 795.
- •Mary MacKillop Catholic College has grown faster over five years (45% vs -18%).
- •Highfields State Secondary College is a government school while Mary MacKillop Catholic 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 Highfields State Secondary College better than Mary MacKillop Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Mary MacKillop Catholic College ranks higher (50.2 vs 43.0 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 Highfields State Secondary College and Mary MacKillop Catholic College?
About 961 m in a straight line, between Highfields and Highfields in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Highfields State Secondary College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mary MacKillop Catholic College has 14.6.
How do Highfields State Secondary College and Mary MacKillop Catholic College rank in QLD?
Highfields State Secondary College is 141st of 269 and Mary MacKillop Catholic College is 131st of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.