Holy Spirit College vs Mackay North State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Spirit College
Mount Pleasant · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,139 students · ICSEA 1023
Mackay North State High School
North Mackay · Government high school · 7-12
1,253 students · ICSEA 958
| Measure | Holy Spirit College Mount Pleasant QLD | Mackay North State High School North Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #91 of 269 | #193 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #641 of 1,472 | #1166 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,139 | 1,253 |
| Girls / boys | 554 / 585 | 644 / 609 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 220 | 204 |
| Year 12 cohort | 146 | 158 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1023 | 958 |
| ICSEA percentile | 57th | 28th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 86.6 | 100.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 57.4 | 48.6 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 14% |
| Suburb | Mount Pleasant 4740 | North Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.hsc.qld.edu.au | mackaynorthshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Spirit College scores higher on the Success Index (54.6 vs 30.5).
- •Holy Spirit College has the higher ICSEA (1023 vs 958), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mackay North State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 13.2).
- •Mackay North State High School is the larger school with 1,253 students compared with 1,139.
- •Holy Spirit College has grown faster over five years (20% vs -9%).
- •Holy Spirit College is a catholic school while Mackay North 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 Spirit College better than Mackay North State High School?
On the Success Index, Holy Spirit College ranks higher (54.6 vs 30.5 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 Spirit College and Mackay North State High School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Mount Pleasant and North Mackay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit College has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mackay North State High School has 12.5.
How do Holy Spirit College and Mackay North State High School rank in QLD?
Holy Spirit College is 91st of 269 and Mackay North State High School is 193rd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.