Ipswich State High School vs St Mary's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 2.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ipswich State High School
Brassall · Government high school · 7-12
1,776 students · ICSEA 925
St Mary's College
Ipswich · Catholic high school · 7-12
730 students · ICSEA 1033
| Measure | Ipswich State High School Brassall QLD | St Mary's College Ipswich QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 16 Lower 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #264 of 269 | #80 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1454 of 1,472 | #582 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,776 | 730 |
| Girls / boys | 844 / 932 | 730 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 314 | 157 |
| Year 12 cohort | 263 | 101 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 925 | 1033 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 61th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 58% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 127.2 | 56.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 66.6 | 28.1 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 5% |
| Suburb | Brassall 4305 | Ipswich 4305 |
| Council area | Ipswich | Ipswich |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | ipswichshs.eq.edu.au | www.stmarys.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's College scores higher on the Success Index (57.1 vs 15.5).
- •St Mary's College has the higher ICSEA (1033 vs 925), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's College has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 13.9).
- •Ipswich State High School is the larger school with 1,776 students compared with 730.
- •St Mary's College has grown faster over five years (13% vs -10%).
- •Ipswich State High School is a government school while St Mary's 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Ipswich State High School better than St Mary's College?
On the Success Index, St Mary's College ranks higher (57.1 vs 15.5 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 Ipswich State High School and St Mary's College?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Brassall and Ipswich in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ipswich State High School has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's College has 12.9.
How do Ipswich State High School and St Mary's College rank in QLD?
Ipswich State High School is 264th of 269 and St Mary's College is 80th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.