Holy Cross School vs Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 167 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Cross School
Trinity Park · Catholic primary · Prep-6
572 students · ICSEA 1058
Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School
Smithfield · Government high school · 7-12
1,135 students · ICSEA 983
| Measure | Holy Cross School Trinity Park QLD | Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School Smithfield QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 62 Top 50% | 44 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #177 of 804 | #133 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1707 of 4,908 | #853 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 572 | 1,135 |
| Girls / boys | 275 / 297 | 524 / 611 |
| Foundation intake | 81 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 180 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 160 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1058 | 983 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 39th |
| Top SEA quarter | 24% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 31% |
| Students per teacher | 16.2 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.4 | 99.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 31.8 | 43.2 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 13% |
| Suburb | Trinity Park 4879 | Smithfield 4878 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.holycross.qld.edu.au | smithfieldshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Cross School scores higher on the Success Index (62.3 vs 44.3).
- •Holy Cross School has the higher ICSEA (1058 vs 983), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 16.2).
- •Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School is the larger school with 1,135 students compared with 572.
- •Holy Cross School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -8%).
- •Holy Cross School is a catholic school while Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School is a government 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 Holy Cross School better than Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School?
On the Success Index, Holy Cross School ranks higher (62.3 vs 44.3 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 Holy Cross School and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School?
About 167 m in a straight line, between Trinity Park and Smithfield in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Cross School has 16.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School has 11.4.
How do Holy Cross School and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School rank in QLD?
Holy Cross School is 177th of 804 and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School is 133rd of 269 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.